Watkinson School, a private school for grades 6-12/PG in Hartford, CT, is pleased to announce that Elijah H. ’22 was selected to be the only student panelist participating in the virtual event “Religious Communities United On Climate Justice”. The panel was co-presented by the Jewish Youth Climate Movement (JYCM) and Interreligious Eco-Justice Network (IREJN) and facilitated by IREJM’s Executive Director, Teresa Eickel. The event took place on Zoom on Monday, April 11, 2022.
Elijah is a Global Studies Diploma student at Watkinson and is also the head of the school’s Jewish affinity group, called Chai. He is the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director for JYCM and event moderator, IREJN’s Executive Director Teresa Eickel, says he was chosen as a panelist because, “The younger generation has become so engaged in climate justice work because they can see very clearly the urgent need for strong and decisive action. Elijah’s work on climate justice from a diversity, equity, and inclusion perspective is so valuable because Black and Brown communities, as well as low-income communities, are impacted first and worst by climate change. We are grateful to have a leader like Elijah in the climate movement!”
The other panelists included Rev. Kelcy G. L. Steele, Pastor, from New Haven’s Varick AME Zion Church; Rabbi Joshua Hammerman, of Samford’s Temple Beth El; Senator Saud Anwar, CT State Senator – District 3; and Sr. Elaine Betoncourt, from West Hartford’s Sisters of St. Joseph.
About the experience, Elijah said, “It was so gratifying to have been on a panel with such an esteemed group of people. I was inspired by everyone there as well as their thoughts on how climate justice intersects with their religion. I am glad I was able to provide a youth and Jewish perspective on this issue and I hope more people are inclined to get involved in the fight against climate change.”
Watkinson School, a private school for grades 6-12/PG, is Hartford, CT’s oldest co-ed independent day school. To schedule a tour of our private school and to see what our students, parents, and alumni have to say about their experiences at Watkinson School, click here. Our next info session for prospective families is May 5 at 9am.
