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Dear Editor:

The November 12 council meeting was needlessly contentious.

The subject of controversy was a statutorily required, minority–party nomination to the town’s Human Rights Commission. The appointee had dedicated decades of her life to service in the community, so it seemed like a simple decision.

While it should have been a smooth vote, a few of her benign Facebook posts in support of Israel pulled out the anti-Israel activist crowd.

Shockingly, as the rest of the room rose and covered their hearts for the Pledge of Allegiance, the group of activists refused. Only one member of the diverse crowd of about a dozen stood up after a quick look around at her friends and a resigned shrug.

Apparently, West Hartford has a Disrespect America Caucus. Their insult to basic civility contradicts what this town, and this country, should stand for. And if West Hartford residents don’t push back, this group may very well determine West Hartford’s future.

Among those who refused to stand for the American flag was a self-described Palestinian-American who spoke about the offensiveness of supporting Israel. Perhaps she refused to stand on religious grounds. If it was for political reasons, considering Gaza is a terrorist–run theocracy where criticizing the government can be a capital offense, one would think she would appreciate a country where criticizing the government is a protected right.

There were also several who remained seated for the Pledge of Allegiance but made sure to include the phrase “As a Jew” as a justification for their perspectives. Starting a political opinion with “As a Jew” is a strong sign that the speaker’s views are probably more about their politics than their faith.

For the uninitiated, here’s a simple rule of thumb: if a Jewish person isn’t standing for the Pledge of Allegiance, they aren’t representative of the American Jewish community.

One Jewish activist wore a kaffiyeh, the Palestinian resistance scarf seen on an odd cross section of jihadis and progressive activists who don’t seem to be sure what they’re protesting at any given moment. To be sure, there’s no rule against wearing a kaffiyeh while standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Yet, insisting on doing the former while refusing to do the latter is likely a clear statement of values.

Another of the Disrespect America crowd unironically spent her three-minutes talking about respect after having just sat stone faced and resentful during the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ultimately, the anti-Israel crowd being unwilling to stand for the flag shouldn’t be a surprise. The only time an American flag comes out at a pro-Palestine rally is if it’s going to be stepped on or burned.

So really, West Hartford’s Disrespect America Caucus was just staying on brand.

However, it was concerning to see town council members try to distance themselves from support for Israel rather than distance themselves from those who refuse to stand for the American flag. Maybe it was just politic civility, or perhaps they really didn’t see the group remain seated. The town council members were, after all, facing the flag as an elected official in America should.

And of course, a person can hate America and still enjoy First Amendment rights. But there is no requirement for elected officials to care what these people have to say.

The statutorily required nomination moved forward 9-0, but based on the comments from some elected officials, the Disrespect America crowd had an impact.

On the eve of America’s 250th birthday, the town council meeting raised red flags about how West Hartford will handle this important anniversary, both in West Hartford schools and around town.

It is clear that if West Hartford residents want to make sure America’s 250th birthday is celebrated and not denigrated, they must reach out to government and school leaders and demand it.

Ari Schaffer
West Hartford