Agudath Israel Rockland Legislative Meet and Greet Enables Community Members, Elected Officials to Connect on a Personal Level continued:
Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Agudah's director of New York Government Relations, thanked the legislative officials who attended the evening, as well as those not in attendance who expressed support of Israel. He described Agudath Israel's work in New York State over the last year, including advocating for saving the mandated services program, increasing security funding, and expanding free school meals. He called on all legislators to continue speaking out in support of Israel and further increasing security funding.
Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, executive vice president of Agudath Israel of America, addressed the evening's attendees:
"There's a real sense of community here, of people who understand the urgency of the issues that we face today: making sure that our streets are safe for our children, that our schools are available for our children, that we are able to carry on in the traditions that we have learned from our parents and from our grandparents."
"Tonight, we honor our representatives who have heeded the call to stand for the truth, to protect the truth, and to champion the truth," said Rabbi Shragi Greenbaum, director of Agudah's Rockland Office. "You have displayed courage to stand up to the darkness, and we encourage you – don't give up, because your light of truth will ultimately spread."
Many of the officials attending shared remarks with the attendees, addressing a variety of relevant issues, including solidarity with Israel, combatting the rise in antisemitism in America, increased security funding, improved zoning and safety laws, and school choice.
"When I see the fine people that we have here, I know that good will prevail in Rockland County," said District Attorney Tom Walsh.
New York State Senator Bill Weber spoke about his positive experiences attending a recent YahalomNY event and the Agudah convention. He reaffirmed his support of the Jewish community in New York State and described the work he is doing in Albany to combat antisemitism, including founding the Antisemitism Working Group and introducing two new pieces of legislation to help combat antisemitism in New York.
"I am ready to resume my commitment to fight the good fight as we embark on a new legislative session," said Senator Weber. "You have an advocate in Albany."
"We know the heart and soul of the Ramapo community is the Jewish community, which we thank G-d is thriving every day," said Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht. "We are committed to doing all we can to allow our community to continue to grow."
"The battle of good versus evil is upon us, and we need friends in high elected office who will unapologetically stand up for the Jewish community and for what's right," said Chaskel Bennett, introducing Congressman Mike Lawler.
"Hatred and racism of any kind should be clearly condemned and must be held accountable," said Congressman Lawler, condemning the college presidents who could not recognize calls for genocide of Jews as violations of their codes of conduct. on their campuses. "It is my responsibility as a member of Congress to not only stand up for Israel, but to stand up for the Jewish people. You will always have my friendship and my admiration."
Rockland County Legislator Itamar Yeager spoke about the importance of our community being unified.
"It really is my honor to represent this community in the New York State Assembly, and I am looking forward to going back to Albany in just a couple weeks," said Assemblyman John McGowan. "I will continue to be an advocate and a fighter for you."
The event was attended by a large number of legislators on all levels of government: Former New York State Assemblyman Thomas Abinanti, Village of Chestnut Ridge Trustee Paul Van Alstyne, New York State Assemblyman Karl Brabanec, Village of Airmont Mayor Nathan Bubel, Rockland County Human Rights Commissioner Spencer Chiimbwe, Rockland County Legislature Elect Beth Davidson, Rockland County Legislator Tony Earl, Joel Friedman of the Village of Spring Valley, Village of Chestnut Ridge Trustee Shmuli Fromowitz, Village of Pomona Mayor Ilan Fuchs, Harry Grossman of the East Ramapo School Board, Town of Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehman, Yisroel Kahan, Village of Pomona Deputy Mayor Mendy Lasker, US Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY), Yoeli Lefkowitz of the New York State Attorney General's Office, Mona Montal of the Town of Ramapo, Village of Airmont Deputy Mayor Shimon Moses, Former New York State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, Chaim Rose of the Village of Chestnut Ridge, Former New York State Assemblyman Daniel Rosenthal, Village of New Hempstead Mayor Abe Sicker, Rockland County Clerk Donna Silberman, Rockland County Legislator Phil Soskin, Town of Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht, Village of New Square Mayor Izzy Spitzer, Village of Airmont Judge Alan Straus, Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh, Town of Ramapo Councilman David Wanounou, New York State Senator Bill Weber, Rockland County Legislator Aron Weider, Rockland County Legislator Itamar Yeger, and Yehuda Zorger of the Village of Airmont. | 
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