Anti-Defamation League Sounds Off on Westport Temple Protesters

The Anti-Defamation Legue commended the work of police and Temple Israel staff after two protesters showed-up at the event and were subsequently arrested.

The two men were asked to leave the location multiple times and were eventually subdued, according to the league. The incident prompted nearby schools to secure facilities.

The temple was hosting a friends of Israel Defense Forces luncheon. 

“While we recognize the intruders’ right to protest, we are particularly concerned with the impact that the intruders’ actions have had on the Westport Jewish community,” said Marji Lipshez-Shapiro, ADL Connecticut Interim Regional Director. “There are a number of ways in which they could have protested that would not have caused the community to worry about its safety.”

Lipshez-Shapiro continued, “ADL supports Israel’s right to exist as a democratic Jewish state, but neither our stance nor the intruders’ stance on Israel is the key issue. Rather, of utmost importance is that protests do not make communities feel threatened, marginalized or unsafe.”

Daniel Fischer, one of the protesters arrested, said that misinformation about the protest led to the panic and arrests, according to the Norwalk Hour.

Related stories:

Westport Temple Israel Protester Speaks Out

Names of Alleged Westport Temple Israel Protesters Released