Broward Sheriff shows ‘pattern of insensitivity’ with Jewish inmates, congresswoman says

Political leaders and rabbis continued to question Tuesday why inmates in Broward County are being prohibited from practicing their religion while behind bars.

Hanukkah began on Sunday evening, but Jewish inmates in Broward will not be allowed to light a menorah with a real flame, according to Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony.

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz told Local 10 News’ Rosh Lowe that she is puzzled by what she calls the “insensitivity” Tony has when it comes to Jewish inmates practicing their religion.

“There is a pattern of insensitivity that is deeply disturbing,” said Wasserman Schultz.

Many rabbis are questioning Tony’s ruling even through though Miami-Dade County allows their inmates to light a menorah with a real flame.

“It’s just Hanukkah, we’ve had problems before,” said Rabbi Shmaya Waks.

 

Wasserman Schultz says there’s a pattern and when Rabbis wanted to go into the jail for Rosh Hashana, one of the holiest days on the Jewish calendar, they went through security training.

“When the rabbis showed up after completing the security training, there was no notification from the sheriff to the jail administration that they were authorized to enter and engage in that religious practice,” she said.

Tony says he can’t change the current policy and put inmates at risk.

“What we can’t do is to modify policy and put in danger over 3,500 inmates that I’m responsible for,” he said.

Tony has said that the sheriff’s office respects the religious observance of all inmates, but safety comes first.

Wasserman Schultz says even when safety requirements are met, there are still obstacles.

“It shows extreme indifference and insensitivity,” she said. “We have never had this problem in Broward our surrounding counties are able to accommodate the religious needs of inmates and this one isn’t and I think he needs to answer for it.”