Strengthening Torah Life. Advocating for the Community. Serving Each Individual. | | June 14, 2021 - 4 Tammuz 5781 News from the Agudah:
- "Strength of conviction, with a heart that flowed over with compassion for anyone in need; with love and enthusiasm for anything Jewish. This was the secret of the success of all the work done by 'Mike' Tress in those tragic, yet heroic years." This Friday, Rosh Chodesh Tammuz, marked the 54th yahrtzeit of Elimelech Gavriel Tress, z'l, legendary Agudist. See below to continue reading this Jewish Observer article written by Dr. Gershon Kranzler upon his passing in 1967, highlighting the important rescue efforts he led during the Holocaust.
- "As hate crimes rise, it is critical that the federal government rethink and look for new and improved ways to address the problem." Agudath Israel applauds the DOJ for improved efforts to combat hate crimes. See below for more information.
- "Ms. Lieberman should apologize for those divisive remarks." Agudah responds to the New York State legislature giving veto power to East Ramapo School Board monitor. See below for full statement.
- Marijuana use is a growing problem, but like it or not it's here to stay. See below to join an Agudah-cosponsored webinar presented by Dr. Akiva Perlman on Marijuana in the Catskills.
- Attention New York City residents: Primary Day is June 22 and early voting has already begun. It is crucial that you make sure your voice is heard. See below to watch a video on the importance of voting in this election.
- Register now for the second installment of Agudah of New England and the Agudah Voting Project's Boston Mayoral Forum Series, with candidate Councilor Michelle Wu. See below for more details and to register.
- The Iyunim B'hilchos Shabbos will continue this week. See below for this week's schedule.
| | "He Who Saves a Soul ... " Remembering Mike Tress | | Click here or on the image below to read. | | Agudath Israel Commends Justice Department for Improved Efforts to Combat Hate Crimes | | Agudath Israel of America is applauding the U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) for outlining measures that will improve efforts to fight against hate crimes and hate incidents, including those perpetrated against the Jewish community.
In a memo to DOJ employees, Attorney General Merrick Garland explained that the steps being taken reflect recommendations made in response to an expedited review he directed of how the agency can better counter hate crimes, as well as the Department's implementation of the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act, recently signed by President Biden.
"As hate crimes rise, it is critical that the federal government rethink and look for new and improved ways to address the problem," asserted Rabbi Abba Cohen, Vice President for Government Affairs and Washington Director for Agudath Israel of America. "This is particularly true of antisemitic incidents, which have dramatically spiked, and of expressions of antisemitism, which have come from many quarters and taken on many forms in both word and deed."
According to the Attorney General's memo, the Department will be taking steps to "improve incident reporting, increasing law enforcement training and coordination at all levels of government, prioritizing community outreach and making better use of civil enforcement mechanisms." In implementing the NO HATE Act, measures will include increasing resources and coordination devoted to fighting hate crimes, expediting review of hate crimes, and calling for the creation of local DOJ-community alliances against hate.
"Agudath Israel was pleased to support the NO HATE Act, as it addressed a number of issues that we raised with the Department over the past several years, particularly the difficulties the community faced in the reporting of hate crimes and in the local follow up in pursuing such incidents," Rabbi Cohen noted.
"We thank the Biden Administration for taking these steps and look forward to working with it, and state and local authorities, in tackling the affliction of hate." | | Agudath Israel Statement on New York State Legislature Giving Veto Power to East Ramapo School Board Monitor | | As the New York State legislative session came to a close at the end of last week, both the Senate and the Assembly passed legislation which would give veto power to the state appointed monitor of the East Ramapo school board. This is an approach Agudath Israel has long opposed: it overturns the will of the voters, giving the monitor the power to thwart the decisions of a democratically elected school board. In addition, this will not solve the underlying issues in the East Ramapo school district, as it does not deal with the root causes of the funding inequities fomented by a flawed state formula.
It is important to note that the rhetoric from some of those in favor of the monitor's veto, particularly NYCLU executive director Donna Lieberman, is outrageous and unbecoming. While good faith discussion and disagreement is healthy in a democracy, it is never acceptable to descend into inflammatory language. Falsely accusing the school board - consisting primarily of Orthodox Jewish members - of 'Jim Crow' style racial animus is especially offensive, especially given the recent rise in antisemitic hate crimes. Ms. Lieberman should apologize for those divisive remarks.
Over the last four years, the board has already made progress with the existing monitor structure, with the Commissioner of Education retaining direct oversight of the school board. It is the hope of Agudath Israel that the divisive rhetoric will end and lawmakers will find a way to address the root of the problem and represent the will of all those in East Ramapo. | | Watch: Why You Need to Get Out and Vote | | Click here or on the image above to watch. | | Next week, New York City will be having primary elections for mayor, comptroller, boro presidents, city council members and other important offices.
It is crucial that all New York City residents vote.
Primary Day is June 22nd and early voting has already begun. Go to Agudah.org/Vote for more information and helpful voter resources. | | Marijuana in the Catskills: A Serious Talk About Drugs for Parents, Camp Directors and Staff | | Monday, June 14, 2021 at 10:00 PM EST. | | Boston Mayoral Forum: Michelle Wu | | Agudah of New England will be hosting a virtual conversation with Boston Mayoral Candidate, Councilor Michelle Wu, on Wednesday, June 6, at 8:30 - 9:30 PM EDT. This conversation will be the second installment of The Agudah Voting Project and Agudath Israel of New England's Boston Mayoral Forum Series, to discuss each candidate's vison for the city and issues of importance to the Orthodox Jewish community in Boston. Click here to register. | | The shiurim will continue this week with the access information as follows: | | | | | | |
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