By Rabbi Jack Shlachter
Los Alamos Jewish Center

I write today as a committed advocate of free speech and open dialogue. I fully support the rights of those who are organizing the upcoming Free Palestine Summer Series, which includes events scheduled at SALA and the Unitarian Church from now through September. Many of the individuals involved are sincerely dedicated to fostering peace in the Middle East—a goal that I, too, share, though I hold a markedly different perspective from that presented in the films and talks planned for this series. That difference, of course, is a legitimate subject for discussion in a free and open society.

However, I believe it is critical for our community in Los Alamos to consider not only the intentions behind such programming but also its broader impact. We must not be naïve about the consequences of providing platforms for messages that—even if unintentionally—have been shown to inflame hatred and incite violence.

Recent events in the United States highlight this danger. On May 21, two Israeli diplomats were brutally murdered at an event in Washington, D.C. Just days later, on June 1, a firebombing in Boulder, Colorado left thirteen people injured and one dead. These horrific antisemitic acts received little, if any, public condemnation from those advancing the “Free Palestine” narrative—even as that narrative continues to gain traction in public forums.

While I do not claim that the organizers of the Summer Series condone violence, I urge you to reflect on the serious implications of offering a platform for rhetoric that has, in many cases, contributed to real harm. With this in mind, I respectfully call on you to review your commitment to hosting or supporting such events and to consider the potential consequences for our community.

If you do choose to attend or support these events, I strongly encourage you to seek out a balanced and informed perspective by also engaging with materials such as the film October 8, a documentary that examines the real impact of antisemitic propaganda on American campuses and communities.

Promoting peace requires more than open dialogue—it requires discernment, responsibility, and an unwavering rejection of hate in all its forms. I hope Los Alamos remains a community where engagement is grounded in these values and where free expression does not come at the cost of safety or truth.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Jack Shlachter, Los Alamos Jewish Center