HUDSON – A Massachusetts restaurant was forced to temporarily close after threats were made against its employees. The reports came days after staff served World War II reenactors wearing Nazi uniforms at the restaurant.
A group of historians from the American Heritage Museum went to the Kith and Kin in Hudson for dinner Saturday evening. According to the restaurant, four were dressed as American soldiers, one as a military nurse and two as SS soldiers.
Apologies from the restaurant Kith and Kin
The restaurant owners apologized on their Facebook page on Sunday.
“In retrospect, we should have asked them to change before sitting down. “While we knew they were living historians, at a time when acts of anti-Semitic violence continue to increase, we should have realized that other guests may not have been aware of the local reenactment of World War II,” the statement said.
“We would never intentionally do anything to offend or hurt anyone in the community. If we really thought these individuals had anti-Semitic beliefs, we would never have let them set foot in the restaurant. As a small family business, we strive every day to do our best and continue to learn and grow. Last night we fell short and we deeply apologize.”
Restaurant threatened
Despite the apology, the restaurant had to close temporarily on Tuesday due to what they say were threats.
“Following last night’s news broadcasts, our restaurant has been the target of increased harassment and threats. Therefore, for the safety of our staff, we are unfortunately closed today, Tuesday, October 15,” the owners said in another Facebook post.
The museum, which is also located in Hudson, says it is not appropriate to wear the uniforms outside of a historical or educational context.
“Beyond Thoughtless”
“Let’s put that in context. It is at a time when anti-Semitic violence is increasing, when neo-Nazis are taking to the streets and a Holocaust is still denied. Wearing German uniforms in public spaces is therefore not thoughtless. That’s disgusting,” Gary Lewi, administrator of the American Heritage Museum, told WBZ-TV.
Lewi said the museum doesn’t even allow costumes with SS collars on their property.
“It doesn’t exist off the field, which is why there are strict protocols that the American Heritage Museum has about what to wear, when to wear and how to wear it, and that protocol has clearly been violated,” he said.
Lewi added: “It’s not a hate crime. It’s stupidity.’
The museum said it would tighten costume protocols and consequences.
