Light in Montana

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Five days after the brick was thrown at the Schnitzer home, the Gazette published a full-page drawing of a menorah, along with a general invitation for people to put it up. By the end of the week at least six thousand homes (some accounts estimate up to ten thousand) were decorated with menorahs.

A sporting goods store got involved by displaying 'Not in Our Town! No hate. No violence. Peace on Earth' on its large billboard. Someone shot at it. Townspeople organized a vigil outside the synagogue during Sabbath services. That same night bricks and bullets shattered windows at Central Catholic High School, where an electric marquee read 'Happy Hanukkah to our Jewish Friends.' The cat of a family with a menorah was killed with an arrow. Windows were broken at a United Methodist church because of its menorah display. The car and house windows of six non-Jewish families were shattered. A note that said 'Jew lover' was left on a car.

Eventually these incidents waned, but people continued in their efforts to support one another against hate crimes. After being visited at home and threatened by one of the local skinhead leaders, Tammie Schnitzer is now always accompanied by friends when she goes on her morning run. During the Passover holiday last spring, 250 Christians joined their Jewish brothers and sisters in a traditional Seder meal. New friendships have formed, new traditions have started, and greater mutual understanding and respect have been achieved.

Last winter families all over Billings took out their menorahs to reaffirm their commitment to peace and religious tolerance. The light they shared in their community must be continuously rekindled until hatred has been overcome.

Reprinted from Fellowship (Jan./Feb. 1995). Subscriptions: $15/yr. (6 issues) from the Fellowship of Reconciliation, 521 N. Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960.

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