Thursday, December 23, 1999 Older Editions

Anti-hate vigil set for tonight

By Neil Fater

In response to the swastika fire allegedly lit by five students at Andover High one month ago today, town religious and governmental leaders will gather in front of Old Town Hall tonight, Thursday, for an "anti-hate vigil."

Leaders are encouraging people to bring their own candles to the candlelight vigil that will start at 6 p.m. and last less than 30 minutes.

"I think that we will be seen as examples for our children," says Temple Emanuel's Rabbi Robert Goldstein who helped organize the event. "I hope that we can begin the holiday season as one community."

Selectmen voted 5-0 in favor of supporting the vigil, with Selectman Larry Larsen saying the swastika fire "has caused a lot of soul searching."

"We feel that whether 10 people would show, or 100 people would show, it doesn't really matter," says Goldstein. "Our point is to affirm the values we feel are reflected in the community, and that's harmony and a respect for diversity."

Goldstein says he does not believe the five Andover High students who are accused of lighting the fire meant to send a hateful message to any particular ethnic group.

"I don't think the act was anti-Semitic. I think it was a youthful prank. But I think that's a symbol that's very evocative and powerful," says Goldstein. "That really represents one of the darkest, darkest moments of our last 100 years of history, and it deserves some kind of response."

Tonight's vigil is the latest group response to the swastika fire. A group of Andover High students this week was encouraging classmates to sign a banner for "Hearts and Hands against Intolerance," at lunchtime, yesterday, Dec. 22. Tonight's vigil is meant to show that Andover values tolerance for all groups, say those involved.

"I had a feeling we should do something. I sensed in the community the desire to respond. I spoke to a few people and they had the desire to respond. I wouldn't have done it alone," says Goldstein. "It's not a Christian thing issue. It's not a Jewish issue.

"What do people do when they're upset about something? They come together and try to affirm the values they cherish."

Goldstein offers some support for the way the incident has been handled by the Andover schools.

"There's been desire to keep the kids informed and to keep the community informed," he says, "My feeling is the school is now making an effort to educate the kids about what this means.

"But what this represents are very hateful feelings toward many religious and ethnic groups. People need to understand that sometimes symbols mean something," he says. "I think it needs to be used as a teaching opportunity and my impression is that's what the schools are doing."