Fairfield's police chief, the superintendent of schools and other officials denounced hate, racism and antisemitism Wednesday in light of recent acts of vandalism.

They encourage residents to say something if they see something and to report any incidents to police.

Officials say now is the time for residents to come together and support the Jewish community.

Rabbi Josh Ratner from Or Hadash wants to remind people that words matter and everyone needs to call out hate.

"This is not just an issue for Jews. This is an issue for all of us. We all have a stake in calling out hate and calling out evil. The Nobel laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel once said the opposite of hate is not love. The opposite of hate is indifference. We can not afford to be indifferent," says Ratner.

Chabad of Fairfield is responding to acts of hate by offering Jewish homes in Fairfield a free mezuzah. A mezuzah is a scroll with biblical verses written on it that is rolled up and attached to the right doorframe of the entrance to a home. "Acts of terror are meant to intimidate, but we will not be intimidated," says Rabbi Shlame Landa.

The Connecticut Anti-Defamation League reports hate incidents have increased 295% since Oct. 7 compared to the same time period as last year.