Signs of hatred and bigotry do not belong anywhere whether it is subtle or out in the open. It is upsetting that Sullivan County has recently had several cases of either open hatred or undertones of bias.

Just last week we learned of the disgusting attack of anti-Semitism at a Hassidic bungalow colony. It is so hard to believe that such a repulsive hate crime could exist in this day and age – or is it?

Intolerance of others whether we like it or not comes in all shapes and sizes. What imbeds prejudice in one? Often it stems from fear of the unknown, self anger and insecurity, belief of superiority, or apprehension of change.

It appears this new wave of anti-Semitism is not being directed at Jews who have acclimated into modern society - just those of Hassidic or orthodox faith.

The swastikas which were placed all over the bungalow colony, the denigrating graffiti covering the handball court, and the desecration of holy books must be condemned by all. One can only hope that our legal system will severely punish those responsible for these devastating crimes.

Sadly this has not been the only sign of anti-Semitism in Sullivan County. This past summer, a swastika desecrated a camp also owned by Hassidim.

Equally disturbing are new undertones of bias and discrimination here. Two issues have come to light, which need open discussion and explanation.

One incident is from the past which involves the race for sheriff, and the other has been ongoing in the Town of Fallsburg.

Several years ago there were allegations that there were racist cartoons on the lockers of several Monticello Police officers. When the issue came to light, there was a major investigation, and anti-discriminatory hearings. Depending on whom you talk to, some kind of disciplinary action was taken.

It was never officially made public who the actual officers involved were, or what really happened.

Recently, there have been charges implicating Democratic Sheriff candidate Frank Armstrong and his pick for under Sheriff Bill Lazarus as being involved in the incident.

It is very important that before we are diverted from the real issues facing us in the race for sheriff, both Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Lazarus tell the residents of Sullivan County if they were involved, and what really happened. If it was just a bad joke gone sour, we need to know, and then move on.

Both men have had a distinguished career of serving the people of Sullivan County, as has Republican candidate Michael Schiff. One can only hope that an issue from the past will not derail us from learning what both candidates propose to do if elected sheriff.

The other issue which has come to light with undertones of discrimination is the attempt to stop all the development in Fallsburg. A group named “Fallsburg Watch” has called for a moratorium of growth in the hamlet, and a write-in campaign against Supervisor Steve Levine.

They claim that there is too much growth in the town, and that there needs to be a master plan before new projects are approved.

Others allege that “Fallsburg Watch” was organized as an attempt to stop Orthodox and Hasidic Jews from building homes. Developers have charged anti-Semitism.

On one hand, let’s not make charges of bias when there really is none. But, on the other hand if there is - we must find out why and work to resolve the issue.

With all these recent incidents of hatred and undertones of bias, we need some open discussion of tolerance and respect towards one another. Our clergy, schools, and political leaders must quickly come to the forefront.

Email Bill