Dear JCC MetroWest Members,
 
Thank you to the members who have reached out to us concerning the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) communication we sent to you yesterday. We appreciate the numerous emails we've received supporting the JCC and our Jewish community. As you may know, the WBC is an anti-Semitic, anti-gay extremist group from Topeka, Kansas who is planning to picket our JCC on Tuesday, October 27 from 1:00pm - 1:30pm.
 
It has been suggested that we organize a counter-protest to express our condemnation of the WBC's message. While we agree that we must speak out against intolerance, we believe that any counter-demonstrations outside will only further their agenda for publicity and dilute our message of tolerance and equality.
 
Please also remember that the JCC is home to a large number of young children and older adults. Any face-to-face conflict with the WBC could heighten tensions and serve to create unwarranted safety concerns and feelings of insecurity.
 
Instead, we would ask you to join us inside the JCC at our Community Dialogue in Steiner Court (near the Café) on Tuesday at 1:00pm. We will have community educators and clergy share their thoughts and answer any questions you may have. Light refreshments will be provided. You need not register - just come and let our solidarity show our commitment to the Jewish community in a powerful and peaceful way.
 
Lastly, I would like to clarify a few points about Tuesday's planned picketing:

• The JCC's contracted national security experts, who have experience with the WBC, continue to recommend that we go about our daily business without engaging the WBC.  
• The picketing will take place outside of the Cooperman JCC in West Orange on Northfield Avenue. The WBC is not allowed on JCC property and the West Orange Police Department will ensure compliance. 
• Based on previous picketing events by the WBC, we expect a very small number of picketers. This group will be at the JCC for only 30 minutes as they are then moving onto their next scheduled stop.

Again, we genuinely appreciate and respect the diversity of thought and opinion we have received from you and know that we can count on your cooperation with our requests.
 
We look forward to seeing you at the JCC every day - and especially next Tuesday.
 
Sincerely,