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Title: Kansas Church Planning a Philly 'Protest' Stop (they're targeting jewish institutions)
Source:
jewish exponent
URL Source: http://www.jewishexponent.com/article/19334/
Published: Jul 30, 2009
Author: Bryan Schwartzman
Post Date: 2009-07-31 18:22:24 by X-15
Keywords: None
Views: 95
Comments: 7
A fringe, Kansas-based church that routinely stages demonstrations across the country is planning to protest outside a number of synagogues, Jewish institutions and events in Center City this weekend. The Westboro Baptist Church -- led by Fred Phelps -- has been labeled a hate group by the Anti-Defamation League for its statements regarding gays, Jews and blacks. Westboro's members -- most of whom are related to Phelps, according to the ADL -- typically decry homosexuality and any other deviations from their interpretation of the Bible. While it has targeted Jewish institutions in the past, the church appears to have heightened its attention in recent months. According to its news release, it's coming to Philadelphia because the city is the site of the national conference organized by the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies. "It just seems like their primary goal is to gain publicity for themselves," said Nancy Baron-Baer, ADL's associate regional director. "It seems like they have a loud bark, but they have not done anything violent." Baron-Baer said that as soon as the ADL learned of the group's demonstration schedule -- it was posted on Westboro's Web site -- the agency notified all the Jewish institutions on the list. That included virtually every synagogue in Center City, along with the National Museum of Jewish American History and the Jewish Community Services Building, both in the city. The Sheraton Hotel, the site of the genealogy conference, was also given a heads-up. 'You Killed Christ' Captain William Fisher, a police department spokesman, said that nearly two weeks ago, the church informed police of its plans. Fisher noted that officers will be stationed at each of the designated buildings. "They themselves are not a violent group of people, although some of the things they protest for can infuriate other citizens. They use the First Amendment greatly to their advantage," said the officer, who added that Westboro members have shown up in town numerous times in the past decade to protest various events. "They don't just protest against Jewish people. They protest against Catholics, gays and government, and everything in between," said Fisher, adding that the Jewish community appeared well-informed and prepared for the demonstrations. Shirley Phelps-Roper, an attorney for the group, who was contacted by phone, said that church members are targeting Jewish institutions in as many cities as they can get to, and that their message to Jews is clear: "You killed Christ, and you are not going to get away with that and you know it." 'Trying to Bait Us' For the past month or so, several synagogues in the area have received faxes from Westboro. Congregation Beth Or in Maple Glen has gotten more than 20. Rabbi Gregory Marx said that the shul had alerted the ADL, but not responded in any way. "I think they are trying to bait us," he said, "and we are not going to take the bait. This is a fringe group that is hateful, radical and threatens to undermine the civility of religious tolerance." Baron-Baer stressed that Jewish groups should not organize any counterprotests and that individuals attending services or other events should not speak to the protesters. "My advice would be not to react, don't directly engage them or confront them. Just go about your business," said Baron-Baer, who added that any instance of hate speech can be made into a teachable moment about spreading a message of respect.
Poster Comment: I guess I should be rooting for Westboro Baptist Church on this one occasion?? ;-)
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#1. To: X-15 (#0)
The customary Jew attack response is no more --- they are now in a defensive “do not make a media spectacle of people hating Jews” mode. The more these demonstrations happen – the more easy it is for regular folks to correctly blame Jews for our immense foreign and domestic problems.
One groups of nuts attacking another group of nuts. Film at eleven.
"The Central Intelligence Agency owns everyone of any significance in the major media." ~ William Colby, Director, CIA 1973–1976 The purpose of the legal system is to protect the elites from the wrath of those they plunder.- Elliott Jackalope
Obummer showing up with a six-pack to parley for peace??
_________________________________________________________________________ LOL! Can't have any division or derision in Obama's America now can we.
"The Central Intelligence Agency owns everyone of any significance in the major media." ~ William Colby, Director, CIA 1973–1976 The purpose of the legal system is to protect the elites from the wrath of those they plunder.- Elliott Jackalope
Not to be confused with the International Congress of Jewish Genealogical Societies.
Anti-racism is code for white genocide
Christ, is this now the latest entry in the doublethink dictionary? Are we going to be hearing this phrase a lot now that the half-blood Messiah mentioned it?
Anti-racism is code for white genocide
SFist Interviews Pastor Fred Phelps, Gets His Take on Same-Sex Marriage Always up for a round of fair-and-balanced reporting, SFist had the wonderful opportunity this afternoon to speak with Pastor Fred Phelps from the Westboro Baptist Church and ask him a few questions regarding his thoughts on same-sex marriage in California, which is set to be legal today at 5:01 p.m. Phelps is set to hit the steps of City Hall in protest at the same time. "I don't think he should have defied the law," said Phelps, when asked about Mayor Gavin Newsom's 2004 decision to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. "Didn't that already happen? We've discussed this before." Phelps advised that he already issued statements regarding Mayor Newsom and the 2004 same-sex marriages in San Francisco. We asked about Phelps' feelings about the May 2008 decision by the Supreme Court of California to strike down the California constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. "Same-sex marriage is a done deal. It's a done deal. What will happen to the State of California when it becomes legal? Well, a flood of humanity will come into your state. It will help your strapped state economy," Phelps said, with a chuckle. "Tim Russert promoted the fag agenda. There are tapes that were released after he died ... tapes showing Russert embracing homosexuality." Fortunately, we got the Pastor back on track by asking about other (alive) celebrities, namely Ellen DeGeneres and George Takei, and whether their marriages will shed a positive or negative light on the issue. "It doesn't matter. They've been promoting the homosexual agenda for a long time. It does not matter at all," replied Phelps. "Oh, and Obama, and his fag agenda. He's a celebrity too, you know?" We all had a brief laugh for a moment. Overall, the Pastor was very pleasant during our interview. He wished us a lovely afternoon as we disconnected the call. We're certain he has a lot on his own agenda for today and we didn't wish to monopolize more of his time.
...with the power of conviction, there is no sacrifice.
Rabbi Gregory Marx said that the shul had alerted the ADL, but not responded in any way. "I think they are trying to bait us," he said, "and we are not going to take the bait. This is a fringe group that is hateful, radical and threatens to undermine the civility of religious tolerance."
#2. To: X-15 (#0)
#3. To: Hayek Fan (#2)
"This man is Jesus,” shouted one man, spilling his Guinness as Barack Obama began his inaugural address. “When will he come to Kenya to save us?”
-Schweizerische Schuetzenzeitung (Swiss Shooting Federation) April, 1941
#4. To: X-15 (#3)
Obummer showing up with a six-pack to parley for peace??
#5. To: X-15 (#0)
International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies
#6. To: X-15 (#0)
teachable moment
#7. To: X-15 (#0)
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