NEWPORT, R.I.  — An annual letter reading at the nation's oldest synagogue in Newport took on new relevance in the aftermath of the recent violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The letter was written nearly 230 years ago by George Washington and addressed to Newport's Jewish community. It promised that the country would give "bigotry no sanction, no persecution no assistance."

There was a moment of silence at Sunday's ceremony for the counter-protester and two police officers who died during and after the Virginia rallies where white supremacists carried Nazi and Confederate flags.

Salve Regina University President Sister Jane Gerety says despite recent events, there is still hope — citing the largely peaceful rally in Boston on Saturday.

Former Harvard University Dean Martha Minow asked members of the congregation to stand up for their beliefs.