WEST HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT (January 7, 2021) – The Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Hartford condemn yesterday’s violent assault on the U.S. Capitol and extremist events that took place near several state capitols across the country. The brazen lawlessness on display threatened not only the lawful transition of power but also the democratic norms and values that have made the United States one of the most pluralistic, inclusive societies in history.

We are grateful to our elected representatives for their unwavering efforts to protect democratic values by returning to their chambers and certifying the results of the presidential election. We pray for their continued safety.

Members of extremist groups were prominent participants in the chaos in Washington yesterday, emboldened by spurious charges that the election was stolen. In recent years, extremist groups and ideologies have flourished, demonizing immigrants, Muslims, Blacks, Jews, and others.

As a Jewish community we are particularly attuned to the dangers of extremism, and we know that manifestations of bigotry ultimately threaten all of us. We also appreciate the fragility of the liberal, pluralistic values and constitutional protections that have enabled our community to flourish.

Ultimately, each of us has a responsibility to protect our democracy and combat extremism. To paraphrase John Stuart Mill, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good [people] to do nothing.” We are committed to working with elected officials, intergroup partners, and community leaders to safeguard our laws, liberty, and democracy and create a more respectful, inclusive society.

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The Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford protects and enhances the well-being of Jews worldwide through the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), tzedakah (charity and social justice) and Torah (Jewish learning).

The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford advocates, educates, collaborates, and mobilizes the Jewish community to ensure a strong and secure Jewish future. JCRC builds alliances within and outside the Jewish community, educating and galvanizing the community on issues of social justice, enhancing the community’s understanding of Israel, combating anti-Semitism and hate, and advocating for public policy consistent with Jewish values.