28/04/2026
Anti-Semitism In Litchfield
A Jewish resident of the Fernwood Rest Home called state police on Saturday following three people attacking him with racial slurs and threats of violence. He was called "Jew Boy" and "Jewish Bastard" in an unprovoked incident by two residents and one staff member.
As police arrived those who were hurling the antisemitic slurs claimed it was "free speech" with the police warning them that it was not free speech, their behaivor was illegal, that it was hate speech which constitutes both a felony and or misdemeanors.
The targeted resident is not only a vulnerable member of the community, but also an individual with a background in public service - including law enforcement, military service in an anti-terror capacity, and crisis intervention.
Despite his professional experience and composure, no resident should ever be subjected to intimidation, hate-based harassment, or fear for their safety.
Violations of Connecticut Law
The conduct described above appears to violate multiple provisions of Connecticut law, including but not limited to:
Connecticut General Statutes § 46a-58
(Prohibits the deprivation of rights, privileges, or immunities secured by law based on religion)
Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-181
(Includes threatening behavior and use of abusive language likely to provoke violence)
Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-62
(Criminalizes threats of physical harm)
Connecticut General Statutes § 19a-550
(Guarantees nursing home residents the right to be free from mental and emotional abuse)
Violations of Federal Law and Regulations
The facility is also subject to federal regulations governing long-term care facilities, including:
42 CFR § 483.12
(Mandates that residents must be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation)
42 CFR § 483.10
(Guarantees dignity, respect, and a safe environment for all residents)
The failure to prevent, intervene, and adequately respond to this incident may constitute a serious regulatory violation, exposing the facility to state and federal enforcement action, penalties, and liability.
As the administrator of Fernwood conducts an investigation, and the State of Connecticut has yet to respond to the complaint, the Jewish resident, who has several witnesses, is filing a lawsuit.
