This morning, “06880” posted a letter from Rabbi Cantor Shirah Sklar, regarding Andrew Goldberg’s Newsweek story about his son’s experience with antisemitism in middle school.
Westport Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein responds:
As a member of the Westport Jewish community and chair of the Board of Education, I personally feel the real and understandable fear, anger and anguish many Jews are currently experiencing.
I am also deeply troubled by the rabbi’s letter today on “06880.”
I feel compelled to respond publicly, because the compassionate, professional teachers and administrators who run our school district and support our children are being unjustly accused of ignoring antisemitism.
Lee Goldstein
No one should minimize the pain that antisemitic bullying causes – and no one did that here. If we are going to fight antisemitism, we must encourage people to report it, and we know they won’t unless they trust us to respond and take action.
In this situation, our administration did just that. Our educators not only followed all applicable laws, policies, and procedures, they also worked respectfully and compassionately with all the families involved to try to reach acceptable solutions and address with sensitivity the interactions among minor children.
For good – but very frustrating – reasons, under federal law only individuals directly responsible for the education and safety of our students can be privy to details of student incidents. All schools are legally bound to protect the privacy of all students and families. I would like to say I wish that the rabbi had reached out to the district before publishing her letter, but the hard truth is that even if she had, we could not have shared any additional information.
In this case, our team gathered the facts; considered the needs, feelings, and well-being of the children involved, and implemented appropriate safety measures, supports and corrective actions, including consequences.
At a time when some leaders may hide behind jargon and policies, that is not what we are doing. We prohibit antisemitism and take action against it, including in this matter. I fear that accusing people of ignoring or minimizing antisemitism without having all the facts will make matters worse.
In partnership with ADL and other experts, we will continue to engage with the community, combat antisemitism, and do all we can to prevent and respond to incidents when they occur.
The importance of these steps cannot be overstated. I have great faith in our Westport Public Schools and broader community to learn from these challenges and come together to lead the way in the fight against antisemitism.
My roots in Westport run very deep. I am a graduate of Staples High School. My mother was a beloved teacher in the school system for 35 years. Presently, my family represents the only Jewish clergy who have children in Westport Public Schools.
I am the senior rabbi at Temple Shalom in Norwalk, which serves many Westport families, one of whom is the family of Andrew Goldberg and his 12-year-old son, whose ordeal facing antisemitic bullying in Westport is now national news.
As we all bear witness to a moment in time that Jews face unprecedented antisemitism in America, I am at once heartbroken and disappointed in what has happened in our beloved community, and the harm that our leadership’s handling of this situation has caused to an innocent child.
Rabbi Cantor Shirah Sklar
Incidents of antisemitic harassment and violence have increased 400% in this country since the beginning of October. It is time for our community to be proactive rather than reactive, and to begin to take seriously the issues of marginalization and discrimination against Jewish students.
There is a reason why many Jews feel isolated and alone. Our schools champion every initiative for inclusion and diversity, and leadership responds by appropriately saying there is no tolerance for antisemitism.
However, it is difficult to remain confident in these declarations when we examine the facts: A child was repeatedly ostracized, alienated and bullied by his peers with antisemitic epithets for months. The parents reported the repeated incidents and an investigation by the school corroborated these claims.
To be clear: These are not allegations as some in the media have presented. The findings are the result of an investigation performed by the principal of the school, which substantiates example after example of bullying and antisemitism.
Despite the conclusive results of an investigation, one member of the Board of Ed has already intimated, without having any real knowledge on the subject, that we don’t know the whole story. This response is deeply unsettling, reminiscent of the distressing and alienating zeitgeist in which many minimize the lived experience of victims of antisemitism.
Here is another fact: The legal team of the Board of Ed offered a settlement to the Goldberg family, a clear admission that the school system had run out of solutions to keep their child safe from harassment.
As a mother of three children in the Westport schools and as a rabbi, I am horrified that the settlement included terms that demanded a child would have to remain silent about this traumatizing and life-altering experience. In a culture where silence is bought and sold, these agreements only serve to protect the reputation and dysfunction of organizations. They do not take into account the well-being of the injured party-In this case, a 12-year-old boy.
We have now learned that the majority of school staff and students were completely unaware of this case and that it was never addressed among the school community, even as the Goldbergs saw no alternative but to enroll their child in a new school. We have also learned that until it became national news, The Board of Ed was also unaware of this case that had gone on for months with high level administrators, the school board’s legal counsel and the superintendent.
The response from the superintendent is equally disheartening because no formal communication has addressed the issue with the Goldberg family directly. I am deeply disheartened at attempts to distract the public and hide this case from view, rather than prioritize the needs of a child who was mistreated and repair that harm.
The superintendent has talked about the necessity of combatting antisemitism in general, as if to protect Westport from future incidents. This is empty political posturing if it does not include addressing this incident specifically and making substantive steps to repair the damage that has already been done. And so I ask our town’s leadership, how will restitution be made to the Goldberg family?
Jewish tradition teaches a concept of repair called “Teshuvah” that is fundamental to correcting our path when we have gone astray. It includes an honest and transparent accounting of our actions, apologizing directly and holding ourselves accountable to restore justice to those we have harmed and making an earnest and sincere effort to correct the path, to have a plan going forward. The Goldberg family deserves nothing less from the Town of Westport and the Westport Public Schools. Actions speak louder than words.
If we really want to be the kind of town that promotes tolerance and diversity, that welcomes and supports students and families of all races, religions, orientations and ethnicities, we all have work to do. We can’t just say it is so, we have to make it so.
Yesterday, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice sent a message to all Westport Public School parents. He wrote:
My apologies for the late timing of my message below. I wanted to be certain that the school community heard directly from me before the weekend.
As many of you are aware, an article circulated Thursday with a Westport parent’s account of antisemitic bullying directed at their child.
This comes at a time when there is a frightening rise in antisemitic incidents in our country. I know this, and am deeply saddened that our Jewish community is understandably feeling so vulnerable.
Let me be clear: antisemitism is vile, and is never tolerated in our schools.
When we receive reports of antisemitism, including those described in the article, we always respond and take action to keep our students safe and issue appropriate consequences, including discipline.
While we do all we can to teach our students about the impact of their words and actions, incidents do occur. For more information about how we address these matters, please see my comments on the “06880” blog.
Today, I spoke with the director of the Connecticut ADL, as well as Rabbis Friedman (Temple Israel) and Wiederhorn (The Conservative Synagogue). They shared with me how members of the Jewish community are feeling, and we had a chance to talk about what we can do moving forward.
As one important step, I am looking forward to joining them in a community conversation next month. I also look forward to continuing these conversations with other members of our community.
We will continue to be vigilant in the face of antisemitism and all other forms of hate. Of course, there’s always more work to be done. We ask that you continue to share any concerns you have with members of our administrative team.
A Newsweek “My Turn” column alleging antisemitism in Westport — and charging the school district with a lack of response — has turned a national spotlight on the town.
Andrew Goldberg begins:
I didn’t know what hurt more: The antisemitism directed at our seventh-grade son or our public school administration’s attempts to silence us about what happened to him.
Both seared like a brand.
Goldberg — identified in a bio note as “an Emmy Award-winning documentary producer and director” — says that his son was taunted in 6th grade.
It escalated, Goldberg says, in 7th grade, and progressed to “targeted antisemitism.”
A friend invited him to sign up for “Camp Auschwitz,” with “great showers,” Goldberg writes. The same boy then began saying “We must exterminate the Jews” — a chant he heard watching “South Park” with Goldberg’s son.
Goldberg says the school responded with an “interrogation” of his son, and a safety plan that included sitting at another lunch table. He did not think the school was addressing antisemitism, or using it as a teachable moment for students and faculty.
Goldberg continues, “Word spread in our town. In its retelling, we were villains.”
He says that the bullying of his son continued. Friends dropped away. Feeling out of options, Goldberg and his wife enrolled their son in a private Jewish school.
Goldberg hired an education attorney, who asked the Westport Public Schools to help offset some of the tuition of the new school, and answer questions about training and policies to deal with what had happened to Goldberg’s son.
Their answers, he says, were “far too little, much too late.”
Goldberg and his wife felt the confidentiality clause in a settlement agreement was too prohibitive. They refused to sign,
In the aftermath of Hamas’ attack on Israel, Goldberg writes, “Now, more than ever, speaking out about antisemitism is needed. Remaining silent was simply something we could not do.
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“06880” asked superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice for a comment. He says:
“The Westport Public Schools categorically rejects antisemitism and has no tolerance for antisemitism or any other form of hate. We address each issue and report head-on as they arise. Our response is done in a manner designed to help students feel safe and welcome in our schools.
“It is deeply saddening to know that our community members, specifically members of our Jewish community, have concerns that we do not take these matters seriously, particularly at this point in time. Although our hope is that the words below convey our commitment to no tolerance for any form of hate, we know that it is the actions that we take, proactively and responsively, that matter most.
“Across our schools, the district provides student programming and staff training from reputable institutions such as Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and other organizations to help foster a school climate in which students feel a sense of safety and belonging.
“It is understandable that community members will have serious concerns when they hear stories that paint a very different picture. In full disclosure, this is a challenge because we have a duty and commitment to honor student privacy rights. However, we can assure the community we are absolutely vigilant in addressing discrimination, harassment, and other forms of hate-based conduct.
“When reports are made with us about student interactions, in school or outside of school hours, including allegations of bias or hate-based discriminatory conduct, our schools immediately respond with our Identity-Based Incident’ protocol, established to implement the Board of Education Hate-Based Conduct’ policy (#0525).
“The response is centered on the following steps: (1) thoroughly investigate and ensure student safety, (2) address (i.e. consequences for substantiated acts, learning experiences), (3) restore relationships.
“Our response to these concerns always includes prioritizing the safety of students first, which usually means creating a safety plan, while incorporating parent feedback, for the students involved as we investigate.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.
“We then conduct a thorough investigation and, depending on our findings, address substantiated findings in a variety of ways. This includes disciplinary consequences, longer-term safety measures, interventions to address the school climate, training for staff, and learning opportunities for students. When all parties are ready, we create and facilitate opportunities for the students involved to restore relationships within the school community.
“While our response to concerns of hate-based conduct is critical, a vitally important aspect of our program includes implementing proactive measures for students that foster a school climate in which students feel safe and welcome.
“To that end, we have provided programs to our students to help them understand the impact of their words and actions on others. Some of these programs include the Second Step SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) curriculum (e.g. empathy and kindness lessons, and perspective taking), ADL ‘identity-based’ anti-bullying lessons, the Responsive Classroom model, the Ruler program, heritage month celebrations, using our 6-12 advisory programs (e.g., ‘Connections’) to lead discussions on these topics.
“Staff professional development programs addressing this need have included: ADL scenario-based training (i.e. responding to bias/hate-based incidents), training on microaggressions/subtle acts of exclusion, and school-based DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging) committee book clubs. In addition, given our commitment to this work, the district has begun to explore the pathway for a ‘No Place for Hate’ designation by the ADL.
“As always, we invite community members to share any concerns about their experiences in our schools. We are committed to maintaining a school climate that is safe and welcoming to all, and we recognize that there is always more work to be done.
“We look forward to partnering with the community in confronting these difficult issues.”
Click here to read the full Newsweek column by Andrew Goldberg.
The 1880 Victorian just north of Saugatuck Elementary School — owned by the town, and used previously by the Board of Education — will include 5 apartments. Four are for people with special needs; one will be rented to a staff member, who also qualifies under regulations for affordable housing.
The off-site affordable housing is part of the Richmondville Mill project. Funding came from Sam Gault and Joe Feinleib.
It’s a great example of public/private cooperation to address affordable housing needs. The town gets a $500,000 prepaid lease, on property it still owns. The historic house got a $2 million restoration (and landscaping) through Redniss & Mead.
Abilis — the 72-year-old nonprofit serving over 800 people with special needs — gets a completely redone home, gratis, for clients. Each unit includes a kitchenette and private bath
The town gets moratorium points toward affordable housing units — without going through the contentious 8-30g process.
Once a certificate of occupancy is granted, residents and a staff member will move in.
Representative Town Meeting member Matthew Mandell rose, at Tuesday’s meeting, and requested time to speak on a subject he feels strongly about: antisemitism.
Less than 72 hours after announcing a holiday fund drive to heat 2,000 homes for the winter in Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine, we’re already more than 3/4 of the way to our goal.
We’re aiming for $60,000. That would pay for 2 wood pellet machines. Each would heat 1,000 homes — all heavily damaged in the Russian invasion, and all filled with families facing a cold, bleak winter.
Thanks to 2 large anonymous donations, and dozens of smaller ones, we’ve raised $48,112. We are less $12,000 away from helping 2,000 people — many of them elderly, and children — in the war-torn town.
Come on, Westport! Let’s close this out today! $30 will heat one apartment for the winter. $300 will heat 10. Any gift — of any amount — will make the winter bearable, in our sister city.
To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!
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The short block of Rayfield Road between Post Road East and Spicer Road is public — and gets plenty of traffic.
For years, Volvo of Westport used both sides as a parking lot. After many complaints, the Board of Selectwomen voted to ban parking there. The “No Parking” signs went up a month ago.
Big deal.
Volvo — and others — continue to park there.
This was the scene Wednesday, at 2 p.m.: 6 cars. Plus a tractor-trailer.
Police: Take note!
(Photo/Arthur Hayes)
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Speaking of parking … a reader sends a photo from yesterday morning, at the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve:
He writes: “Granted, there might not be huge demand for the very limited parkin spaces this time of year.
“But there were 4 commercial vehicles parked there, presumably by contractors working on a nearby house.
“I know there’s not much available parking down here. But those few spaces are intended for residents’ recreational use.”
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50,000 copies of “Agent Orange” — the new book by Westport author and Vietnam veteran Carl Addison Swanson — have been delivered to 4 regional VA offices. They’ll be distributed free to former servicemembers.
“The dreadful chemicals, some 19 million pounds, sprayed on Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos during the war have now murdered over 300,000 veterans since we left Vietnam in 1975,” Swanson notes.
Click here for more information on the book, and to order. Click here for Swanson’s website.
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Ring cameras capture some plenty of prosaic scenes.
And some pretty interesting ones.
But even the cutest deer nuzzling up against a door, or the most brazen thief running away with an Amazon delivery, can’t compare with this video, from a couple of nights ago, in the Cranbury neighborhood:
Screenshot of Ring video (courtesy of Brian McGunagle)
That’s right. You’ve always been told there’s no such thing as a unicorn.
It was 10 years ago yesterday that the almost instantly popular restaurant opened in Playhouse Square.
To celebrate — and for a limited time only — they’re offering a Morning Zest Parfait.
It’s made with morning zest granola, Greek yogurt, almost butter and strawberry compote, it’s part of TGB’s 10th anniversary menu. The Classic Parfait, Shrek, Granola Bowl, Dana, The Good Date, Very Berry and Lemon Drop are all just $10.
And — if you use the discount code “GC10” — you get 10% off online gift cards. The offer is only good through (of course) December 10.
The Staples football team hopes for a great turnout tomorrow (Saturday, December 9, 5 p.m., Central Connecticut State University’s Arute Field), for their state “LL” (extra large schools) championship game against West Haven.
But if you can’t make it to New Britain, there’s a livestream. Click here (and follow the prompts to subscribe).
As exciting as the game is, it’s tinged with tragedy. Christopher Fidalgo-Pugh — a sophomore player for West Haven — died suddenly on Tuesday.
Carmen Roda — Westport Parks & Recreation Department operations manager, and director of the Fairfield County Football League — is helping raise funds for funeral costs. Click here for the GoFundMe link.
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This bobcat looked right at home yesterday, hanging out on a deck off Wilton Road and posing for his “Westport … Naturally” close-up.
And finally … Denny Laine — the singer/songwriter/guitarist who co-founded both the Moody Blues and Wings — died Tuesday in Florida. He was 79, and suffered from interstitial lung disease. Click here for a full obituary.
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on the support of readers like you. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)
The Westport Community Gardens/Babe Ruth baseball field saga continues.
A week after the Long Lots School Building Committee recommended relocating the gardens to Baron’s South, the Parks & Recreation Commission voted to place the diamond where the garden is now, just south of the elementary school.
Meeting last night at Town Hall, commissioners spoke about field use and scheduling, including possibilities for new fields to allow the gardens to remain.
Community members spoke. Issues raised included possible toxic chemicals at Baron’s South; the importance of fields for youngsters; the importance of the gardens for mental health and the environment, and contrasts between how often the gardens and Long Lots baseball field are used.
Commissioners then read prepared statements, favoring the baseball field over the gardens. They hope to keep as much of the Long Lots Preserve as possible, as a buffer for neighbors.
Other town bodies will now continue to discuss the entire Long Lots project, including the Board of Finance, Board of Education, Conservation Commission and Representative Town Meeting.
The Parks & Recreation Commission voted that a new Babe Ruth baseball field should replace the Westport Community Gardens.
Yesterday, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker acknowledged recent antisemitic incidents in Westport, like the vandalism of an Israeli flag. She said:
“Hate incidents are on the rise in the US following the deadly terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Specifically, antisemitic incidents have increased by 388% according to a report released by the ADL last week.
“This data is shocking and horrifying. Leaders like me all around the country, in large cities and in small towns, are monitoring these trends and communicating with organizations like the ADL and our local clergy to publicly stand against these incidents in our communities.
“I want the residents and business owners of Westport to know that there is no place for hate — no place for antisemitic behavior — in Westport. Our community strongly rejects hate in all forms. The safety and well-being of each member of our community are my top priority and that of Police Chief Foti Koskinas. If you hear something or see something, please report it.
“We are here for you. We want you to feel safe, and heard. We want you to know that you are a valued member of our community, that you belong here. It is up to all of us to stand together and speak up – clearly and unequivocally – against hate, and specifically antisemitism, and any language or actions that feed or normalize it. Again, when one of us is harmed, we are all harmed.”
A defaced Israeli flag was found near Temple Israel last weekend.
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Fairfield County Hunt Club has withdrawn its Planning & Zoning Commission application to construct to construct 2 pickleball courts, along with a proposed tennis court expansion and parking lot modification.
At a recent meeting, commission members and neighbors questioned the plan, focusing on noise and related issues.
A revised plan may be resubmitted in the future, the Hunt Club says.
This is the second application to be taken off of next Monday’s meeting agenda. Yesterday, the town withdrew its application for a redesign of Parker Harding Plaza.
It bears repeating: The second “bridge slide” is set for this weekend (Friday, November 3, 8 p.m. to Monday, November 6, 6 a.m.). Traffic throughout town will be heavier than usual.
Westport Country Playhouse archivist Bruce Miller led the Y’s Women through 93 years of history yesterday.
He described the 1930 beginning, when Broadway producer Lawrence Langner bought a barn and hired a set designer, through Stephen Sondheim’s apprenticeship, and the Joanne Woodward-led renovation 2 decades ago.
Miller took his guests backstage, showing the lighting and sound board; onto the storied stage, then downstairs to see the dressing rooms, green room, and “wall of honor” with head shots of actors who have performed there, including Tyrone Power, Henry Fonda, Ethel Barrymore, Gene Kelly, Olivia de Havilland, and of course Paul Newman.
Y’s Women begin their tour in the Westport Country Playhouse lobby.
Trombonist Steve Davis and musical partner/pianist David Hazeltine headline this week’s Jazz at the Post.
Davis has appeared on over 100 recordings, while Hazeltine has been on hundreds more.
Also on the bill: Jason Tiemann (drums), Rich Zurkowski (bass) and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall (saxophone).
The 2 shows are this Thursday (November 2, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $15 cover charge). Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com
A new panelist has been added to Sunday’s TEA (Thinkers, Educators, Artists) talk at the Westport Library (2 p.m.).
The event — which explores the impact of artificial intelligence on the arts — will now include Luciano Floridi. A professor of philosophy at Yale University, he’s also founding director of the Digital Ethics Center. He writes extensively about the philosophy of information and technology, digital ethics and the ethics of AI.
He joins Brian Keane, the Grammy Award-winning composer/producer (and a 1971 Staples graduate), Westport Public Schools K-12 arts coordinator Steve Zimmerman, and arts consultant Liz Liggett. Click here for more information.
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In case you don’t have kids, and (somehow) forgot: Today is Halloween.
But flowers still bloom. Lauri Weiser sent this photo of the scene at Lansdowne condos, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:
(Photo/Lauri Weiser)
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And finally … everyone plays “Monster Mash” today.
But this if my favorite Halloween song:
(No candy for “06880,” thanks. But if you really want to give us something, a tax-deductible contribution would be sweet. Please click here. Thanks. Now we won’t toilet paper your house.)
Last week, Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice sent a message to the community about videos being shared by students on social media.
Federal privacy laws prevented him from providing details.
Rumors swirled, as adults then took to social media. A number of readers contacted Scarice and “06880,” asking why the local media was not covering an incident that was offered as “fact,” but was actually based on misinformation.
Yesterday, Scarice offered this follow-up message:
Over the weekend, I heard from a number of school community members who expressed serious concerns about a video, created outside of school, that has been circulating among families and over social media.
Today, I have reached out and spoken to most of those community members who contacted me. I will not be able to call each one so I will provide the following information.
I cannot share specific information about student matters because of federal student privacy laws. However, given the circumstances and level of anxiety, I will share the following:
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.
First, I want to reiterate what I stated in community messages on October 9 and 13: “Categorically together with you, the Westport Public Schools stand against, and condemn, all forms of hate and violence.”
Without question, the Westport Public Schools condemns antisemitism and all other forms of hate.
The circulated video in question was created before October 7, 2023. It was not a re-enactment of the atrocities in Israel that began after its creation.
It was an appalling, distressing video that was addressed swiftly and firmly by the administration, in collaboration with the Westport Police Department, after it was brought to our attention.
The school administration, and the Westport police, in consultation with the state’s attorney’s office, investigated the video in question and could not substantiate any threat directed to specific Jewish people or to the Jewish population more generally, nor that the video targeted any Jewish person.
These points do not minimize that the video in question is disturbing and has caused hurt and upset to those who have viewed it. Its circulation at this moment in time is especially painful.
I want to assure the community that we do not tolerate this behavior, that we are addressing this matter, and that we address all matters in ways that are appropriate and sensitive to all students and community members involved.
As always, if you have any information of hate-based conduct, please make a report to the building administration.
In the wake of Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel, disturbing lawn signs appeared in Weston.
Last week, Rabbi Michael Friedman of Westport’s Temple Israel and Rev. Bernard Wilson of Weston’s Norfield Congregational Church sent this open letter to residents of the town:
On Sunday morning, a new set of political lawn signs appeared around town. They referenced candidates running for selectman with the phrase, “Ham & Baloney: more of the same ol’ leftovers for Weston.”
It happens that the targeted candidates are both Jewish, and that these signs were often placed next to lawn signs depicting the Israeli flag.
The reference to pork products, regarding two Jewish candidates, placed next to the flag of Israel, just days after Israel was attacked adds up to an impact that is antisemitic.
Rabbi Michael Friedman
More broadly, we are concerned for the tenor of political discourse in our town and our nation. As a community we want to be in dialogue with each other. We want discourse that affirms, encourages, emboldens and inspires. While we support the right of all Westonites to voice their support for issues or candidates, negative or oppositional messaging coarsens the discourse of our community.
In this community we work hard to raise awareness of how hateful words make others feel. In this case members of the Jewish community feel targeted. We would say the same regarding language that isolates and stokes fear against people of color and our Muslim community. Derogatory language towards any faith, religion or race has no place here.
We believe that human beings generally have good intentions. But sometimes even the best of intentions may have an unanticipated harmful impact. Our hope in writing this letter is to strengthen the fabric of our community and further build the culture of inclusion that so many of us value here in Weston.
In peace,
First Selectwoman Sam Nestor added these thoughts:
This weekend, various signs were strategically placed throughout our town, and unfortunately they have sparked fears and concerns amongst our families. Further, the subsequent discussion has shown a divide among our community.
1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor
In my capacity as a town leader, it is crucial that I address the matter of these signs and emphasize their inappropriate nature. Regardless of whether they were deliberately designed to be so, the Jewish families in our community, including myself, perceive them as being antisemitic. It is of utmost importance that we approach this issue with the seriousness it deserves and truly listen to the concerns raised.
To gain a better understanding of the situation at hand, I have taken the time to consult with esteemed faith leaders and advisors. I strongly urge everyone to not dismiss this matter when it arises, but rather, to speak up and take a stand against it.
These signs have had a profound impact on our Jewish community members, leaving them feeling a range of emotions: unsafe, unwelcome, unheard.
Our neighbors are in pain, and as a community, we have the responsibility to support each other. I sincerely hope that you will stand with me in assuring our community that we will not tolerate the infiltration of antisemitism within our town. Together, we can make a difference.
Westport Police are investigating hate flyers, found today on driveways in the Partrick Road neighborhood.
The flyers — in plastic baggies, weighted down with rice — included content that was “somewhat random and incoherent,” a WPD statement said, “but was antisemitic in nature.”
The tagline said, “Every single asset of abortion is Jewish.” The flyer listed prominent Jewish men whose work, it claims, was responsible for easing restrictions on terminating pregnancies and allowing the availability of contraceptives.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker said, “I am grateful to the Police for managing this latest issue with expediency and professionalism. Westport will use all of its available resources to combat this hate and to strongly message that these statements and sentiments do not have a place here in Westport.”
“In collaboration with the Connecticut ADL, TEAM Westport and local officials, we will continue to make strides to ensure that Westport is a place where everyone is welcome, and everyone feels that they belong. Safety is always a top priority.”
TEAM Westport Chairman Harold Bailey, Jr. added, “This hate-filled vitriol is an assault on the fabric and values of every segment of the Westport community. We all stand in solidarity as Westporters in our firm rejection of both the message and messenger.”
Police ask anyone in the Partrick Road area to review surveillance cameras from yesterday evening (Sunday, July 19) through today, and report anything suspicious to the Detective Bureau: 203-341-6080.
Last night, Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice provided an update on Friday’s allegations of antisemitic and racist behavior in Cheshire, at the Staples High School football game. He wrote:
As the community is aware, there were allegations made on social media Friday evening, including: antisemitic and racist comments made in the stands, the presence of a Confederate flag, and the waving of an Israeli flag. School administrators and law enforcement from both Cheshire and Westport immediately commenced investigations.
Because of the rise in reports of antisemitic and racist incidents, we also immediately sought input from the Anti-Defamation League office in Connecticut. ADL works with schools and law enforcement to help ensure incidents are addressed appropriately.
The Cheshire Public Schools administration and the Cheshire Police Department have been most collaborative and in constant communication with our administration and police department, sharing information and supporting each other’s investigation. We are most grateful for this cooperation.
Today, we were informed by Cheshire Superintendent Jeff Solan and Chief of Police Neil Dryfe that their investigation has determined that the Israeli flag was not intended to intimidate Jewish people or motivated by antisemitism. Police reports indicate that the students who brought and waved the flag are Jewish, and have shared that they brought the flag to the game because it was a school spirit “Red, White & Blue Nite” in the student section.
Screen shot of the Israeli flag, in the Cheshire High School student section. It was later removed. (Photo/Jenny Bradshaw for Inklings)
At this point in the ongoing investigation — which includes the review of photos, video, and interviews with numerous students, staff, and police officers – there is no corroborating evidence to substantiate the presence of a Confederate flag.
Additionally, we were informed by the Cheshire Superintendent and Police Chief that when Staples High School cheerleaders observed students in the stands waving an Israeli flag, and made a complaint to a Cheshire police officer, the officer informed the Cheshire High School administration and an administrator directed the students holding the Israeli flag to put it away. Fortunately the use of police body cams have confirmed this finding.
That said, the Westport Public Schools is fully committed to finishing our investigation by speaking with every student or community member personally impacted by these events. We will listen to each first person eyewitness account of these events and will reserve actions before concluding our investigation. Receiving this information from our Cheshire colleagues is helpful, yet we must fulfill our obligations to listen to each and every account. The administration will continue these efforts and provide ongoing updates to the community.
It is critical that the community understands the level of transparency and thoroughness that we have taken.
The Westport Public Schools and ADL, along with the Cheshire Public Schools, remain committed to fighting antisemitism and racism in any form and remain united in that effort. School administrators will be available to discuss this situation with any students who wish to do so. We are continuing to gather facts from eyewitnesses, so please allow us the time needed to fully assess what occurred and determine the appropriate response. Please contact us if you have relevant information.
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At a time when some leaders may hide behind jargon and policies, that is not what we are doing. We prohibit antisemitism and take action against it, including in this matter. I fear that accusing people of ignoring or minimizing antisemitism without having all the facts will make matters worse.
This comes at a time when there is a frightening rise in antisemitic incidents in our country. I know this, and am deeply saddened that our Jewish community is understandably feeling so vulnerable.
As one important step, I am looking forward to joining them in a community conversation next month. I also look forward to continuing these conversations with other members of our community.
