To the editor:

The Lawrence Jewish Community Center wishes to express its shock and dismay at the comments of Danne Hautmann on April 8, in particular that “Jews are taught that non-Jews are unworthy to live and are no better than animals.”

Jewish ethics form the foundation of both Christian and Muslim ethical thought and value all life as precious gifts from God. One of the fundamental principles on which this country was founded, that “all men have been endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights” comes from Judaism.

Lies such as Hautmann’s take root in the fertile soil of a population ignorant of Judaism and Jewish belief. We therefore urge all who have a forum for educating the community to use this as a teaching opportunity. We call upon the Journal-World, local clergy and educators to inform the public about anti-Semitism and the facts about Judaism. The Jewish Community Center would be happy to serve as a resource.

Please help us keep this kind of hate speech from poisoning our community.

Neil Shanberg, president, for

the Lawrence Jewish

Community Center

Board of Directors