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FAIRFIELD, CT — In light of the spike in antisemitic incidents locally and throughout the nation in recent weeks, area rabbis joined First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick at a news conference Wednesday to call on Fairfield to fight against hate in all forms.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, hate incidents are up 295 percent in Connecticut since Oct. 7, compared to the same three-week period in 2022, Kupchick said. The spike in such incidents coincides with the brutal terrorist attack by the militant group Hamas on Israel, in which scores of Jewish civilians were killed and dozens were taken hostage, and remain in captivity.
In Fairfield, the police department is investigating a hate incident discovered on Oct. 14, where antisemitic, racist and homophobic slurs were spray-painted at Sandcastle Playground on South Benson Road. Parks and Recreation crews quickly erased up the vulgar writing.
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“I do want our community to be very clear that Fairfield will not stand for antisemitism, racism or hatred of any kind,” Kupchick said. “As a community, we need to treat each other with respect.”
She added that parents should talk to their children about such matters, because “oftentimes, these acts are committed by juveniles.”
Find out what's happening in Fairfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Schools Superintendent Michael Testani said acts of hate and discrimination are not tolerated in Fairfield schools, and that students, staff and residents must promote acts of “kindness, belonging and understanding of everyone” in the community.
“Fairfield Public Schools strives to maintain an environment that is inclusive of all students and staff,” Testani said.
“One single event is too many,” Kupchick said. “Our Jewish neighbors are suffering, and so are those of us watching the hate all over the world. All people of all faiths and all backgrounds need to be heard, and feel safe where they live.
“We need to be vigilant, we need everyone in the community to be part of the solution to ensure that Fairfield is a place where everyone feels safe and welcome.”
To that end, Fairfield Police Chief Robert Kalamaras said local law enforcement has longstanding relationships with all the town’s houses of worship, and stands ready to address any concerns, and investigate any incidents of hate.
“All of us standing here together is yet another testament to our continued partnership and commitment to fostering a community that is inclusive and respective to all,” Kalamaras said.
He added, “Fairfield Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of our community, and we take any and all reports of potential hate crimes and acts of hate very seriously. We will continue to aggressively investigate these types of crimes, and work to prosecute those found responsible.”
Rabbi Evan Schultz, of B’nai Israel, said that despite the uptick in antisemitism, he and his family have encountered support from neighbors and members of the Fairfield community in recent weeks.
“I’ve always felt safe here as a Jewish resident, and I want my kids and all of our kids to feel safe in their schools,” Schultz said, adding that he hopes people will approach Jewish residents with love and curiosity, “so that we can learn from each other.”
Rabbi Joshua Ratner, of Or Hadash, said acts of antisemitism are not just issues for Jews.
“This is an issue for all of us,” Ratner said. “We all have a stake in calling out hate and calling out evil. So if you see something, say something. Feel free to speak out.”
Rabbi Shlame Landa, Chabad of Fairfield, built on that theme and said that now is the time to take the fight to the antisemites and haters.
“Calling out hate alone is not sufficient,” Landa said. “We don’t rid our world of darkness simply by pointing it out. It’s time to go on offense against hatred. We must actively strive to make our community a more peaceful, loving and tolerant one.”
Landa called on residents to not just point out hate, but “to do something today, to make this world a better and brighter place.”
To the Jewish community, Landa said now is not the time to cower in fear, but it is time to stand tall as Jews.
“Acts of terror are meant to intimidate, but we will not be intimidated,” he said, adding that he will give out free mezuzahs, decorations inscribed with Hebrew verses, for Jewish residents to proudly hang on their doors to their homes.
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