I have been to Hartford before.

I have sat in meetings with the Governor. I have met with the State Treasurer. A few weeks ago, I attended a SNEC dinner with Eric Albert in West Hartford. Those moments were important.

But last Thursday felt different.

I sat in the gallery of the Connecticut State Capitol for four hours as part of a JFACT leadership group. Have you ever sat there? The security is strict. The building, opened in 1878, is majestic. The chamber floor below feels almost sacred — democracy unfolding in real time.

And yet, I did not feel like a visitor admiring history. I felt like a representative of our community.

I was there because Connecticut lawmakers were considering HB 7009 — a major education bill that included the creation of a working group to address antisemitism in our K–12 public schools. At a time when antisemitic incidents are rising, including two in our own communities,  this provision mattered deeply.

There was also a highly organized effort to remove it — to pretend the problem is not real.

It could have been stripped from the bill. Unless lawmakers heard from us.

And they did.

Through the coordinated efforts of our federations and partners, 58,746 emails were sent to state legislators. Each member of the House received an average of 566 messages. Over 40 of us showed up in person over two days of hearings.

And the bill passed — 96–48.

In that chamber, I felt the weight of responsibility. I was not there for myself. I was there for our children. For Jewish students who deserve to feel safe in their classrooms. For parents who should not have to wonder what their child is hearing or experiencing at school.

I was there for YOU.

This work is not abstract. It is not political theater. It is about dignity. It is about safety. It is about ensuring that Jewish life in Connecticut is respected and protected.

Pirkei Avot teaches us: we are not obligated to finish the work, but neither are we free to desist from it.

Last week, we did not desist. And we will not.