On March 29, local teens gathered to meet Lt. Shachar of the Israel Defense Forces, and hear his inspiring story of becoming the first openly transgender commander in the Israeli army. The program was organized by JTConnect, a learning and social program for Jewish teens in the Greater Hartford area, under the direction of Sarai Hertz-Velazquez, a junior at West Hartford’s Hall High School. “In an era when more and more people from marginalized groups are stepping forward and giving voice to their important role and rights in society, Lt. Shachar’s story is a timely reminder for us of the courage and commitment needed to make positive, progressive change in our communities at local, national and global levels,” said Hertz-Velazquez.

CAP: Sarai Hertz-Velazquez with Lt. Shachar