The Jewish Community Center of Scranton today strongly denied allegations of homophobia and discrimination against gays that are being made by Michael Hatala, who owns the property where the Center’s 101-acre Camp Daleville summer day camp is located in the Poconos.

Daniel J. Cardonick, executive director of the Center, said, “We are an inclusive and tolerant organization whose members and staff represent all segments of the regional community, including the LGBTQ community.

“Mr. Hatala is spreading outlandish and completely false lies on social media about our attitude towards gays and claims we are homophobic. Those allegations and statements are completely groundless and not supported by any evidence or facts.

“We demand that Mr. Hatala immediately stop making or repeating those allegations, delete those messages from his social media platforms, and apologize to the entire Jewish community for his hurtful words and actions.”

The allegations stem from an encounter today between Mr. Hatala and the Center’s security guard on the property concerning the display of a large sign that advertises Mr. Hatala’s weekend gay day camp at the property.

The camp’s director previously requested Mr. Hatla to cover the signage, saying in a text message, “We get new campers coming in weekly. To avoid confusion, is it OK if I cover your sign with a sheet or tarp from Monday through Friday, then remove the cover when I leave every Friday at 5:30. Let me know.”

In a message today on social media, after his encounter with the security guard about covering up the sign, Mr. Hatla said, “Show them what you think about the discrimination against gay people. Are they (expletive) kidding me, homophobic? Please help me get the point across like and share the post.”

ABOUT CAMP DALEVILLE

The JCC of Scranton is now in its 83rd summer in providing camping services, and it’s the 50th anniversary of running our summer day camp program at the Daleville property.  JCC Camp Daleville continues to serve an average of 200 campers a summer.

For more information, about Camp Daleville, visit www.campdaleville.org.