2006-12-10 03:45:30 · 9 answers · asked by Chris C 5 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Seattle
Yes, I saw it on the news yesterday.
Thats just wrong.
2006-12-10 03:58:11 · answer #1 · answered by Jeezuss Jan 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Rabbi did not want the tree taken down, he wanted a menorah to go beside it. The rabbi and the Jewish community said they were appalled by the action the airport took. They fear a backlash of being seen as "Grinches." The Christ mass tree is a symbol of different things to different people. Some see it as nothing more than part of American consumerism, others see it as religious because the star atop symbolizes the star that the 3 magi followed to Jesus. All in all, I think this whole thing was blown out of proportion. I sympathize with the airline though. True, if it is not a private business than they cannot lawfully promote one religious view. The threat of legal action made them aware of this no doubt. If they were to simply put the menorah up, they would be enforcing 2 religious views, which might offend a third religious group causing them to sue. If they were to put both up, then a Christan or Jewish person might become offended that they are together, making a "mockery" of their beliefs and sue. It's easier to have nothing at all. I also feel for the Jewish community to, they are part of the Seattle area yet I'm sure they feel they are not being acknowledged. It's a great big mess!
2016-05-23 02:10:26 · answer #2 · answered by Jean 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I heard it, and I think it's silly (I'm Jewish, btw). I think the airport over-reacted in a big way; it seems to me it would have been awfully simple for the airport to put up a menorah, but instead they went to all the expense to take down their trees - kind of throwing the baby out with the bath-water! I personally don't really care to see a menorah in an airport (or anywhere else) where it may not be properly respected. A Christmas tree, while related to a religious holiday, is not the same sort of religious symbol that a menorah is. If Christians are ok with their symbols being shown in public, then that's what they should do, but I personally don't want a menorah or Hannukiah (the 8-branched candelabra of Hanukkah) in a public place like an airport.
As it happens, I'm flying out of Sea-Tac on December 24th, and with my luck, the airport fees will jump because of this silliness!!!
2006-12-10 07:37:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
The reason that the trees were taken down was to avoid a lawsuit. The Rabbi's lawyers threatened to sue the airport and I'm sure the airport does not want to go to court over their Christmas trees. It may seem like an extreme move to some, but it makes perfect sense from a business perspective.
What I'm curious about is why the Rabbi decided to take on the airport and not other establishments. All over the city, you can see Christmas lights and trees where there are no menorahs. Why single out the airport?
2006-12-10 07:55:25 · answer #4 · answered by seattlecutiepie 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
As a non practicing Jew, I have to agree with "Dancing with Unicorns" I look at the trees as festive. Its not like there were crosses. Were the trees decorated with crosses? Even so, I would not have demanded a menora. This tit for tat thing is out of hand and I think the airport did the smart thing under the circumstances. That Rabbi does not represent me or many other Jews. The only way America is going to continue to be great, is thru tolerance.
2006-12-10 12:06:38 · answer #5 · answered by Star Tech 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
yes, but that is only half the story. a rabbi asked if they could display an eight foot menorah next to the trees. the airport did not want to comply with all the religious requests, so they decided to take down the trees to be non exclusive. there is nothing wrong with that.
2006-12-10 04:43:49 · answer #6 · answered by daniel_97202 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If true, that has to be one of the dumbest things I have ever heard.
2006-12-10 03:58:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's crazy... there are so many Jews in this country!
2006-12-10 03:53:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't hear it, and if it's true it is a terrible shame.
2006-12-10 03:52:26 · answer #9 · answered by Nelson_DeVon 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋