13 December 2006
Seattle's international airport has put Christmas trees back on display after a local rabbi agreed not to file a lawsuit for the addition of a menorah. The "Seattle Times" reports that the Port of Seattle removed the trees last Friday after Orthodox rabbi Elazar Bogomilsky's lawyer had threatened a lawsuit. Bogomilsky said he would not sue, insisting that he had not wanted the trees to be removed. Port Commission president Pat Davis acknowledged the rabbi's good intentions, but added that the port had no time to form a response other than to remove the trees in order to avoid a lawsuit. "The rabbi never asked us to remove the trees; it was the Port's decision based on what we knew at the time," Davis said. "We very much appreciate the rabbi's willingness to work with us as we move forward." Bogomilsky said he was "thrilled" that the trees were back up. There will be no menorah at the airport this year, but officials promised to meet with Bogomilsky and other religious leaders to discuss a more inclusive display for next year.
