Image Used In Medford's Holiday Extravaganza Sparks Backlash

MEDFORD, MA — An image used in Medford's Holiday Extravaganza last week was criticized by some in the local Jewish community, prompting an apology from City Hall.

Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn said Friday the "offensive" picture, which was part of the public display at Wednesday's event, "misrepresented the Jewish Hanukkah menorah" and is "attributed with Christian symbolism."

Incoming city councilor Kit Collins, who is Jewish, said the image was of a candelabra – different from a menorah used to celebrate Hanukkah – with captions associated with Messianic Judaism. The movement is considered part of Evangelical Christianity and diverges greatly with Judaism in many of its core beliefs, including worshiping Jesus Christ, Collins said.

"I wouldn't purport to speak for the Jewish community as a whole, but personally, I was disappointed by the missed opportunity to share and celebrate the true meaning of Hanukkah, and to see a different, Christian ideology expressed in its place," Collins wrote in an email. "Everyone who enters City Hall must be able to feel seen and respected, not misrepresented and misunderstood."

Lungo-Koehn said the picture was used in error, and her administration will consult faith and community leaders ahead of future celebrations.

"We sincerely regret the harm and are committed to learn from this mistake," she said.

Collins hopes Medford can learn from the controversy to become a more welcoming and inclusive city.

"I am certain that the city administration is taking this extremely seriously, and that they are sincere in the commitment to do better," she said. "I look forward to supporting efforts to reach out and truly partner with the leaders and members of Medford's many cultural and faith communities."