Last week, Agudath Israel of America’s California Office led a delegation to Sacramento. The delegation, comprised of Agudah representatives and community members, spent the day meeting with California legislators to strengthen relationships and discuss items of concern to California’s Orthodox Jewish community.

The delegation met with State Senators Ben Allen, Caroline Menjivar, Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, and Scott Wilk; Assembly Majority Leader Isaac Bryan; Assemblymembers Jesse Gabriel, Reggie Jones-Sawyer, Luz Rivas, Jim Wood, and Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair Rick Zbur.

“Seeing the interactions between the Agudah and our legislators firsthand showed how invaluable these relationships are and what it means for California’s Orthodox community to have the Agudah advocating for them in the halls of government,” said Mr. Chaim Freeman, a member of the delegation.

California has seen a recent rise in antisemitism, climaxing with two men being shot at while leaving shul, on consecutive days. The safety and security of our schools, shuls, and other non-profits is one of the highest priorities of the Agudah. To this end, Agudah’s California Office is advocating for more funds to be allocated to the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP), and for the allowed uses for those funds to be expanded. The delegation members thanked Assemblymember Gabriel, co-chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, and everyone who supported the nonprofit security grant, for working to keep the Jewish community safe.

Another item on the agenda was the Universal School Meal program. Currently, California’s universal school lunch program excludes children who attend non-public schools. Agudah representatives shared that an overwhelming majority of students attending Jewish day schools are on scholarship and would greatly benefit from free meals.

“California should live up to its promise and ensure that all school children are provided with nutritious meals.” said Mr. Schneur Braunstein, executive director of Tomchei Shabbos of Los Angeles who shared heartbreaking stories of some of the struggling families who reach out to him each day.

“We are grateful to all the legislators who met with us,” said Rabbi Yaakov Subar, director of Agudath Israel of America’s California Office. “Community engagement is a key part of our advocacy and meetings such as these are integral for maintaining strong relationships with our legislators. Many legislators expressed interest in visiting our community institutions, and Agudah is working to make that happen.”

The legislators commended the delegation for making the trip to Sacramento and continuing to educate the government officials about the Jewish community.