Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut-JFACT

08/04/2026

Dear Friends,

Early voting is underway, and if you have not yet cast your ballot, you can vote today.

Too often, primary elections receive only a fraction of the participation of general elections. Yet primary elections frequently determine who will ultimately hold public office. When turnout is low, a relatively small number of voters can have an outsized impact on the outcome, making it more likely that candidates from the ideological extremes advance. If we want elected officials who represent the broad interests of our communities, we must participate in the democratic process.

This year, Connecticut voters have an important opportunity to shape the future of our state. In addition to several significant local races, Democrats will also choose their nominee for Governor, one of the most consequential offices in Connecticut. These elections will have a lasting impact on the policies and leadership that shape our communities for years to come.

As a Jewish community, our voice matters. Voting is one of the most powerful ways we demonstrate that we are engaged citizens who care deeply about our state, our country, and the issues that affect Jewish life. We encourage every voter to take the time to learn about the candidates seeking office, examine their records, and consider how they have engaged with and supported the Jewish community, stood firmly against antisemitism, supported Israel and the enduring U.S.-Israel relationship, and approached issues important to our community over time.

JFACT does not endorse candidates, nor will we ever tell anyone how to vote. Our role is to encourage civic participation, strengthen our community's voice, and ensure that elected officials know Connecticut's Jewish community is engaged, informed, and committed to participating in our democracy.

The following community letter focuses on the Democratic Primary in Connecticut's 1st Congressional District, but it also contains important information for all voters about how to participate in this year's primary election, including early voting, absentee voting, and voter registration deadlines.

Community Letter Regarding the CT-1 Democratic Primary

Dear Friends,

On Tuesday, August 11, Connecticut will hold its Democratic primary election including an important race for our congressional seat (CT-1). This is one of the first genuinely competitive races in our area in quite some time, making it an especially meaningful opportunity for our community to participate.

As Jews and as citizens, taking part in our democracy is both a privilege and a responsibility. It is also critical that our community be known as one that participates in civic life on the local, state and federal levels. When we vote, we demonstrate that we are engaged, invested, and committed to the values and issues that matter to us. Our collective voice is strengthened when we as a Jewish community turn out and vote.

If you are a registered Democrat, take a moment to make a plan to vote. You can vote in person on August 11 at your respective polling site or during early voting between August 3 - August 9. Connecticut also offers no-excuse absentee ballots. You may request an absentee ballot here:

https://oabr-sots.ct.gov/OABR/absenteeBallotReqPortalHome.do

If you are currently unaffiliated, you can participate in the primary by enrolling as a Democrat by noon on August 10 to vote on Primary Day (August 11) or by noon on July 31 if you intend to vote during early voting. Party enrollment may be completed online at MyVote.CT.gov/register, by mail, or in person at your local Registrar of Voters office.

If you are a registered Republican or Independent, you are, unfortunately, not able to vote in this primary; however, we strongly encourage you to mark Tuesday, November 3, 2026 on your calendars for the next general election in our area.

There is often debate about how our Jewish community can best make its voice heard and advocate for the needs and values we hold dear. And it all starts with voting and making sure our voice counts. Our strength begins with our participation. Whether you vote on August 11, during the early voting period, or by absentee ballot, we urge you to make sure you vote!

Sincerely,

Rabbi Tuvia Brander
Young Israel of West Hartford

Rabbi Joseph Gopin
Rabbi Mendy Gopin
Chabad of Greater Hartford

Rabbi David Small
The Emanuel Synagogue

David Waren
Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford

Tara Cook-Littman
Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut

Ari Schaffer
CT For Israel

07/22/2026

07/16/2026

Thank Those Who Stood with Israel. Hold Those Who Didn't Accountable.

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives rejected Rep. Thomas Massie's dangerous amendment to eliminate the $3.3 billion in annual U.S. security assistance to Israel.
We are grateful that Congressman Jim Himes, Congressman Joe Courtney, Congressman John Larson, and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro all voted NO on this misguided amendment, reaffirming their commitment to Israel's security and the enduring U.S.-Israel alliance.

We are deeply disappointed that Congresswoman Jahana Hayes voted YES on the amendment. At a time when Israel continues to face unprecedented security threats from Iran and its terrorist proxies, this vote undermines a bipartisan commitment that has strengthened both American and Israeli security for decades.
Please take two minutes today to contact Connecticut's congressional delegation.
• If you are represented by Congressman Himes, Congressman Courtney, Congressman Larson, or Congresswoman DeLauro, please send a brief note thanking them for standing with Israel and supporting America's strategic interests. Positive reinforcement matters.�https://jfact.salsalabs.org/HimesCourtneyLarsonDelauro/index.html
• If you are represented by Congresswoman Hayes, respectfully let her know that you are deeply disappointed by her vote. Explain that security assistance to Israel is a vital investment in the U.S.-Israel alliance, advances American national security interests, and has long enjoyed bipartisan support. Encourage her to stand with Israel on future votes.�https://jfact.salsalabs.org/MassieAmendmentAlerttoHayesfinal/index.html

Members of Congress hear from constituents every day. A simple email or phone call can make a meaningful difference. Let's ensure Connecticut's delegation knows that our community is paying attention and expects strong, bipartisan support for the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Take action today. Thank those who stood with Israel—and respectfully hold those who did not accountable.

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives rejected Rep. Thomas Massie's dangerous amendment to eliminate the $3.3 billion in annual U.S. security assistance to Israel.

06/23/2026

Antizionist bigotry and hatred needs to be called out.

The Jusice Department’s Civil Rights Division has opened an investigation into a woke Park Slope coffee shop that denied service to a pro-Israel politician, and warned an enforcement action could b…

06/11/2026

Eight people, including several students from the University of Michigan, were indicted in federal court Wednesday, accused of threats of violence and destruction of property as part of anti-Israel activism.
Several of those arrested had participated in campus protests at the University of Michigan or written articles supporting the school’s divestment from Israel.

We appreciate law enforcement taking these threats against members of our community seriously and following through with their investigation.
These indictments send an important message that violence and destruction of property are never forms of legitimate political protest.

These arrests underscore our concerns that anti-Israel protests, especially on college campuses, can devolve into the antisemitic targeting of Jewish students, faculty, staff and administrators for violence and hate.
Intimidating and targeting Jewish students, faculty, staff or administrators and their families with violence and destruction of property cannot be justified as legitimate political protest.

The right to free speech never gives someone the right to destroy property or target people for violence. Threatening campus and community leaders and their families with violence is not protected speech. It is unacceptable conduct and has no place in civil society.

Disagreement can be expressed without threats, vandalism or intimidation, and those who cross that line must be held accountable.

The suspects are accused of traveling to the homes of university leaders, spray-painting threats, breaking windows and throwing glass jars filled with noxious chemicals into the homes. The homes of the university president and provost were targeted, along with the homes and offices of university regents, as well as the Jewish Federation of Detroit.
The suspects allegedly left threatening symbols used by Hamas, including inverted red triangles and red handprints, and shared the images on social media, including accounts linked to Jewish Voice for Peace and Unity of Fields.

The suspects also “discussed methods by which to harm their targets and their families, including poison, bombs and psychological torture,” according to the indictment.

Two of the defendants talked about wanting to “kill,” “torment” and “terrorize” university officials and their families, saying they had a “hit list” and that people “gotta die.”
They also discussed driving their car into people and burning down houses.
Several of the defendants also researched security for Jewish institutions and synagogues.

06/10/2026

JFACT - Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut
Standing Together for Safety & Justice

This has been a remarkable week for Connecticut's communities of faith. JFACT, standing side by side with our interfaith partners, was proud to be present at two landmark moments - a bill signing and a press conference - that will make real differences in the lives of every Connecticut resident who wishes to worship in safety and dignity.

LEGISLATIVE VICTORY
At an official bill signing ceremony, Governor Ned Lamont put his signature on historic legislation consolidating Connecticut's hate crimes statutes into a single, unified framework. JFACT was honored to stand with our interfaith partners as witnesses to this milestone.

The new law gives law enforcement clearer, stronger tools to identify, charge, and prosecute bias-motivated crimes - making it harder for hate to go unpunished in Connecticut.
For years, fragmented statutes made it difficult for prosecutors to bring hate crime charges with confidence. That changes now. By consolidating these laws, Connecticut sends a clear signal: acts of hatred against any person, because of their religion, race, ethnicity, or any other protected characteristic, will be met with the full force of the law.

JFACT thanks Governor Lamont and the legislators who championed this bill for their unwavering commitment to justice for all Connecticut communities.

SECURITY FUNDING
At a press conference attended by JFACT and our interfaith coalition partners, Governor Lamont announced $5 million in dedicated security grants for nonprofit organizations - with a focus on ensuring that every Connecticut resident can gather to worship in peace and safety.

These funds will help synagogues, churches, mosques, temples, and other faith communities invest in security infrastructure, training, and protective measures. No community should have to choose between opening its doors and keeping its members safe.

JFACT is proud to have been a voice at the table, alongside our interfaith partners, in advocating for this investment. We thank Governor Lamont for listening and for acting.

TAKE ACTION: Send your thanks to Governor Lamont
These victories belong to our entire community. Let Governor Lamont know that his actions matter - and that Connecticut's communities of faith are grateful for his leadership and partnership.

Contact Governor Lamont's office by clicking below.
https://jfact.salsalabs.org/thankugovlamontforstandingwiththejewishcommunityagainsthate

Senator Saud Anwar State Senator MD Rahman State Senator Derek Slap Office of Governor Ned Lamont

06/01/2026

Please take action today by clicking below to ask your members of Congress to support the Jewish Community Security Act which would authorize $1 billion for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, strengthen law enforcement support, improve protections for Jewish students, and increase accountability for online antisemitism.

https://speak4.app/lp/jt01enhl?ts=1779313873]&eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=8aff186d-ae92-45e5-b506-ac0b182097ef

Antisemitism is rising, and Jewish communities across the country continue to face serious security threats. Congress now has an...

05/26/2026

Thank you to from Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and Senator Saud Anwar for co-authoring this beautiful example of solidarity.

An attack on any house of worship is an attack on the American promise that people of every faith can live openly and securely. It is an attack on the idea that difference is not a threat to be feared, but a dignity to be honored.

05/21/2026

I wanted to introduce myself. I am thrilled to share that I have been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut (JFACT).

JFACT unites Connecticut’s seven Jewish Federations to amplify the collective voice of the Jewish community through advocacy, coalition building, education, and grassroots engagement.

Taking on a leadership role in the Jewish community at such a critical moment is both daunting and deeply meaningful. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to serve our community in this way.

I have long been deeply committed to food and environmental policy work — and I still care passionately about both. But after the atrocities of October 7th and the devastating aftermath felt by Jewish communities around the world, my Jewish heart and soul were shattered. I knew I needed to focus my skills, energy, and passion on helping my people.

I also know I cannot do this alone.

Much of my work will focus on organizing and empowering Connecticut’s Jewish community to use our collective voice to combat antisemitism, strengthen the relationship between Connecticut and Israel, and help our community flourish.

Just this past week we spent two days in Washington, D.C. alongside 15 other Connecticut advocates, meeting with our two senators and all five congressional offices. Together, we urged support for $1 billion in nonprofit security grants — funding that would help harden vulnerable institutions and provide security personnel so that people of all faiths can worship and celebrate safely.

We also advocated for the SACRED Act, legislation designed to establish safety buffer zones around houses of worship so that the disturbing scenes we have witnessed in places like New York City — where aggressive and violent protesters have blocked access to synagogues — cannot happen.

Finally, we urged support for the Jewish American Security Act, comprehensive legislation aimed at protecting Jewish communities nationwide. According to FBI data, two-thirds of all religious-motivated hate crimes target Jews, despite Jews representing only approximately 2% of the U.S. population.

I am profoundly grateful to Connecticut’s seven Jewish Federations for entrusting me with this opportunity to help lead and serve our community.

Please reach out. I would love to hear from you. We need all of you to join us. And by the way, as evidenced by the photos - we do this work with immense joy and fun because that is who we are. Chag Sameach and Shabbat Shalom!
- Tara Cook-Littman

Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven Jewish Federation of Western CT Jewish Federations of North America United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien,Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford Jewish Federation

04/22/2026

Every year JFACT arranges for the Israeli flag to be flown in front of the CT Capitol building for Israeli Independence Day. Happy Yom Ha’azmaut 🇮🇱 and thank you CT for supporting Israel.