May 20, 2005 – The ceremonies commemorating Yom HaShoah held at the State Capital in Hartford every year are somber and touching. They take place in the majestic State Senate chambers, and the standing room audience always senses its solemnity. This was the 27th year that Connecticut observed Yom HaShoah in this way.
Many of Connecticut’s Jewish organizations join with each other to present this event, and Bob Fishman and the Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut, JFACT, helps put it all together. Each Federation alternately hosts the event, and this year it was UJA/Federation of Westport-Weston-Wilton-Norwalk’s (WWWN) turn. In addition to memorializing the Shoah, five liberators of the death camps were honored and one, Gilbert Reiter, delivered the keynote speech. As always, Jewish war veterans participated in the ceremony, and this year were joined by Russian Jewish veterans who now live in Connecticut.
Lt. Gov. Kevin Sullivan, who as Speaker Pro Tempore of the State Senate so capably chaired the ceremonies for many years, yielded the gavel to President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams Jr. Westport’s Staples High School provided the Staples Orphenians who sang “Ani Maamin,” “Blessed is the Match” and “Zog Nit Keimnol.” Governor Rell’s proclamation was read by Senator Judith Freedman and many members of government were there. Students from Jewish day schools and several public schools as well as members of the community filled the hall.
This annual ceremony is a fitting tribute for the survivors who are still with us and is a moving memorial for the millions of European Jews consumed by the Shoah.

–nrg