WESTBROOK, Maine — A Star of David has been removed from the Westbrook Winter Lights display. The move follows complaints from Arab American residents who found it offensive in light of the current war between Israel and Hamas in Palestine.
The star with six points is a symbol of Judaism and on Israel's flag. Westbrook replaced the Star of David with a lighted dreidel, which is played during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
"We know this is a frustrating decision for some members of our community," Westbrook Mayor Michael Foley said in a statement. "However, we take our legal responsibilities very seriously and this means providing a light show that everyone in our diverse community can equally enjoy."
In an effort to promote inclusivity, a city employee bought the star display, according to Foley. He said the decision to remove it was based on legal requirements.
"This decision aligns with legal requirements including the U.S. Constitution’s Establishment Clause and subsequent court rulings which determined certain icons to be non-religious, including Christmas trees, dreidels, and snowflakes," Foley added.
The executive director of the Westbrook-based New England Arab American Organization said she spoke to the mayor about the star. She said replacing it with a dreidel is the best outcome for all.
"To try and prevent more issues, we thought if this star can be replaced with a different symbol that represents Hanukkah, we can be more preventing of harm for other people," Executive Director Zoe Sahloul said. "The whole thing is how can we be more inclusive and respectful for each other."
Mayor Foley said he's been in contact with the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine and it supports replacing of the Star of David light display with a dreidel.
"A local church has also offered to display the Star of David light on their private property, and a local Rabbi has expressed an interest in potentially displaying a menorah if space is made available on public property," Foley said.
NEWS CENTER Maine requested an interview with the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine, but no one was available.
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