Rockland County’s Orthodox community contains many distinct constituencies, each with their own needs and priorities. Agudath Israel’s Rockland Office brought them together this week, to celebrate Chanukah together with government officials, elected representatives, and organizational leaders.

This was the first annual legislative reception for Agudath Israel of America’s Rockland County office which has been operating in the community for the past year.

“It is a privilege for Agudath Israel to be the venue at which the community unites,” said Rabbi Shragi Greenbaum, director of the Rockland County office of the Agudah. “The 150 people who came represented almost every community, branch of government, and municipality in the area.”

Elected officials shared remarks with the attendees. Among the speakers were District Attorney Thomas Walsh (D) incoming Congressman Mike Lawler, (R), outgoing State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, (D) incoming State Senator Bill Weber, (R) incoming Assemblyman John McGowan, (R) and County Legislator Aron Wieder (D).

“Education is the most important issue to all communities,” said Senator-Elect Bill Weber, in his address. “Religious education is under attack in New York State. We’ve seen it – we’ve seen what the Board of Regents did. They ignored 350,000 emails, messages, concerns from people within the community.” He concluded, “We need to have someone in Albany who will fight for our values.”

Talking about Yeshiva education, Congressman-Elect Mike Lawler said, “I see a curriculum and an education that most definitely produces a substantially equivalent outcome, and most definitely produces members of our society who are productive.” He concluded, “As we move forward, we need to ensure that when people have these discussions, that they’re being honest, that they’re being fair, and that they’re being sincere in wanting to ensure that every child receives a quality education.”

In his remarks County Legislator Aron Wieder spoke about the important work of Agudath Israel and welcomed the opening of an office in Rockland County.

Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Agudah’s director of New York Government Relations, said, “This event shows that the Rockland community works together no matter their background or political affiliation. The Rockland office of Agudas Yisroel looks forward to making more such events.”