March 21, 2025

Dear Weston Families,

We appreciate that the clergy serving Weston have issued the statement below.  We hope you find it helpful and encourage you to contact the Board with your comments and suggestions.

Sincerely,

Steven Ezzes, Board Chairman

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Dear Weston Community,

Echoing the words used by Weston BOE chair Steve Ezzes in his message on Wednesday, we too are “full of sadness and frustration” at the unacceptable repeated appearance of swastikas in the Weston Public Schools. These incidents occur in a context of rising antisemitism and a sense of heightened vulnerability within the Jewish community following the October 7 attack.

Along with our interfaith partners who are supporting this letter, we are committed to opposing antisemitism, bigotry, racism and discrimination in all its forms. We likewise stand united in support of one another when any of our faith communities feels unsafe.  

Today we say clearly: It is essential that our schools are a safe place for ALL our children.  

We emphasize that Weston is a strong, safe Jewish community. We want Weston to remain a great place to raise Jewish children, and a place where people of all faiths feel comfortable and welcome.  

As leaders of the Jewish community, we are grateful for the wonderful support we have received from neighbors, including PTO leaders, and school administrators. The district has reached out to us with a desire to collaborate in solving what they have acknowledged is a significant problem in our schools.

In dialogue with district leaders, we proposed the following step, to which the administration quickly agreed. The district will post a notice in many public spaces, including restrooms and locker rooms, where many of these incidents seem to have occurred. The message, which will be adjusted for age-appropriate language, will make clear that anyone who writes hate symbols like a swastika or other expressions of hate will be subject to meaningful consequences which could include suspension or expulsion.

We believe clear public messaging and accountability are important steps in halting this awful pattern, establishing consequences for students, and most importantly changing the culture. It is impossible for school leaders to guarantee that antisemitic incidents will not happen. However, they can create the proper atmosphere and culture within the school, accompanied by the proper curricula and policies.

We are grateful for the many additional helpful suggestions offered by the PTOs and other parent groups. We know that the district leadership will take them seriously and will explore many of them.

Please know that we are available for support and guidance as our community moves forward together.  

L’shalom – in peace,

Rabbi Michael S. Friedman, Temple Israel

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, The Community Synagogue

 

In Solidarity,

Rev Katy Piazza, Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Rev Bernard R. Wilson, Norfield Congregational Church