“Sixty-nine years ago, the world welcomed its newest country, born out of the atrocities and horrors of the Holocaust, determined to bring meaning to the phrase ‘never again,’” said Governor Dannel P. Malloy. “We in Connecticut are honored to recognize Israel’s independence and the special relationship that exists between us.”

With those words, the Israeli flag was raised above the state Capitol building on Tuesday, May 2, to honor the state of Israel on the 69th anniversary of its independence. The flag-raising was arranged by the Jewish Federations Association of Connecticut (JFACT),

On hand for the event, Yehuda Yaakov, consul general of Israel to New England, noted the strong connection between Israel and Connecticut.

“I am honored to stand beside Governor Malloy, Lt. Governor Wyman, and Senate Majority Leader Duff at the Connecticut State Capitol to celebrate the occasion of Israel’s 69th Day of Independence. Our ties are strong – with state officials and community leaders working diligently to attract Israeli business to Connecticut – and I know these ties will grow even stronger, reaching beyond business to academia, social justice and culture to better the lives of those in both Israel and Connecticut,” said Consul General of Israel to New England Yehuda Yaakov.

Also on hand for the event were JFACT Executive Director Michael Bloom and Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford Executive Director Howard Sovronsky.

CAP: The flag of Israel was flown over the capitol on May 2 in honor of Israel Independence Day.