By Taxpayers Association of Oregon Foundation,
A Jewish Polish immigrant over a hundred years ago in Portland created the Semhanski fountain. It is called “Rebecca at the well” as it depicts the Bible Genesis story of how the great patriarch Isaac met his wife, Rebecca, at a well.
The very ornate fountain survived 99 years until last year, when the Portland State University riots over Gaza happened a few blocks away. The fountain was severely damaged all around. It seems no one has any interest in repairing it on its 100 birthday this year.
The homeless and drug addicts have chased away people’s access to the fountain. The high taxes have chased away many of the business leaders who step in to rescue public artworks where others are unable. And the City of Portland can’t even agree on the basics of how to host proper council meetings and what words to use during a public hearing.
In light of this week’s deadly antisemitic massacre in Australia, we should work on signs to improve our world, especially the victims of antisemitism. One such sign we can do in Portland is to repair that 100-year-old treasure.
Disclaimer: Articles featured on Oregon Report are the creation, responsibility and opinion of the authoring individual or organization which is featured at the top of every article.