To the Editor:

In a time of rising anti-Semitism in the US and across the world, the Jewish Federation of Western Connecticut feels compelled to comment on the news pertaining to a Waterbury businessman who dressed up as a Nazi when he was in college in 1980.

These images are not acceptable, and it is never acceptable to normalize such actions nor is it acceptable to derive humor from any act of genocide.

However, we are heartened when individuals who have done these things take responsibility and feel pain for the hurt they have inflicted on other groups.

We call for education, not punishment. The Federation and JFACT are grateful to Connecticut legislators for enacting the bill to mandate Holocaust and Genocide education to our youth. It is important to convey that mockery of mass killings is both offensive and hurtful.

We call on our schools, our institutes of higher education, and our houses of worship to unite in opposition to intolerance and all forms of anti-Semitism and discrimination.

As a Jewish communal organization, we partner with others, and this event is a reminder to us all to redouble our efforts and direct our energies to oppose symbols of hatred and discrimination.

Jade Stoltz, Executive Director

Jewish Federation of Western CT

Main Street North, Southbury         February 22, 2019