Racial and Religious Intolerance in County

I disagree with Rusty Kennedy, director of the Orange County Human Relations Commission, who is quoted in The Times (Feb. 11) as saying there is no anti-Semitism in the county. All he need do is wear a Star of David and he’ll learn about anti-Jewish sentiment in Orange County.

I run an editorial bureau for a Boston-based newspaper, and my wife is a receptionist at a medical clinic. Both of us have seen and experienced anti-Semitism, blatant and otherwise.

A common example, which I have heard far too often here, is using the noun “Jew” as a verb. It turns my stomach to hear someone say, “He is just trying to Jew you down” in reference to negotiations. It also is not uncommon to hear of how the Jews allegedly killed Jesus and Jewish people are not welcome here. The hate in this county is more widespread than many, I think, want to believe.

There are other examples. The picture I paint is not pretty; it’s not meant to be. In the 5 years we’ve lived in the county, we have experienced numerous incidents of anti-Semitism. Orange County still deserves its hard-earned reputation.

That’s not to say everyone in the county is an anti-Semite. However, the numbers are too high, and it’s time Kennedy realizes much work must be done to eliminate the problem.

STEPHEN M. LAWTON

Laguna Hills