Welcome!
Thank you for attending Agudath Israel of America’s Reception at the DNC in Chicago!
Below you will find helpful information about Agudath Israel, the Orthodox Jewish community which it represents, and copies of the banners you saw around the room today which were focused on the themes “Combating Antisemitism” and “The Orthodox Jewish Community as a Growing Electoral Force.”
About
Founded in 1922, Agudath Israel of America (“the Agudah”) is a national, grassroots organization representing the Orthodox Jewish community. The Agudah and its many divisions provide social, educational, and youth services to its constituents, continuing a century-long tradition of championing the evolving needs of Orthodox Jewish life in America. With national and DC offices, and regional branches serving the entire country, Agudath Israel advocates for its constituents at federal, state, and local levels. To learn more about Agudath Israel and its many divisions and activities go to https://agudah.org/about
Why we are hosting an event at the DNC
Agudath Israel of America and all of its branches are 501 c 3 tax-exempt charitable organizations and do not endorse nor oppose any candidate or party. However, we do engage with elected officials and candidates so that they can better understand our community and its priorities and we act as a liaison between our community and all levels of government. That is so especially now, with the explosion of antisemitism in America, much of it directed at those who are most visibly Jewish — the Orthodox.
With the rise of antisemitism, the Orthodox community is more vulnerable to hate crimes and violence as it is more visible and tends to live in concentrated neighborhoods. This event is an opportunity for prominent elected officials and party leaders to address these very real fears by showing solidarity with the Orthodox community and detailing how they will combat antisemitism and protect our neighborhoods and students from this scourge.
As the Orthodox Jewish community has grown in numbers it has also grown into a political force that is engaged, organized, and in many races has voted at significantly higher percentages than the surrounding areas. The community does not vote in lockstep with any political party. It is common for members of the community to vote for a presidential candidate from one party while voting for state and local candidates from a different party. Candidates who have benefited from the community’s support have shown a willingness to engage with its leaders and members and learn about the issues that matter to them most.
