THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS 16 Friday, May 28, 1982 The Fight Against Anti-Semitism Moves to Florida Vacation Spot By VICTOR BIENSTOCK What happens when the ugly facts of life push their way into Paradise, when distasteful elements like racism and anti-Semitism force themselves upon the reluctant attention of a community that would rather not know such things exist and doesn't want to have to admit that they do? Boca Raton, Fla., is by no means a paradise, but for more than a half-century, ever since Addison Mizner began to develop it as "a watering place for society," it has been a comfortable and pleasant winter retreat for the wealthy and, in re- cent years, a retirement refuge for the middle class. It has also, within the past decade, become a city with a substantial high technology industry that has imported thousands of young families and is now a city with a sub- stantial Jewish population. However, the good people of Boca Raton were recently told there is anti-Semitism and racism in their commu- nity. The existence of these twin evils in the town is cer- tainly not a new or spon- taneous development; they have existed, largely ig- nored or, rather, shoved under the blanket, for years. One ofthe town's first Jewish settlers recalls that a wealthy doctor let his house burn to the ground because the volunteer fire brigade that responded to the call included a Jewish firefighter. Anti-Semitism and ra- cism in beautiful Boca Raton both went public within the span of a week. Anti-Semitism was dis- closed in a newspaper report describing how residents in the Century Village development just outside the city limits populated mainly by Jewish retirees, had felt it necessary to undertake a program to reduce ra- cial hostility they per- ceived in the Boca Raton population, particularly the youngsters of high school age who shouted anti-Jewish epithets from the buses taking them home from school. Racism against blacks Wok a more vicious form, being manifested in letters, one purportedly from the Ku Klux Klan appar- of students, ently the work of to a black high school teacher who had been prom- inent in organizing Black Awareness Week. The Boca Raton black population (about two per- cent of the city's 50,000 residents) live mostly in a neglected enclave known as Pearl City. There are large black communities in Deer- field Beach to the south and Delray Beach to the north. The anti-Semitic problem was aired with the publica- tion by the local daily of a story optimistically headed: "Anti-Semitism Fades Through Understanding." It's mazel toy and free parking It reported what the people ings probably are aimed at of Century Village had done the development itself, not to establish better relations the people who live there." with their neighbors. A It added that "some resent- three-man team had visited ment is bound to occur when the leadership class at the an extremely large, high- high school and asked the density community is built students why they felt bias in an area that lacks the towards the people of Cen- roads and services to ac- commodate it." tury Village. "We didn't mince any The Century Village ges- words with the students," of friendship, it de- said Reuben Saltzman, tures clared, "should make others who organized the proj- re-examine their feelings ect. "We told them we toward the Century Village were here to give to the community and realize that community, not take. We wanted to combat anti- many kind, compassiona' people live there." It co Semitism." The three Century Vil- cluded that "prejudice al lagers say they plan to keep ways is spread by ignor- in close touch with the high ance" and Century Village school and its students. "is fighting back with "Our children and grand- weapons of knowledge and children are thousands of understanding. miles away." Saltzman said. The events at Boca Raton "We told the students we are certainly no signal of an would like to consider them outburst of anti-Semitism. as our adopted grand- They are small matters but children." they are indicative of the An editorial in the Boca forces and tensions at work Raton News conceded that in a society whose fabric is "Century Village residents being torn and whose cus- occasionally encounter hos- toms and traditions are tility when they visit Boca being shattered by the Raton" and noted that many worst economic situation of the Century Village resi- this country has suffered in dents attribute this to 50 years. Racial and reli- anti-Semitism. "They may gious animosities are be partly right," it said, "al- breaking through the ven- though most negative feel- eer all over the country. " (Readers Forum) Materials submitted to the Readers Forum must be brief. The writer's name will be withheld from publication upon request. No unsigned letters will be published. Materials will not be returned unless a stamped, self-addressed envelope is enclosed. Kosher Meat Controversy at a Westin catered event. Whether it's a Bar Mitzvah, a wedding or a family reunion, it's bound to be better at The Westin. That's because we know how to make good things happen...from the moment you and your guests park free in designated areas. We'll delight everyone ' with our elegant banquet rooms, attentive service and delicious food cooked to your specifications. Our professional cater- ing_staff will take care of everything. So, the next time you really want to do something special for your guests, hold a catered event at The Westin. We'll pay for the parking and treat them roy- ally. Just call our Director of Catering at 568-8400. You'll be surprised at just how afford- able a, perfect occasion can be! THE WESTIN HOTEL Renaissance Center Detroit The word "authorized" Editor, The Jewish News: In response to a letter also requires some qualifi- from Rabbi Norman Kahn cation. "Authorized" by of Yeshivath Beth Yehudah whom? Finally, "in Michi- and several others (The gan" is curious because Jewish News, May 21), the even the Vaad claims no commendable efforts of the jurisdicaiton outside of met- Council of Orthodox Rabbis ropolitan Detroit. are certainly not obliterated The kashrut controversy by their wrong-doings. can be resolved, but only if On the other hand, all the the parties concerned re- good things they might strict themselves to true have done can, in no way, statements, based upon justify their sanctioning of documented evidence, the sale of non-kosher meat without any attempts at products in allegedly kosher subterfuge and deceit. meat markets under their Rabbi Jack Goldman supervision for the last 40 years. For that, there is no remedy and no excuse. Concert Honors Rabbi Kahn repeats the Former High fatuous rationale, made by Rabbi Chaim Bergstein last Court Justice week, that the non-kosher — meats were intended for WASHINGTON sale to non-Jews. This is a Former Supreme Court Jus- further public_confession of tice Abe Fortas was honored wrong-doing, since such a with a musical memorial at practice is forbidden by Kennedy Center Tuesd: Jewish law, as well as by night. federal and state laws. The late Justice Fortas, Rabbi Kahn further who spent much of his spare states that the Council of time playing the violin,- re- Orthodox Rabbis "pro- ceived posthumous tributes vides the only authorized from virtuoso friends Isaac non-porfit kosher super- Stern and Mstislav Ros- vision service in Michi- tropovich. Eric Sevareid gan." This statement is also addressed the gather- startling comment, com- ing. ing from Rabbi Kahn The concert included an who himself, until re- cently, headed up a appearance by the three letter-head "kosher surviving members of the supervision service" neighborhood string quar- called Midwest Kashruth tet in which Mr. Fortas often performed. Council.