Case Details
What did the rabbi request be added to the Christmas decorations?
Menorah
What was the aiport's immediate response?
They decided to remove all Christmas trees
What religious groups did this include?
Judaism, Islam, and Christianity
Who did the public blame for the removal of the Christmas trees ?
The Jewish community
What did the airport do after experiencing the backlash?
The airport reinstalled the Christmas trees but did not add any other religious symbols that year.
What is the issue with interfaith in this case?
The airport was ignorant of other religious traditions during the holidays.
What did the advisory committee end up doing about the decorations?
recommended switching to neutral, nature-themed winter decorations with no specific religious symbols
What did the improved display include
The airport switched to smaller evergreens with white lights and poinsettias to keep the display neutral and inclusive.
What did the group learn during all of this about neutrality?
They learned that neutrality could feel empty, but symbolism can feel exclusive