Harckham’s Silence on Carmel School Trustee Controversy is Disturbing
Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the author/producer’s interpretation of facts and data.
I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding state Sen. Peter Harckham’s silence on the disturbing actions of Trustee Jim Wise and the wider implications of antisemitism in our community. As a self-proclaimed moderate, Harckham’s hesitance to publicly address the troubling behaviors of certain left-wing activists has left many of his constituents, myself included, feeling disappointed and disillusioned.
Given Wise’s position as a Carmel Board of Education trustee, his actions are particularly concerning. His recent censure by the school board and the calls for his resignation reflect the seriousness of the situation. Despite this, Harckham has remained silent on this issue and has not joined his colleagues in urging state Education Commissioner Betty Rosa to remove Wise from office.
While Harckham has repeatedly asserted his commitments to the Jewish community, it is troubling he has not spoken out against Wise’s behavior, especially in light of the rhetoric he has employed, including the defense of the slogan “From the River to the Sea,” a phrase commonly associated with Hamas and Hezbollah. To position any criticism of such a slogan as “deeply racist” not only undermines the concerns of many but also appears to support a narrative that is blatantly antisemitic.
Furthermore, it is imperative to recognize who the real perpetrators of violence are in the ongoing conflict. Rather than addressing Hamas and Hezbollah’s tactics of using civilians as shields, Wise seems to be blaming Israel and the United States for the violence in Gaza. This perspective is not only misguided but is harmful to the collective dialogue we need to foster as a community.
State Senate candidate Gina Arena has voiced the need for accountability and change, emphasizing that elected officials should not echo the rhetoric of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Her consistent stand against these ideologies speaks to the kind of leadership that our community deserves – a quality that is noticeably absent in Harckham’s current stance.
November’s election is an opportunity for voters to send a clear message: we need steady and principled leadership that stands against hate and bigotry in all its forms. If Harckham wishes to be seen as a leader for all constituents, it is time to take a stand.
I urge Harckham to reconsider his position and publicly call for Jim Wise’s resignation. Our community needs leaders who will not shy away from difficult conversations and who will prioritize integrity over partisanship.
Kim Zamparelli
Patterson
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