“Johanna was a cousin of one of my best friends, Deborah, who died of lung cancer. Johanna would come and visit her, especially when she was ill. Once, I cooked a large Rosh Hashanah meal for Deborah. (It turned out to be her last Rosh Hashanah). Johanna and her grandmother, Renate, came to my house to bring the food over. Johanna was a very intelligent, compassionate, beutiful young women, and this is a wonderful family. I am so heartbroken for them...“
GA
“I’m very shocked and saddened to hear this… So sorry. Deepest condolences.”
BA
“Rabbi Wolvovsky: I am very sorry to hear about this tragedy. I am thankful that you are safe and in a position to help people. Please be careful! (There is evil in the world).”
EA
“A terrible loss and tragedy…”
PR
“Dear Rabbi Wolvovsky: I was shocked and saddened this morning to receive your e-mail. I did not know about the shooting of Johanna Justin-Jinich. Is there someway that I may help you and/or Yehudis today with either your work at Wesleyan or at the Chabad House? May Hashem give you continued strength and courage to step out in the world this day and every day with loving kindness and compassion. Warm regards.”
NH
“Please let me know how ‘Operation Light’ is going… You guys have a gift of bringing light in times of darkness…”
VS
“Rabbi: Thank you for your touching email regarding the tragic loss of Johanna. You are always there and available in times such as this horrible happening. Shabbat candles will be lit at our home in memory of Johanna.”
LF
“Rabbi: I did not know Johanna, but I am so sad for her, her family and friends, and all of us to have had such a violent hate crime in our world. I was touched by your words and am grateful for “Operation Light.” It gives all of us a positive way to channel our sad and angry energy. Thank you…”
LG
“Thank you Chabad for always supporting the Jewish community!”
JO
“Like any person, when a part of the body is no longer in a physical existence, the rest of the body notices automatically. As such, I have felt a personal loss, as Johanna’s soul has left this world. A Jewish person with a particular mission to elevate her surroundings, her community, into G‑dliness has been cut short through no fault of her own. May her life serve as a remembrance to us all that we are one people, one nation of G‑d.”
TK
“Rabbi Wolvovsky: Thank you so, so much, from the bottom of my heart, for putting together “Operation Light” at Wesleyan. It brought tears to my eyes to hear of the goodness you are working so hard to bring into this world (every day, of course) but particularly in light of Johanna’s death. It has been really hard hearing about everything going on from abroad, and I’m so glad to know that you are there spreading chesed amongst the campus community. I never thought the day would come when I would feel afraid to be a Jew at Wesleyan... I thought that I might have to deal with this kind of thing in Jerusalem, but never Middletown. Anyways, thank you again. I look forward to returning to studying with you weekly in the fall…”
MW
“Sorry to hear about the recent events at Wesleyan. If there is any way we can be of help, please don't hesitate to contact us. All the best.”
LL
“Thank you, Rabbi. I am looking forward to Shabbat…”
MR
“Doing mitzvot is a blessing in her memory. Please continue all your good work.”
MR
“Rabbi: We were saddened to hear of the loss of Johanna Justin-Jinich. Your meaningful response to launch Operation Light is something we admire and support spiritually, intellectually, emotionally and financially. Best regards and Have a good Shabbos.”
JC
“Thank you!!! I will make a point of doing something extra special, a good deed in honor of Operation Light. I don’t know what it is yet, but you have inspired me to be on high alert for the opportunity!!! Shabbat Shalomto all of you.”
LG
“Great work. Shabbat Shalom!”
KA