The Militant Atheist: Temple Beth Sholom

UPDATED: Police Investigating Hate Crime at Framingham Temple September 9, 2021

Susan Petroni, Framingham Source Editor 508-315-7176 Framinghma Source

Last updated at 3:03 p.m.
FRAMINGHAM - Framingham Police are investigating a hate crime at a Framingham temple.
A couple of swastikas were etched into the sign at Temple Beth Sholom on Pamela Road in Framingham., said Framingham Police spokesperson Lt. Rachel Mickens.
The hate crime was reported this morning, September 9, and police are still investigating. The police report was not available at this time.
This week was the start of the high holy days in the Jewish faith. The Jewish New Year began at sundown on September 6.
Rabbi Allison Poirier informed the congregation about the hate crime in an email this morning.
"It is extremely troubling to discover a symbol of animosity toward the Jewish community in the midst of our high holiday season. The swastika represents a tragic and deadly chapter in our people's history and is not to be taken lightly. I hope the perpetrator who carved this hateful symbol can understand the horrific images they have conjured for many of our community, including members of Temple Beth Sholom who are themselves survivors of the Holocaust," said the Rabbi in a statement to SOURCE.

The Temple is also the home of the MetroWest Jewish Day School.

Do a google search using the term: Metrowest Jewish Day School
Then go to the "Images" tab. Create a mental collage of all the images you see.
How many kids are niggahs, black, african americans or kids of color?
When I think about it, I have not seen a single black jew in Framingham.
Not even a one-eyed black jew like Sammy Davis Junior.
I would love to see a collage of the Temple Beth Sholom congregation showing that jews are fundamentally white supremacists.

"I'm saddened to see this demonstration of hate in our community. As human beings we should be able to count on one another for love, support, and encouragement and frankly, we should not accept anything less. Actions like this lead us to question our faith in humanity, yet we must use these moments to both denounce these hateful actions while also seizing the educational opportunity that comes when we raise awareness and find restorative ways to heal. This is not who we are in Framingham and we must hold each other accountable to be better human beings," said Framingham Superintendent of Schools Bob Tremblay.
""I can confirm that a swastika was discovered on the walkway of Temple Beth Sholom on Pamela Road around 10:30 a.m. today, and it is under investigation," said Mayor Yvonne M. Spicer, in a statement after 1 p.m. issued by the City's Chief Information Officer Kelly McFalls. "Of course, this saddens me. Hate has no place in Framingham. Police officers already regularly patrol our Temples, and that effort will continue."
"I was very saddened this morning to learn about the vandalism of the the Temple Beth Sholom sign. I reached out to Rabbi Poirier at Temple Beth Sholom, and other members of the temple community to express my concern about this hateful act. This is especially distressing that this happened at this time when we celebrate the holiest period of the Jewish religion," said Charlie Sisitsky, a mayoral candidate. "It is important to be constantly vigilant to ensure that hateful acts like this do not happen to any members of our community, and that we, as members of this community, speak out against any acts of intolerance and hatred. I wish all those who celebrate, a safe and healthy holiday season and I encourage all of our friends and neighbors throughout our city to strive to be more tolerant of others and embrace acts of love and peace over hatred and violence and destruction."
"We are also secure in the knowledge that this does not represent the sentiment of the Framingham community at large. We are proud of our place in this community and we value our relationships with our neighbors of all religions," said Rabbi Poirier. "We are a vibrant and resilient community, and we have no intention of letting someone's ignorant malice dampen the sweetness of our new year."
"This is a definitive statement of hate and anti-Semitism, and needs to be unanimously condemned and rejected,' said Framingham School Committee Chair Adam Freudberg. "Continuous support, anti-hate and anti-bias education, and bringing our community together is what we need to ingrain into our hearts and minds. I support Rabbi Poirier, the Temple Beth Sholom community, and city, as together we all seek healing and resiliency."
"I am deeply saddened to learn of this anti-Semitic vandalism at Temple Beth Sholom. My heart goes out to members of Temple Beth Sholom and to families at the MetroWest Jewish Day School," said State Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis. "While statements like, "Hate Has No Home Here" and "This isn't our community" are powerful ways to combat bigotry, as a community we must do more. Hate exists in our community. Hate has deep roots in our community. We have a moral obligation not to ignore or even pacify that hate, but instead to be the exact community those who wish to do us harm most fear- a community where all our lives are respected, all of our faiths are celebrated, and all take responsibility for serving and supporting one another."
"Acts of hatred towards one community in Framingham is a crime of injustice for everyone. I stand with the Temple Beth Sholom community and reaffirm my commitment to confronting different forms of racism within our city. As a school district, we must diligently work to ensure a fostering of mutual understanding, sympathy, and solidarity within our classrooms. As individuals, we need to identifying opportunities where we can do more to educate ourselves on the historic and ongoing systemic racism that exists in our city so that we can be better allies. We must stand together, united in combating and denouncing these deplorable acts in our city," said Framingham School Committee Vice Chair Tiffanie Maskell .
"I honestly don't know if I am saddened or sickened but this hate crime," said Councilor Janet Leombruno. "This is zero reflection of us as a community but clearly there is more work to do."
"This was a disgraceful and cowardly act of anti-Semitism and has no place in Framingham or anywhere. The sad fact is that anti-Semitism is alive and well all over the world - even in Framingham. The best way to counter its pernicious tendrils is to call it out when it occurs, punish those responsible, and take an active and aggressive stance against bigotry of all kinds in all arenas of daily life," said City Council Vice Chair Adam Steiner. "I grew up attending Hebrew school at Temple Beth Sholom and was taught by so wonderful teachers that included Holocaust survivors so I am especially sickened about this act of cowardice and have reached out to Rabbi Poirier to offer my support to her and the entire Beth Sholom community."
"I am very disappointed to see something like this happen in Framingham. In these moments, it is important that we all come together to show support and solidarity for those at Temple Beth Sholom. I know that this one person does not represent the community of Framingham, but this is a strong reminder that hate still exists in our society," said Framingham Mayoral candidate Carlos Valadares. "The fight against bias and racism is never ending. We must constantly remain aware, and work to fight the root causes of such ignorance. I've always known Framingham to be a welcoming place to anyone who moves here, it takes us all to keep it that way."

UPDATED: Police Investigating Hate Crime at Framingham Temple	September 9, 2021
Susan Petroni, Framingham Source Editor 508-315-7176	Framinghma Source
Last updated at 3:03 p.m. FRAMINGHAM - Framingham Police are investigating a hate crime at a Framingham temple. A couple of swastikas were etched into the sign at Temple Beth Sholom on Pamela Road in Framingham., said Framingham Police spokesperson Lt. Rachel Mickens. The hate crime was reported this morning, September 9, and police are still investigating. The police report was not available at this time. This week was the start of the high holy days in the Jewish faith. The Jewish New Year began at sundown on September 6. Rabbi Allison Poirier informed the congregation about the hate crime in an email this morning. "It is extremely troubling to discover a symbol of animosity toward the Jewish community in the midst of our high holiday season. The swastika represents a tragic and deadly chapter in our people's history and is not to be taken lightly. I hope the perpetrator who carved this hateful symbol can understand the horrific images they have conjured for many of our community, including members of Temple Beth Sholom who are themselves survivors of the Holocaust," said the Rabbi in a statement to SOURCE. The Temple is also the home of the MetroWest Jewish Day School. Do a google search using the term: Metrowest Jewish Day School Then go to the "Images" tab. Create a mental collage of all the images you see. How many kids are niggahs, black, african americans or kids of color? When I think about it, I have not seen a single black jew in Framingham. Not even a one-eyed black jew like Sammy Davis Junior. I would love to see a collage of the Temple Beth Sholom congregation showing that jews are fundamentally white supremacists. "I'm saddened to see this demonstration of hate in our community. As human beings we should be able to count on one another for love, support, and encouragement and frankly, we should not accept anything less. Actions like this lead us to question our faith in humanity, yet we must use these moments to both denounce these hateful actions while also seizing the educational opportunity that comes when we raise awareness and find restorative ways to heal. This is not who we are in Framingham and we must hold each other accountable to be better human beings," said Framingham Superintendent of Schools Bob Tremblay. ""I can confirm that a swastika was discovered on the walkway of Temple Beth Sholom on Pamela Road around 10:30 a.m. today, and it is under investigation," said Mayor Yvonne M. Spicer, in a statement after 1 p.m. issued by the City's Chief Information Officer Kelly McFalls. "Of course, this saddens me. Hate has no place in Framingham. Police officers already regularly patrol our Temples, and that effort will continue." "I was very saddened this morning to learn about the vandalism of the the Temple Beth Sholom sign. I reached out to Rabbi Poirier at Temple Beth Sholom, and other members of the temple community to express my concern about this hateful act. This is especially distressing that this happened at this time when we celebrate the holiest period of the Jewish religion," said Charlie Sisitsky, a mayoral candidate. "It is important to be constantly vigilant to ensure that hateful acts like this do not happen to any members of our community, and that we, as members of this community, speak out against any acts of intolerance and hatred. I wish all those who celebrate, a safe and healthy holiday season and I encourage all of our friends and neighbors throughout our city to strive to be more tolerant of others and embrace acts of love and peace over hatred and violence and destruction." "We are also secure in the knowledge that this does not represent the sentiment of the Framingham community at large. We are proud of our place in this community and we value our relationships with our neighbors of all religions," said Rabbi Poirier. "We are a vibrant and resilient community, and we have no intention of letting someone's ignorant malice dampen the sweetness of our new year." "This is a definitive statement of hate and anti-Semitism, and needs to be unanimously condemned and rejected,' said Framingham School Committee Chair Adam Freudberg. "Continuous support, anti-hate and anti-bias education, and bringing our community together is what we need to ingrain into our hearts and minds. I support Rabbi Poirier, the Temple Beth Sholom community, and city, as together we all seek healing and resiliency." "I am deeply saddened to learn of this anti-Semitic vandalism at Temple Beth Sholom. My heart goes out to members of Temple Beth Sholom and to families at the MetroWest Jewish Day School," said State Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis. "While statements like, "Hate Has No Home Here" and "This isn't our community" are powerful ways to combat bigotry, as a community we must do more. Hate exists in our community. Hate has deep roots in our community. We have a moral obligation not to ignore or even pacify that hate, but instead to be the exact community those who wish to do us harm most fear- a community where all our lives are respected, all of our faiths are celebrated, and all take responsibility for serving and supporting one another." "Acts of hatred towards one community in Framingham is a crime of injustice for everyone. I stand with the Temple Beth Sholom community and reaffirm my commitment to confronting different forms of racism within our city. As a school district, we must diligently work to ensure a fostering of mutual understanding, sympathy, and solidarity within our classrooms. As individuals, we need to identifying opportunities where we can do more to educate ourselves on the historic and ongoing systemic racism that exists in our city so that we can be better allies. We must stand together, united in combating and denouncing these deplorable acts in our city," said Framingham School Committee Vice Chair Tiffanie Maskell . "I honestly don't know if I am saddened or sickened but this hate crime," said Councilor Janet Leombruno. "This is zero reflection of us as a community but clearly there is more work to do." "This was a disgraceful and cowardly act of anti-Semitism and has no place in Framingham or anywhere. The sad fact is that anti-Semitism is alive and well all over the world - even in Framingham. The best way to counter its pernicious tendrils is to call it out when it occurs, punish those responsible, and take an active and aggressive stance against bigotry of all kinds in all arenas of daily life," said City Council Vice Chair Adam Steiner. "I grew up attending Hebrew school at Temple Beth Sholom and was taught by so wonderful teachers that included Holocaust survivors so I am especially sickened about this act of cowardice and have reached out to Rabbi Poirier to offer my support to her and the entire Beth Sholom community." "I am very disappointed to see something like this happen in Framingham. In these moments, it is important that we all come together to show support and solidarity for those at Temple Beth Sholom. I know that this one person does not represent the community of Framingham, but this is a strong reminder that hate still exists in our society," said Framingham Mayoral candidate Carlos Valadares. "The fight against bias and racism is never ending. We must constantly remain aware, and work to fight the root causes of such ignorance. I've always known Framingham to be a welcoming place to anyone who moves here, it takes us all to keep it that way."

Swastikas carved into sign at Temple Beth Sholom in Framingham September 9, 2021

Norman Miller 508-626-3823 Metrowest Daily News

FRAMINGHAM - The rabbi of a Pamela Road Jewish temple said anti-Semitic vandalism to a sign will not "dampen" their spirit.
"It is extremely troubling to discover a symbol of animosity toward the Jewish community in the midst of our high holiday season," Temple Beth Sholom Rabbi Allison Poirier said in a statement. "The swastika represents a tragic and deadly chapter in our people's history and is not to be taken lightly.
"I hope the perpetrator who carved this hateful symbol can understand the horrific images they have conjured for many of our community, including members of Temple Beth Sholom, who are themselves survivors of the Holocaust. We are also secure in the knowledge that this does not represent the sentiment of the Framingham community at large. We are proud of our place in this community and we value our relationships with our neighbors of all religions."
At about 10 a.m. Thursday, a passerby discovered the two hand-sized swastikas carved in a wooden sign in front of the temple, police spokeswoman Lt. Rachel Mickens said.
It is not known how long they had been there.
Poirier, who has been with Temple Beth Sholom since mid-2019, said there has been a rise across the country of anti-Jewish crime, but this was the first time anything has happened at Temple Beth Sholom.
She said the vandalism will not stop people from celebrating their faith.
"We are a vibrant and resilient community, and we have no intention of letting someone's ignorant malice dampen the sweetness of our new year," Poirier said.
The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, was celebrated on Monday. Yom Kippur, Judaism's holiest day - stressing atonement and repentance - is observed next Wednesday and Thursday.
Police ask that anyone with information about the vandalism to call them at 508-872-1212.

Swastikas carved into sign at Temple Beth Sholom in Framingham	September 9, 2021
Norman Miller 508-626-3823	Metrowest Daily News
FRAMINGHAM - The rabbi of a Pamela Road Jewish temple said anti-Semitic vandalism to a sign will not "dampen" their spirit. "It is extremely troubling to discover a symbol of animosity toward the Jewish community in the midst of our high holiday season," Temple Beth Sholom Rabbi Allison Poirier said in a statement. "The swastika represents a tragic and deadly chapter in our people's history and is not to be taken lightly. "I hope the perpetrator who carved this hateful symbol can understand the horrific images they have conjured for many of our community, including members of Temple Beth Sholom, who are themselves survivors of the Holocaust. We are also secure in the knowledge that this does not represent the sentiment of the Framingham community at large. We are proud of our place in this community and we value our relationships with our neighbors of all religions." At about 10 a.m. Thursday, a passerby discovered the two hand-sized swastikas carved in a wooden sign in front of the temple, police spokeswoman Lt. Rachel Mickens said. It is not known how long they had been there. Poirier, who has been with Temple Beth Sholom since mid-2019, said there has been a rise across the country of anti-Jewish crime, but this was the first time anything has happened at Temple Beth Sholom. She said the vandalism will not stop people from celebrating their faith. "We are a vibrant and resilient community, and we have no intention of letting someone's ignorant malice dampen the sweetness of our new year," Poirier said. The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, was celebrated on Monday. Yom Kippur, Judaism's holiest day - stressing atonement and repentance - is observed next Wednesday and Thursday. Police ask that anyone with information about the vandalism to call them at 508-872-1212.

There is No Place For Hate in Our City September 9, 2021

Susan Petroni, Framingham Source Editor 508-315-7176 Framingham Source

FRAMINGHAM - On behalf of the Framingham Interfaith Community Association, we write to express our outrage and our deep sadness at this act of hate and vandalism. There is no place for hate in our city. Even more, we write to express our support and gratitude for our friends and neighbors at Temple Beth Sholom.
We honor the richness, beauty and truth of your community and your faith. We value the many, many gifts you bring to Framingham. We seek to stand with you in whatever ways you find most helpful. We commit ourselves to the on-going work of confronting hate, ensuring safety and respect, and creating a culture that treasures the gifts each community and each individual brings.

Framingham Interfaith Community Association
Rev. Dorian Botsis, Faith Community Church
Rev. Aaron M. Stockwell, First Parish in Framingham
Rev. Julie Carson, Rector, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Scott Salley, Senior Warden, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Rabbi Sam Blumberg, Temple Beth Am
Father Don Pachuta, Pastor, Community of Saint Luke
Hussam Syed, Islamic Society of Framingham
Deacon Susan Lindberg Haley, Lutheran Church of Framingham
Rev. Dr. Deborah L CLark, Edwards Church, United Church of Christ
Rev. Dr. Karen Nell Smith, Edwards Church, United Church of Christ
Rev. Gregory Morisse, The Plymouth Church in Framingham, United Church of Christ
Rev. William Tanner, The Plymouth Church in Framingham, United Church of Christ
Rev. Dr. J Anthony Lloyd, Greater Framingham Community Church
Rev. Heather Kattan, Pastor, First & Wesley United Methodist Churches
Jane Moeller, Framingham Friends Meeting
Susan Petroni, SOURCE Publisher & Editor

I'm glad to know that they have identified themselves as bible thumpers.
They carry around books (bible and quran) that are the primary sources of homophobia, misogyny and anti-semitism.
"Willful Ignorance" and "Unjustifiable Intransigence"
is the foundation of "Irredeemable Stupidity".
Isn't it amazing to see how many stupid people we have in Framingham who deny evolution.
It says something about how bad our schools are in Framingham.

There is No Place For Hate in Our City	September 9, 2021
Susan Petroni, Framingham Source Editor 508-315-7176	Framingham Source
FRAMINGHAM - On behalf of the Framingham Interfaith Community Association, we write to express our outrage and our deep sadness at this act of hate and vandalism. There is no place for hate in our city. Even more, we write to express our support and gratitude for our friends and neighbors at Temple Beth Sholom. We honor the richness, beauty and truth of your community and your faith. We value the many, many gifts you bring to Framingham. We seek to stand with you in whatever ways you find most helpful. We commit ourselves to the on-going work of confronting hate, ensuring safety and respect, and creating a culture that treasures the gifts each community and each individual brings. Framingham Interfaith Community Association Rev. Dorian Botsis, Faith Community Church Rev. Aaron M. Stockwell, First Parish in Framingham Rev. Julie Carson, Rector, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church Scott Salley, Senior Warden, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church Rabbi Sam Blumberg, Temple Beth Am Father Don Pachuta, Pastor, Community of Saint Luke Hussam Syed, Islamic Society of Framingham Deacon Susan Lindberg Haley, Lutheran Church of Framingham Rev. Dr. Deborah L CLark, Edwards Church, United Church of Christ Rev. Dr. Karen Nell Smith, Edwards Church, United Church of Christ Rev. Gregory Morisse, The Plymouth Church in Framingham, United Church of Christ Rev. William Tanner, The Plymouth Church in Framingham, United Church of Christ Rev. Dr. J Anthony Lloyd, Greater Framingham Community Church Rev. Heather Kattan, Pastor, First & Wesley United Methodist Churches Jane Moeller, Framingham Friends Meeting Susan Petroni, SOURCE Publisher & Editor I'm glad to know that they have identified themselves as bible thumpers. They carry around books (bible and quran) that are the primary sources of homophobia, misogyny and anti-semitism. "Willful Ignorance" and "Unjustifiable Intransigence" is the foundation of "Irredeemable Stupidity". Isn't it amazing to see how many stupid people we have in Framingham who deny evolution. It says something about how bad our schools are in Framingham.

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