Residents at odds after township removes menorah, keeps tree

Some residents in a New Jersey town that is a Jewish enclave are upset after officials removed the town’s menorah when a resident complained.

Lakewood has displayed a decorated Christmas tree and small menorah for decades.

Mayor Albert Akerman tells the Asbury Park Press a resident threatened to file a lawsuit earlier this month if her request to add a nativity scene wasn’t approved.

The township attorney recommended removing two menorahs and said he would look into alternative display arrangements.

A local businessman says the current arrangement promotes Christianity and the Jewish community will insist the menorah be twice as large next year.