June 12 & 19, 1978 Village Board of Trustees Meetings

During the June 12, 1978 Skokie Board meeting, members of the Niles Township Clergy Forum express concern that the NSPA rally is scheduled on a Sunday, a day of worship for many village residents.

The June 19, 1978 Village Board meeting heats up as Jacob Berg, from the Jewish Defense League (JDL), suggests that Harvey Schwartz and the Village officials have not done enough to prevent the neo-Nazis from coming to Skokie.

Village Trustee Morris Topol comes to Harvey Schwartz's defense.

Mayor Albert J. Smith gives an impassioned speech and adds a little levity after William Fried asks if it is "necessary to use the taxpayers money to offer [the neo-Nazis] free police protection."

Smith responds that it is the law to offer this protection. Fried then says, "Maybe after the parade, we should offer them a free steak dinner and thank them for what they're doing."

Smith replies, "That's not the law," which is followed by applause and laughter.