Event Wednesday In Fairfield Honoring Jewish American Heritage Month

Information from the Town of Fairfield:

FAIRFIELD, CT — First Selectman Bill Gerber announced Friday that the Town of Fairfield will issue a proclamation recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month on Wednesday, May 29 at 11:30 a.m., and invites all members of the public to join him at the ceremony. The event will be held in front of Old Town Hall at 611 Old Post Road. (Rain location will be at First Church Congregational, 148 Beach Road.) The proclamation highlights the heritage and contributions of Jewish Americans and the significant role of the Jewish community in Fairfield, and urges all residents to condemn antisemitism. The First Selectman will emphasize Fairfield’s commitment to remaining an inclusive and respectful environment where all people can live in peace and safety.

After the proclamation, the First Selectman will adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s description of antisemitism for the Town of Fairfield.

Guest speakers at the event will include Rabbi’s from local congregations and interfaith clergy. Speakers include Rabbi Josh Ratner of Or Hadash, the Reverend Vanessa Rose of First Church Congregational and the Reverend Alida Ward of Greenfield Hill Congregational Church, as well as Fairfield Police Chief Robert Kalamaras, Fairfield Public Schools Superintendent Michael Testani, and other speakers. The Fairfield Jewish Advocacy Coalition (FJAC) has been instrumental in bringing this message emphasizing education, awareness and understanding to the community, and will also participate in the event.

In a statement published earlier this month, Gerber said, “The Jewish community is a welcome and valued part of the Town of Fairfield, rooted in our history and in our hearts. I ask that every Fairfield resident stand with me in an attitude of zero tolerance for any act that subjugates or diminishes another human being, whether in speech, writing, visual forms or actions, or through stereotypes.”