As I watched a 1992 video clip of Agudath Israel’s late president Rabbi Moshe Sherer presenting then-Attorney General Bill Barr an award at our 70th anniversary dinner, I couldn’t help but think that unfortunately he could have delivered nearly the same speech today. Rabbi Sherer spoke passionately about zoning laws in Airmont, New York meant to keep out Orthodox residents as he thanked Mr. Barr for directing the U.S. Justice Department to successfully file a civil rights lawsuit against the village. Mr. Barr then spoke about the rise in anti-Semitism and the breakdown of moral values. With Mr. Barr once again the US Attorney General, two pending federal lawsuits against Airmont and other similar cases around the country, it is a strange form of deja vu, as we live through those same experiences once again.
To watch the award presentation and remarks click on the image below.
Presentation of Agudath Israel of America’s Humanitarian Award to Attorney General William Barr 1992
To read Mr. Barr’s written remarks, our statement on Attorney General Barr’s confirmation, and a recent interview with Rabbi Abba Cohen discussing Mr. Barr’s nomination, see here.
More than 25 years later, anti-Semitism is once again on the rise, which is why Agudath Israel is grateful for the inclusion of a fully-funded Nonprofit Security Grant Program in the spending bill passed by Congress on February 14th (here).
Thank you to all those who reached out to their elected officials.
New Jersey residents – we still need you to take action on a state security grant which needs to be included in the state budget for it to be renewed. Please click here to learn more and contact Governor Murphy.
Security was one of many issues discussed by representatives of Denver Orthodox Jewish institutions in their meetings with state officials this week. To read more about Agudath Israel of Colorado’s visit to their State Capitol, see here.
The first step to any successful advocacy effort is making sure that our community votes. Earlier this week, Agudath Israel and FJCC hosted a candidate forum in advance of the upcoming February 26th elections for New York City Public Advocate see here. While in Chicago, Agudath Israel of Illinois is leading a major Get Out The Vote effort.
Continuing with our Advocacy Made Simple series, this week’s video features Rabbi Ariel Sadwin, director of Agudath Israel’s Mid-Atlantic region, providing tips on how to run a successful get out the vote effort and the importance of engagement with candidates during election season.
Advocacy Made Simple: Voting (Rabbi Sadwin)
Register today! Agudath Israel’s Albany Day will take place on March 6th. To register, please click here.
