Fifteen Christmas trees were displayed at Seattle's Sea-Tac Airport until late last week, but they were taken down last Thursday. Today's Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports than in October, a representative of Chabad Lubavitch began talking with the airport about placing an 8-foot tall Menorah beside the largest of the Christmas trees. When the Port of Seattle Commission did not move ahead with the request, Chabad threatened to sue. The airport's response was to remove its Christmas trees. Rabbi Elazar Bogomilsky says that this was not the response that his organization wanted, and that it will not be filing a lawsuit. Airport officials claim that they took the step because they were threatened with nearly immediate litigation. There appears to be some disagreement over when the possibility of litigation was mentioned. But, at any rate, many feel that this was an over reaction, and it is likely that tomorrow the Port Commission will authorize the trees to go back up along with decorations recognizing other holidays as well. Commissioner Bob Edwards said: "It's an international gateway -- why not celebrate other cultures?"
UPDATE: The Seattle Times reported on Tuesday that the Christmas trees went back up in Sea- Tac Airport overnight. Authorities agreed to discuss ways to represent all faiths in next year's display.
