On Tuesday, Agudath Israel of America held its third 2025 Albany Advocacy Day, with community advocates joining Agudah staff and board members to meet with legislators and push for key initiatives on behalf of New York’s Orthodox Jewish community. 

One key issue the group repeatedly raised was supporting families. The Agudah has been instrumental in advocating, over decades, for hundreds of millions of dollars in support for yeshivas, security, and services in New York state. A focus was initiated, championed by Govenor Hochul and others, to directly assist families by providing a new $1,000, refundable, state tax credit for children under 4.

Another central issue on the agenda was the Nonpublic School Safety Equipment (NPSE) Grant, which provides critical funding for security enhancements in nonpublic schools. While last year’s increase from $45 million to $70 million was a positive step, the growing threats faced by Jewish schools necessitate a further increase to $90 million to ensure students and staff are adequately protected. This, along with critical measures to combat antisemitism, like establishing the crime of masked harassment when someone intentionally conceals their face while menacing or threatening another, were front and center. The ugly and cowardly displays of hate we have seen fester on college campuses and throughout New York cannot be allowed without repercussion.

Other priorities included securing an increase in funding for nonpublic school recordkeeping of student health data, which currently stands at just $1 million, far below the estimated $15 million required statewide; advocating for universal school meals; and preserving the reimbursement for Mandated Services Aid, the largest source of nonpublic school funding in New York, which reimburses nonpublic schools for services mandated by the state. A top priority for the Agudah, as always, was ensuring the integrity and autonomy of our yeshivas. Our children must be allowed to be educated with the values we hold dear and that parents pay for and choose.

The highlight of the day was a meeting with Governor Kathy Hochul, during which she engaged in a meaningful discussion with Agudah leaders and community representatives about the pressing issues facing the Orthodox Jewish community. Governor Hochul reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to combating antisemitism, recognizing the alarming rise in hate crimes targeting Jewish communities across New York and the urgent need for stronger measures to ensure safety and security. She also emphasized her administration’s support of families, and yeshiva autonomy.

Over 30 Senators and Assemblymembers joined the delegation for lunch, hosted by Assemblymember David Weprin (D-24). Many of the legislators addressed the delegates, committing to support New York’s Jewish community.

At last week’s advocacy day focusing on the Hudson Valley Mrs. Miri Ben Ami spoke to delegates about her son, Yosef Chaim Ohana, who was brutally taken hostage on October 7th by Hamas and remains in Gaza more than 500 days later. She moved many of the assembled to tears as she spoke about her love for her son and her faith that he would be brought home soon. Attendees shared with Mrs. Ben Ami that they keep the hostages in their prayers every day and the many mitzvos and acts of kindness that they perform as a merit for the hostages.

A new and exciting addition to this year’s advocacy days was the participation of student groups from Lander College. Last week, students from the Lander College for Women’s Advocacy Fellowship joined the mission, while members of the Lander College for Men’s Political Science Club took part in yesterday’s advocacy efforts. These students had the unique opportunity to engage directly with legislators, participate in high-level meetings, and gain a behind-the-scenes look at the legislative process. Their involvement provided them with firsthand experience in advocacy, allowing them to witness how policy discussions unfold and how community voices can influence decision-making at the state level.

“I am so grateful to Agudah for the opportunity to witness firsthand how important advocacy work gets done. This experience was incredibly valuable—I learned so much about the legislative process and the impact of community engagement. I truly appreciate being a part of it and hope to participate in future initiatives like this,” said Simcha Kaplun, a member of Lander College for Men’s Political Science Club who joined Agudath Israel in Albany.

“Agudah’s advocacy efforts are critical for the future of our community. Seeing their work up close reinforced just how essential it is to continue pushing for policies that protect our families, our schools, and our entire community,” said Rabbi Meir Leib Yanofsky, Executive Director Mesivta Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin.

“The sense of purpose in the room was undeniable. Whether it was discussing school security funding, education policies, or fighting antisemitism, everyone was committed to making a meaningful impact,” said Dr. Julie Golding Director of Fellowships, Lander College for Women.

Delegates met with Assemblymembers Alex Bores (D-73), Robert Carroll (D-44), Lester Chang (R-49), Sarah Clark (D-136), Jeffery Dinowitz (D-81), Simcha Eichenstein (D-48), Harvey Epstein (D-74), Alec Brook Krasny (R-46), Al Taylor (D-71), David Weprin (D-24), (D-48), Kalman Yeger (D-41), and John Zacarro Jr. (D-80), as well as State Senators Simcha Felder (D-22) and Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-23), and Staff of Assemblymember Michael Benedetto (D-82) , Micah Lasher (D-69), Deputy Senate Majority Leader Michael Gianaris (D-12), and State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-47).

Last week on an advocacy day focusing on Rockland County Agudah’s delegation met with Assemblymembers Patrick Carroll (D-96), Chris Eachus (D-99), Paula Kay (D-100), Nadar Sayegh (D-90), and Aron Wieder (D-97), as well as State Senators Pete Harckham (D-40), Shelley Mayer (D-37), and Bill Weber (R-38) and staff of Assemblymembers Dana Levenberg (D-95), and Amy Paulin (D-88), and State Senators Peter Oberacker (R-51), and James Skoufis (D-42).

Photo Credits: Agudath Israel/ Moshe Gershbaum