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.
(Hat tip: Sarah Kerstin Gross)
