Editor's Note: This piece is in response to a September 30th Cleveland Plain Dealer article on the Ayad mural.

By Dr. Jonathon Epstein

Plain Dealer:

I read the article in the city section about Mr Ayad with some satisfaction this evening after Rosh Hashanah. I am pleased that this hateful and ugly mural is being seen by the entire city. We should all feel ashamed that this atrocity has apparently found a home.

As the regional director of the JDL, I would like to reinforce what was reported in the Plain Dealer: The Jewish Defense League is indeed going to respond to this insult by protesting outside Mr Ayads' home, his business, at the mural, and anywhere else we feel it imperative until this mural is removed. We consider it an affront to the lives of 6 million dead, and will not tolerate it's presence in our city.

To this end we have posted handbills throughout the city asking for every person of conscience to call Mayor White, Mr Ayad, City Council, and the Jewish Federation condemning this filth. We are also organizing for demonstrations to be held all over the city of Cleveland and call on all members of the Jewish community to let their voices be heard.

The issue of the First Amendment is obviously quite helpful to ugly vicious haters like Ayad. However, I can't help but wonder how the community would react to a mural of a black stealing money, smoking crack, and having illegitimate children while on welfare? Or how about an Arab having sex with a domestic animal and blowing up embassies and discos? My hunch is that neither would go over very well, and they would come down forthwith. Why? COMMUNITY STANDARDS. This is the real issue here. I ask all of the residents in the neighborhood near 55th and Cedar: "why is it you tolerate this demonstration of angry hatefilled lies?" Don't buy into Ayad's hate simply because he also included some very well painted and powerful afrocentric content. He is pandering to you at the lowest level. He is offering you Judas' pieces of silver. I would hope that your dignity and community pride were held more dear."

Additionally, what is it that Mr. Ayad asks that "the channels of communication remain open"? Communication with who? Certainly not the Jewish Community? Sorry pal, this isn't the way to garner our sympathy. Israels? That has nothing to do with us, which is actually in your favor since you've done a pretty good job in alienating anyone who would even consider helping you in that regard.

When the Jewish Defense League says "Never Again" we mean it. We are here in Cleveland to defend Jewish honor and our community. That is exactly what we intend to do.

Sincerely,
Dr. Jonathon Epstein
Jewish Defense League of The Midwest