The Suffolk City Council is expected to adopt an ordinance against cross-burning this week, following the burning of a cross by a Klan-like group across the street from the home of Al Ruden, a leading citizen and a former department commander of the Jewish War Veterans. An ordinance has been drafted by the Council for final reading at the next meeting.
Suffolk is known to be a former stronghold of the Ku Klux Klan and there have been other cross burnings reported in southern Virginia during recent months. It is believed that the latest burning was a “warning” intended to frighten Jews who plan to build homes on property near Mr. Ruden’s residence in Suffolk’s fashionable suburban district.
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