We-Ha.com welcomes Letters to the Editor from the public, including endorsements. Letters submitted by political candidates will be considered for publication up to 14 days prior to an election and most will be published within 48 hours of receipt. Letters that contain personal attacks or include profanity of any type will not be published. Rebuttals to letters should be submitted as a separate document, and commenting on letters will no longer be permitted. Please provide your full name and town, as well as your phone number at the end of the letter. Phone numbers will not be published but are required in case verification is needed. Please submit letters to [email protected].

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to the deeply disturbing incident that took place last week outside of Lox Stock and Bagel in West Hartford, where a man launched into a vile, antisemitic, and hateful tirade against local two Republican volunteers – including spitting at them and invoking Holocaust-related slurs. This attack, described all over the internet, was not only abusive but shockingly public, taking place in broad daylight where two men were just enjoying a beautiful day and a cup coffee. Not only was this repulsive, but this man was listening into a private conversation of two residents of West Hartford. People really need to mind their own business. (Editor’s note: The video of the incident can be viewed on YouTube here. Warning: includes profanity.)

This kind of hate has no place in our town, regardless of political affiliation. Antisemitism, when coupled with political intimidation, becomes a dangerous cocktail that erodes the foundation of civil society. It should outrage all of us – Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike – not because of who the victims are, but because of what it represents: a growing tolerance for hate in our public discourse. Plus, the quiet reaction from the party of “inclusion” the Democrat Party. Where is Kevin Sullivan, Shari Cantor, Derek Slap, Leon Davidoff, and the rest of the Democrat Party?? Their lack of reaction has been deafening and should wake up the Jewish Community here in West Hartford. The sad thing, this is what the Democrat Party has become – a party full of hate and antisemitism.

West Hartford has always prided itself on being an inclusive and respectful community. This incident runs directly counter to those values. Spitting on people, yelling antisemitic insults, and trying to incite fear cannot be ignored or minimized. It demands clear, bipartisan condemnation and swift accountability for those responsible.

We must also recognize that rising antisemitism is not a partisan problem, it’s a societal one, but becoming more partisan. The rhetoric we tolerate in politics and online is spilling into the streets. When violence, hate speech, or discrimination is excused due to political disagreement, we all lose.

I call on our local leaders, community organizations, and residents to stand together against this hatred. Let us reaffirm that public spaces belong to everyone, and that hate – whether based on religion, race, or political identity – will never be welcome in West Hartford.

Sincerely,
Dennis J. Swanton
West Hartford resident

(Dennis Swanton is the Vice-Chairman of the West Hartford Republican Town Committee)