Religious Leaders Criticize Speakers at Stoughton Synagogue

STOUGHTON, MA — An event at Ahavath Torah Congregation in Stoughton has drawn the ire of local religious leaders because of who was scheduled to speak.

Wednesday night's event, titled "National Security Chaos" Are We Past the Tipping Point?" was scheduled to feature Retired Lieutenant General, and former Deputy Secretary of Defense for Intelligence Jerry Boykin, President for Center for Security Policy, Washington, DC and former Deputy Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Policy Frank Gaffney, and President of the United West and Co-Author of the Team BII "Shariah, the Threat to America" Report Tom Tento, according to an invitation.

A high profiled surprise guest was also advertised.

Prices ranged from $35-45 for general tickets and $200 for a dinner that included an off the record discussion with the panelist.

The interfaith letter said that the speakers have cast Islam as an inherently immoral faith, and spread conspiracy theories that Muslims are secretly infiltrating U.S. and European governments as a ‘fifth column,’” the Boston Globe reported.

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, Boykin's Family Research Council has been designated as an anti-gay hate group.

Gaffney said the letter would not alter his belief that we need to exercise freedom of speech.

The synagogue did not return an email for comment.

Image via Wikimedia/John Phelan