So much hate, so little time

I just finished reading an article about a New Jersey town scheduling a vote on the school budget for the first day of the the Jewish new year. At first I thought that the town made a simple mistake, as the holiday moves around the standard calendar since the Jewish calendar is based on cycles of the moon, as, unlike much of the country, the NYC area and its suburbs have a substantial Jewish population, and school and government entities are usually aware of the Jewish holidays since a significant percentage of the population is affected by the holiday. Similarly, NYC has become more aware of Muslim holidays as that community has grown, demonstrated by suspending alternate side of the street parking -- though I think schools are still open so equity has not yet been reached. However, as I read the article, and the comments by readers defending the town's actions I began to wonder if this is 2008 or 1908?

I can't believe some of the offensive comments I read. As noted in the article, Rosh Hashana is one of the holiest days on the Jewish calendar. Even non-Orthodox Jews. including "cardiac" Jews, usually go to temple that day. To all those who are whining that the Jews could mail in absentee ballots, how would you feel if a town like Lakewood held a similar vote on Christmas Day?

Some argued that the Orthodox don't even send their children to the town's schools so they shouldn't complain about not voting. What does that have to do with anything? They're taxpayers and have the same rights as other taxpayers. Senior citizens don't send children to school, neither do other childless couples or those who send their children to parochial schools. Why are their rights to approve or disapprove a school budget superior to that of the Jews? Why is it ok to make the Jews mail in their proxies in lieu of going to the polling place and voting like the other citizens? What next, make them wear arm bands? Think I'm exaggerating? Read the comment in the article linked above.

There are about 20 other weekdays in September that the vote could be held, or if going by the statute that the school board is hiding behind, three other days in the calendar year a budget vote can be held. However, the town is holding firm to the September date. How offensive.

Despite everyone's denial that there is no anti-Semitism, if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck and swims like a duck, it is a duck, even if you call it a cat. I'm glad I don't live in Edison, I would hate to send my children to a school system that is condoning hate and intolerance. I'm just amazed of the arrogance or ignorance of the board that this type of intolerance sees the light of day in such a multi-cultural state as NJ in the early 21st century.