The Center and Its Anniversary

I am writing in regard to the unfortunate decision to celebrate the first anniversary of the Orange County Performing Arts Center on the most solemn Jewish holiday of the year, Yom Kippur, and its representative’s stupid responses to the press indicating that Monday is a workday, therefore, the event cannot be held on Sunday; or, it is hard to schedule an event and not offend somebody or that you would have to check the Hindu calendar, the Buddhist calendar and so on.

Worst of all was the revelation that the responsible committee called Steve Edelman, Orange County representative for the Anti-Defamation League, and asked his opinion regarding holding the event on this particular date, and his response, “Not a good choice.” I wonder why the center called the Anti-Defamation League? Did it think that its decision was discriminatory? If so, why not ask one of the supporters or a board member who is Jewish?

Being of a suspicious nature regarding matters that effect me, my family and the Jewish community in general, along with the rest of the community, I have a different thought to put before the center other than making the accusation of outright subtle anti-Semitism. The after-theater party is being held backstage which is limited in space, therefore, only a small portion of the supporters of the Performing Arts Center could be accommodated. It would be very convenient to exclude a portion of the supporters by what is considered by some, as a simple error in judgment.

In conclusion to the idiotic excuse that the Center has committed for the entertainment, why did it commit on that date, and who is more important, the supporters of the Performing Arts Center or the entertainment?

MELVIN JAFFEE

Newport Beach