“NOT IN OUR TOWN!”

By Edwin Dobb, November 1994

WHEN A SPATE of anti-semitic vandalism swept Billings, Montana, the residents struck back by placing a menorah in the window of every home in town. Their actions were inspired by King Christian of Denmark, who was said to have instructed his citizens to wear the Star of David after Nazis ordered Jewish citizens to wear them. The Billings show of solidarity ignited the Not in Our Town movement, an effort that continues today, helping community leaders around the country fight intolerance and create safe, inclusive communities.