Ari Brown open letter rejects 'antisemitic rants' claim about Peninsula library meeting

Assemblyman Ari Brown issued an open letter on Sept. 1 responding to a WhatsApp message about the upcoming Peninsula Public Library Board meeting. The letter, published by 5 Towns Central, addresses a claim that residents who spoke at the last meeting engaged in 'antisemitic rants.' Brown said he was there and that the overwhelming majority of attendees were Jewish, many Orthodox, and raised legitimate concerns about the board's governance, transparency and conduct.

Brown said calling those concerns antisemitic is inaccurate and deflects from serious issues at the library. On the subject of inappropriate books, he said he has spoken directly with libraries whenever an issue was brought to him and they have been cooperative. He said the board has the authority and responsibility to address problems with books, programming or hours.

Brown also pointed to high staff turnover, saying many employees have left with serious concerns about how board members treated staff. He said he takes real antisemitism seriously as an Orthodox, yarmulke-wearing Jew, and that the word should not be used to silence legitimate criticism or divide neighbors.

He called for lower rhetoric and said the community deserves transparency, accountability and respectful leadership.