WAYLAND — The following is a joint statement from Town Manager Michael McCall, Wayland Public Schools Superintendent David Fleishman, and Police Chief Ed Burman:
“On Wednesday, March 5, at about 8:29 a.m., Wayland Police were made aware that an antisemitic symbol (a swastika) had been painted on the Wayland Community Pool at 258 Old Connecticut Path.
“The Police Department documented this and opened a criminal investigation, and then the hateful symbol was quickly painted over by the Facilities Department. The area of the graffiti is not lit at night, and the area is partially blocked by a tree. However, given that this incident occurred on a main road in our town, there is concern that members of our community, including school students, may have seen the symbol.
“Wayland Public Schools immediately notified families of the incident and are reaching out to students and adults who are directly impacted by this act of hate.
“We are deeply saddened and angered to hear of this incident. This hateful act does not reflect Wayland’s values and will not be tolerated in our Town. Hatred will be called out and denounced in all its forms, and we will not tolerate incidents such as this one violating our nation’s basic principles and attempting to intimidate our community members.
“As always, our priority remains to ensure the safety and security of our community. The Wayland Police Detective Unit is actively investigating and will prosecute anyone found defacing property with hate speech or symbols. The Department has also contacted the Anti-Defamation League, a key partner in battling and responding to acts of hate. The ADL leadership team will support the Police Department and community members during this investigation.
“We urge anyone who has information regarding this incident or who noticed suspicious activity in the area of Old Connecticut Path to call the Wayland Police Department at 508-358-4721 or the Anonymous Tip Line at 508-358-1726.
“We are committed to fostering an atmosphere where everyone in Wayland feels safe, supported, and welcomed. We are at our best as a community when we can live without fear of violence, discrimination, exclusion, or humiliation.
“As members of the Wayland community, we extend our unconditional support and solidarity to anyone who has been victimized by antisemitism, through this incident or any other act. We are committed to continuing to provide resources, support, and education to guide our community away from hate.
“This morning, leadership representatives from the Town of Wayland, Wayland Public Schools, Wayland Police, Rabbi Danny Burkeman of Temple Shir Tikva and Rabbi David Finkelstein of Congregation Or Atid met to discuss the incident and evaluate how we can best support the community during this time.
“We are involved in conversations with community organizations such as the Wayland Community Action Network and the Human Rights Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee to support them in organizing community events so that we may all stand in solidarity against hate.
“Lastly, we would like to share the following sentiments from valued religious leaders Rabbi Burkeman and Rabbi Finkelstein.
“‘Given rising levels of antisemitism in this country, it is unsurprising that our Town has once again been desecrated by the drawing of a swastika in a public space. The response to this hateful act cannot be from the Jewish community alone; our Town must come together to unequivocally reject antisemitism to ensure that Jews, and all other residents, feel safe and welcomed here in Wayland,’ said Rabbi Burkeman.
“‘As the rabbi of Congregation Or Atid, one of Wayland’s Jewish institutions, I strongly condemn this act of vandalism and hate placed where many of our children and educators were exposed to it. I appreciate the responsiveness of Chief Burman, the administration of Wayland Public Schools and the township, and I look forward to the responses of Wayland residents and their expression of support for their neighbors who are targeted by hate,’ said Rabbi Finkelstein.
“We are working with Rabbi Burkeman and Finkelstein to connect with the appropriate resources to ensure our Jewish community affected by this incident is supported.”
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