The Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and the Jewish community of Connecticut are deeply saddened by the racially motivated shooting that took place last night at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. We strongly condemn this violent and heinous act of discrimination.

We stand with the people of Charleston, the city's faith community, and the congregants of the Emanuel AME Church today as they confront the most horrific of acts ‐ the hateful slaughter of nine in a holy sanctuary.

Hate crimes attack both individual victims and entire communities. They are meant to isolate and terrorize. We stand in direct contrast: We are an inclusive and pluralistic community, one that cherishes life and recognizes that every person is created in the divine image.

Howard

Howard Sovronsky
President & CEO