As our country and our community struggles to return to a degree of normalcy, although the tragic loss of life can never be forgotten, it is sad that there are those who add to our misfortunes. Last weekend some person or persons inundated Plandome Road and adjoining streets with fliers accusing the proprietors of First Class Bagels of supporting terrorism. The result was that the store received threatening phone calls and was almost boycotted over the weekend. Georgette Botras, the store manager, and her brother, the owner of the business, are not followers of the Ayatollah Khomenei, as the flier suggests, but Americans of Egyptian origin and Coptic Christians. As Ms. Botras tearfully told us, "We are not Muslims, we are Christians, but even if we were Muslims, that would not make us terrorists. Muslims are not bad people and we here have nothing to do with Pakistan." As is common with such smear tactics, the fliers were unsigned. In Port Washington two weeks ago a Mobil gas station was boycotted because a rumor was circulated that one of the employees had made anti-American remarks. An employee of another gas station who was subsequently fired had made the remarks, but the damage was done. Whether those who circulate such stories believe they are true or not, they are, at best, irresponsible and, at worst, vicious. As we try to heal our psychic wounds, let us not wound others.

E.F.B.