A former city councilor delivered a powerful testimony at the Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism in Massachusetts, shedding light on the alarming rise of antisemitism in East Hampton schools. Owen Zarratt, a Jewish leader and parent, expressed deep concern over the systemic failures in addressing hate against Jewish students, recounting personal experiences that highlight a troubling trend of discrimination and neglect.

Zarratt's testimony detailed instances of overt antisemitism, including Nazi salutes and graffiti, which he claimed went unpunished by school officials. He emphasized that Jewish students deserve equal access to education and protection from hate, yet many have faced harassment and intimidation. One particularly heartbreaking account involved a child who was forced to remove his Jewish star out of fear, ultimately leading to his withdrawal from school.

Despite Zarratt's efforts to advocate for a municipal resolution against antisemitism, he faced resistance from city leaders who dismissed his concerns and minimized the impact of hate incidents. He described a culture of concealment and retaliation within the school district, where administrators ignored reports of antisemitism and even attempted to censure him for his advocacy.

Zarratt contrasted East Hampton's response to antisemitism with that of neighboring communities, which he noted had taken proactive measures to address similar issues. He called for accountability and action, urging the commission to recognize the gravity of the situation and to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.

His testimony serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective policies and practices to combat antisemitism and ensure the safety and dignity of all students, regardless of their background. As Zarratt poignantly stated, "Jews do count, and we need to be heard, and we need to be treated with dignity and respect."