The removal and restoration of Christmas trees at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is good news for those defenders of the holiday’s meaning who feel beaten down by its gradual secularization. The Christmas spirit certainly can be dampened by governmental and non-governmental decisions, as was the case at Sea-Tac, which saw its Christmas trees removed after Rabbi Elazar Bogomilsky threatened to sue if an 8-foot menorah were not added to the airport's display. Bogomilsky said his goal was not to force authorities to take the Christmas trees down. He just wanted fair treatment of Judaism, he insisted.
An avalanche of criticism persuaded Bogomilsky not to take his beef to court. Instead, the Port of Seattle, which has jurisdiction over the airport, will have a more inclusive holiday display next year.
These days, the anti-Christmas radar is sensitive, recognizing even unintentional attacks on Christmas. In the past, wishing someone “Happy Holidays” was a way to say “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” if you were late for an appointment and didn’t have time to say five whole words. Bogomilsky’s original request and resulting threat were more difficult to figure out than just about any assault on Christmas.
The rabbi made an unreasonable request, considering the reported timeframe he gave the port authority to change the display. For him to say the ultimate goal was not removal of the Christmas trees is laughably disingenuous.
The commissioners who decided to take the trees down have endured undeserved criticism. They reacted as most people facing a lawsuit would have. That Christmas trees were involved in a time when people are hyper-sensitive to even the suggestion of Christmas being banished from the public square makes the commissioners popular scapegoats.
In truth, they deserve some criticism, but the Bogomilsky deserves the lion’s share of scorn. Without his self-centered act, the commissioners would not have been forced to make the unpopular decision.
This entire episode has ensured Bogomilsky will forever be known as the man who tried -- almost successfully -- to suck the Christmas spirit from a major international airport, and in the process, a city.
Bogomilsky failed miserably, just as will happen next time someone tries a similar stunt. What we say to each other and how we act during the Christmas season may affect our mood, but the message of Christmas will live on, even if its symbols disappear.
Thankfully, this time, common sense was restored at Sea-Tac.
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