LTE: Elections Have Consequences

The following Letter to the Editor is by Fairfield resident Deirdre Campbell:

Antisemitism should not be a political tool. However, Fairfield Democrat party leaders have played that card.

I am shocked that First Selectman Gerber has been silent about the acts of antisemitic vandalism that occurred recently at the Fairfield train station. He has not disavowed these despicable actions.

As was pointed out by our former Selectwoman in a November, 2023, election-eve social media post urging voters to vote for Mr. Gerber, she stated “condemning acts of terrorism is essential and non-negotiable.” She claimed that the First Selectman has a duty to lead by example and stand against any form of hate, discrimination or violence. Throughout his time in public service, Bill Gerber has spoken out publicly against discrimination and has spoken for equity and justice for all. There is no imminent election now, but where is the outrage? The hypocrisy is incredible.

Where has Mr. Gerber been in disavowing the antisemitic events that occurred recently in town with the gluing of anti-Israel posters on public property? While one may claim that his silence does not necessarily show his lack of personal outrage, the failure to publicly denounce these actions may give the impression of hiding or diminishing the gravity of these acts. He has a duty to lead by example and stand against any form of hate, discrimination or violence. What is he trying to hide? Why do we, as residents and taxpayers, have to learn about these heinous acts through the local news and hear anything from our town leader?

I am reminded that at a recent Board of Selectmen meeting, where Mr. Gerber read into the record a proclamation, he refused to broaden the scope to address antisemitism and all types of hate. Stating to Selectwoman Kupchick who made the request to include antisemitism, that as a Jew, he was “embarrassed by her comments”. Silence from town leadership in the face of antisemitism, racism or any form of ethnic or religious-based persecution is its own kind of violence and is in itself embarrassing & unacceptable.

Deirdre Campbell
Fairfield, CT