Connecticut Joins “Shine A Light,” an Unprecedented Coalition to Spotlight Antisemitism

With the goal of drawing attention to the number of antisemitic incidents on a dangerous upward spiral all across the country, the Jewish Federations of Connecticut, together with their respective Jewish Community Relations Councils, the Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut (JFACT) and ADL Connecticut, will join together to present “Shine A Light on Antisemitism” during the holiday of Chanukah.The statewide program will be presented in partnership with NAACP, Urban League, the Office for Catholic Social Justice Ministry of the Archdiocese of Hartford, and Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding (CCIU). The program will be held on Zoom as the Festival of Lights comes to a close on Monday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. and will feature a musical presentation by Cantor Julia Cadrain of Temple Israel in Westport; a talk by Oren Jacobson, co-founder of Project Shema; and a personal story told by Ellie Cooper of Middlefield, a recent college graduate and ADL volunteer.The Connecticut initiative (November 28 to December 6, 2021) is part of an unprecedented coalition of over 60 North American Jewish and non-Jewish organizations and corporations to launch Shine A Light. This national initiative will illuminate the dangers of antisemitism through education, community partnerships, workplace engagement, and advocacy.According to the annual ADL survey, there were 185 antisemitic incidents in Connecticut in 2020. During the same period, ADL tabulated 2,024 reported antisemitic incidents throughout the United States. This is the third-highest year on record since ADL began tracking antisemitic incidents in 1979. Across North America, antisemitism is on the rise. In 2020, 57.5% of all religiously motivated hate crimes were against Jews, who make up just 2% of the U.S. population.In addition to attending the virtual event, Connecticut residents of all faiths are encouraged to use the hashtag #shinealightCT on their social media accounts during Chanukah (November 28 - December 6) to voice their support for the Jewish community. Visit www.shinealightCT.org for resources, event registration, and more ways to help.