guest blog by Deborah Goonan
Every once in a while, the unexpected happens.
Remember David Schneider, the former president of McKamy HOA, Dallas, Texas? He was the one who sued a small Jewish congregation and the owners of a home in the HOA, arguing that using the home for Jewish religious services was against HOA restrictions. The local judge dismissed that case about a month ago.
Then the City of Dallas sued the Congregation, citing city requirements to make $200,000 worth of improvements to the property in order to obtain a certificate of occupancy. Without the Certificate of Occupancy, the Congregation faces steep fines, and may be forced to find another location for worship after all.
The following day, someone painted swastikas on the Rabbi’s vehicle and a fence, and that was deeply upsetting to the Rabbi and his followers.
Well, now the HOA, apparently led by Schneider, is offering a $1500 reward to help apprehend those who painted the hateful symbols.
Could it be that Schneider has truly had a change of heart?
Hi, it is true that myself and several neighbors are offering a reward for the identity of the person or persons who painted a swastika on Rabbi’s car. This is a despicable act. Although my lawsuit (and the HOA’s too) was dismissed on a religious exemption, this does not represent a change of heart on anything. The deed restrictions are being violated, and the Congregation should leave the neighborhood. However, I do not plan on further legal or other action to obtain that outcome. Please bear in mind that I have always considered the Rabbi and his congregation individually as friends and welcome neighbors; even though I strongly disagree with the presence of a synagogue in a residential-only neighborhood.