It was distressing to read about the proposed censure of Councilor Owen Zaret by the Easthampton City Council at the request of School Committee members, only days after witnessing what were unquestionably two enthusiastic Nazi salutes by the richest man in our country at the presidential inauguration of his close friend who is now the most powerful man in our country — and perhaps the world.

Councilor Zaret’s advocacy for the teaching of antisemitism in this time of increased antisemitic acts and rhetoric is necessary and laudable. His is but one voice speaking up, but he speaks for many.

After the Holocaust, Jews have been saying, “Never again!” Now is the time to put action behind those words. Zaret is passionate and persistent about the urgency of teaching about antisemitism, not only as a city councilor, not only as a Jew, but also as a citizen of the world. He should be heard, not censured.

Susan Adelson

Easthampton