Following the Assembly, top Jewish community leaders from Greater Hartford met with Connecticut Congressman John Larson in his office: (front row, l to r) Laurie Mandell, Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford Women’s Philanthropy chair; Judy Schlossberg, Federation immediate past chair; Anne Martha Pitigoff, vice chair, Federation Planning & Allocations; (back row, l to r) Howard Sovronsky, Federation interim president and CEO; Rep. Larson; and Michael Johnson, Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford president and CEO.

More than 600 Jewish community leaders from all across the country – among them several representatives of Connecticut’s Jewish organizations – gathered in the nation’s capital last week to take part in the National Leadership Assembly for Israel, organized by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. Held at the National Press Club, the event demonstrated the strong support of the American people for Israel and the enduring strength and vital significance of the U.S.-Israel special relationship. The Assembly’s featured speakers – including National Security Advisor Susan Rice, Israel Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer, Speaker of the House John Boehner and Congressman Eliot Engal – delivered a powerful message, reaffirming America’s commitment to Israel’s right to defend herself and stood firmly with Israel in its battle with Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza.