Yard sign condemning antisemitism on college campuses sparks free speech debate

Jeff and Rachel Lobman, a couple living in a suburb of Philadelphia, never anticipated the backlash they would face when they decided to display a sign in their front yard that read, “Jewish students deserve to be safe on campus.” The sign was initially put up as a show of solidarity with Jewish college students who had experienced a surge in antisemitism following Hamas’ attacks on October 7. For the Lobmans, the sign held a dual significance—it not only stood against antisemitism but also resonated with their personal commitment to breast cancer awareness, as the color pink is closely associated with that cause.

However, their act of solidarity quickly turned contentious. Their neighbor, Anna Shurak, a member of the Lower Merion School District (LMSD) Board, took issue with the sign. According to the Lobmans, Shurak’s displeasure was so strong that she resorted to obstructing the sign first with a wheelbarrow and dirt, and later with a Philadelphia Eagles flag, after the Lobmans elevated it to make it visible again. This series of events escalated tensions between the two families, with the Lobmans viewing Shurak’s actions as a direct attempt to censor their free speech. Jeff Lobman expressed his astonishment to Fox News Digital, emphasizing that an elected official would engage in such behavior, which he believed was a violation of their First Amendment rights.

Shurak, who is also Jewish, eventually erected her own sign in her yard, which read, “We believe black lives matter, no human is illegal, love is love, women’s rights are human rights, science is real, and water is life.” She claimed in a since-deleted Facebook post that the sign had been in her yard for eight years. However, the Lobmans disputed this claim by pointing out that Google Maps images of her yard, including one from as recently as July 2024, showed no sign. This contradiction raised further questions about Shurak’s motivations and the broader dynamics at play in their neighborhood.

The Lobmans took their concerns to local officials, including Gilda Kramer, a member of the Lower Merion County Board of Commissioners. Jeff Lobman described their interaction with Kramer as invasive and disturbing, stating that she asked them to modify their sign while acting in her official capacity. The situation further intensified when the Lobmans presented their case during a February meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Jeff highlighted what he saw as the broader implications of Shurak’s actions, arguing that her behavior diminished their free speech while implying that her own message was more valid. He also noted that Shurak had publicly advocated for similar themes in her elected role, suggesting a pattern of behavior that raised concerns about her approach to public discourse.

As the controversy unfolded, the Lobmans discovered that their sign had inadvertently drawn attention to a deeper issue within the local school district. Neighbors began sharing with them the ongoing struggles Jewish students faced in Lower Merion schools, including disturbing incidents of verbal and physical assaults. Jeff Lobman pointed out during the Board of Commissioners meeting that their sign had become tied to this larger community concern, making Shurak’s actions even more problematic. “We made the connection to our sign and realized how wrong it was for Anna to censor a current local issue in a political campaign,” he said.

The Lobmans were not alone in their concerns about free speech and the handling of antisemitism. Steve Rosenberg, a Jewish Community consultant and Philadelphia Regional Director for The North American Values Institute, weighed in on the issue, calling Shurak’s actions “appalling” and part of a dangerous trend of silencing Jewish voices under the guise of maintaining peace. Rosenberg emphasized that the incident was not just about a sign but about the broader implications for free speech and the safety of Jewish students in a district already grappling with antisemitism. Shurak did not respond to Fox News’ request for comment, leaving many questions about her actions and motivations unanswered. The controversy serves as a stark reminder of the challenges of balancing free speech with community sensitivities, particularly in the face of rising antisemitism and the complexities of public discourse.