TAB Editorial: The right decision

GateHouse News Service
Wed Sep 19, 2007, 12:00 AM EDT

Newton –

For years, a sign hung in the window of the Executive Office at City
Hall proudly broadcasting one of the priorities of Mayor David Cohen’s
administration: Newton is a place where respect for individual and
group differences is actively encouraged, and where there is "No Place
for Hate."

The city was one of the earlier communities in the state to receive
certification from the Anti-Defamation League declaring it a No Place
for Hate community. And, with the Human Rights Commission’s vote last
week and Cohen’s subsequent decision yesterday, Newton becomes one of
the first communities to sever ties with the program.

The ADL program was initially designed to encourage municipalities to
build understanding and respect for differences, and to inhibit
tensions and hate crimes. Over the years, the city has held a number
of programs as part of its No Place for Hate campaign, including
vigils, a rally protesting anti-Semitic and antigay messages, an essay
contest, lectures, movies and discussions.

In short, No Place for Hate has defined how many of us in Newton see our city.

Cohen made the right decision in opting to pull out of a program that
is practically endorsing hypocrisy. ADL National Director Abraham
Foxman continues to play with words when he says that the consequences
of the Armenian massacre of WWI were "tantamount to genocide." In too
many instances, the media is letting him get away with his subtle
distinction that allows him to sidestep directly labeling the tragedy
a genocide.

But Newton – along with Watertown and Belmont – is calling Foxman on
his ambiguity. Cohen said in his statement that he supports the Human
Rights Commission in its insistence that the national ADL take
definitive action, including endorsing a congressional resolution
appropriately labeling the genocide.

The launch of the No Place for Hate program is indicative of the
excellent work the ADL has done over the years. We are proud that
Newton has participated in the program, and we are equally proud that
our community severed ties in order to make a very important
statement.

The TAB applauds Mayor Cohen and the Newton Human Rights Commission
for making what was likely a very complicated and difficult decision.

Source: 714