A Massachusetts restaurant has found itself in trouble after staff served World War II reenactors who were dining at the establishment while wearing Nazi uniforms.
The restaurant Kith and Kin in Hudson shared on its Facebook page Sunday that it would temporarily close its doors after several threats were made against its workers.
The threats come after a group of historians from the American Heritage Museum went to the restaurant for a meal on Saturday night. Four of them were dressed as American soldiers, one as a military nurse, and two as SS soldiers, the restaurant shared.
The restaurant owners said that “in hindsight,” they should have asked the restaurantgoers to change before they were served.
“Even though we knew they were living historians, at a time when acts of anti-Semitic violence continue to rise, we should have realized other diners might not be aware of the local WWII re-enactment,” the statement said.
The owners went on to say that their actions were not intentional and they did not mean to offend or hurt anyone in the community.
“If we truly thought these individuals held anti-Semitic beliefs, we would never have allowed them to step foot in the restaurant. As a small, family-owned business, we strive every day to do our best and are continuing to learn and grow.Last night, we fell short, and we deeply apologize,” the statement concluded.
But even with the apology, the restaurant was forced to shut its doors temporarily on Tuesday because they say they’ve received threats.
“After last night’s news airings, our restaurant has been the target of increased harassment and threats. Therefore, for the safety of our staff, we will unfortunately be closed today, Tuesday, October 15,” the owners said in another Facebook post.
According to a report from WBZ-TV, the restaurant was reopened on Wednesday.
The museum has commented on the situation, sharing with the local media outlet that it’s not okay to wear the costume unless it’s for historical or educational context.
“Let’s put that in context. It’s at a time when acts of antisemitic violence are on the rise, when neo-Nazis have taken to the streets, a Holocaust continues to be denied. So wearing German uniforms in a public space, that’s beyond thoughtless. That’s repugnant,” American Heritage Museum Trustee Gary Lewi told WBZ-TV.
Lewi went on to say that the museum doesn’t allow for costumes with SS collars to be on their property. He went on to say the American Heritage Museum has “strict protocols” on what to wear and when and where to wear it.
As for this situation, he said, “It’s not a hate crime, it’s stupidity.”
The museum has said it would tighten up its costume protocols and consequences.