Noor Mediterranean Grill has recently become the target of alleged hate crimes. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Max Eidelman

The city’s Human Rights Commission met virtually for its monthly meeting last Thursday. The first half of the meeting focused on the recent hate crimes directed at Noor Mediterranean Grill.

Sergeant Michael Perrone of the Somerville Police Department attended the meeting to provide details about the ongoing investigation of this incident and the precautions being taken to keep the restaurant safe.

The conversation developed into a candid discussion between Sgt. Perrone and folks at the meeting about hate crime reporting, and communication with the police department in general. Afterward, the focus of the meeting shifted to the Commission’s plans for the annual Martin Luther King Day event on January 18. Much of the conversation dealt with the options that the Commission will provide for Somerville students to get involved with the event.

Sgt. Perrone spoke at length about police response to hate crime incidents and began by saying that the police “want everybody to feel welcome” at the department if something needs to be reported. Perrone mentioned that there has been recent global conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which has subsequently led to some instances of hate crime directed at Noor.

Some of the crimes have been committed by third-party delivery drivers making disparaging remarks to restaurant staff and shouting outside the restaurant. The sergeant indicated that there have been at least two instances of someone calling the restaurant saying, “Death to Armenians.”

A few of the crimes were even committed through the internet. Negative comments suddenly began to accumulate on the restaurant’s Yelp page, enough in fact to make the star rating significantly drop. This is especially detrimental during the pandemic, as delivery and take-out business can be heavily affected by online reputation. Fortunately, the restaurant was able to contact the website and fix the issue.

Sgt. Perrone admitted that it’s been difficult to identify the culprits but said that the “most important goal in all of this is protecting patrons and staff at the restaurant.” He explained that patrols were initially placed in front of the restaurant to ensure that no further crimes were committed on the premises. The restaurant staff greatly appreciated this and requested that the patrol be extended for more time.

The department extended this service, and the Perrone said that these kinds of requests are almost always granted. It was clear from listening to him speak that he truly does care about keeping the community safe, mentioning the fact that he grew up here and saying of the department, “Protect everybody. That’s our job.”

Attendees at the meeting did point out room for improvement, though. Someone mentioned that there is no place that specifically addresses hate crime reporting on the police department’s website.

Since hate crime in particular can incite serious fear in victims and witnesses, as well as the fact that there are state policies for what distinctly qualifies as a hate crime, the department would be doing a service to the community by including specifics that can be readily found on the website.

Sgt. Perrone was receptive to this critique and reiterated that the department wants people to feel comfortable communicating with police. Everyone at the meeting agreed that honest conversation among Somerville citizens and with the police are vital to promoting cohesion in the wide spectrum of diversity that finds home in Somerville.

The conversation at the meeting shifted from the hate crime incident to the MLK Day event planning. While the event has been celebrated in the past, this year of will feature many firsts. In particular, the event will be virtual.

The Commission so far has begun plans for a pre-recorded video that will be streamed throughout the day on January 18, although the possibility of live-streaming was discussed as well.

In the past, the Commission has created essay prompts for students to respond to. The Commission intends to do this again, but will also allow for other forms of expression, such as spoken-word poetry and visual art.

The Commission is also looking to incorporate more personalized student responses than have previously been done. One option that was proposed is to create a prompt for students to reflect upon a recent social movement they might have participated in or simply have had a reaction to.

This year has seen an abundance of events that cannot help but make us reflect on Martin Luther King’s efforts to promote racial justice and national unity. Students’ perspective of this year’s turbulence in the context of Dr. King’s work will likely offer some surprising insight.

Nency Salamoun, the Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion would like people to know that the Human Rights Commission is looking for new members and encourages people to attend and participate in Commission meetings.

The Commission meets on the second Thursday of each month. The next meeting will occur remotely on the evening of December 10 from 6:30 to 8:00. These meetings are an effective way to stay informed and be active in the Somerville community.

More information about the Human Rights Commission can be found by visiting its page on somervillema.gov, and Ms. Salamoun welcomes contact by email as well at nsalamoun@somervillema.gov.