As Congress resumed after the July 4th break, delegates from Agudath Israel of America representing Indiana, New York, and Ohio gathered in the nation’s capital for a three-day advocacy mission. This mission is part of Agudah’s ongoing series of regional advocacy missions to Washington, D.C., following their National Leadership Mission in April. Over the three days, the delegates engaged in meetings with 35 members of Congress and senior staff to discuss pressing issues affecting their communities.
Significantly, the delegation included a group from Rockland County, New York. This group featured Rabbi Shragi Greenbaum, Director of Agudath Israel’s Rockland County Regional Office, Village of Chestnut Ridge Trustee Shmuli Fromovitz, and prominent Rockland County baalei battem. They held a pivotal meeting with Rockland County Congressman Mike Lawler, who has been recognized by Speaker Johnson and others as “no better ally” to the Jewish community in Washington.
The mission kicked off on Monday afternoon when a delegate from Ohio engaged with a senator during their flight to Washington. The advocacy efforts continued through scheduled meetings and impromptu hallway discussions with New York representatives on Wednesday.
Rabbi A. D. Motzen, Agudah’s national director of government affairs, noted, “Many meetings began by thanking the elected officials for their support of Israel in the aftermath of the October 7th terrorist attack by Hamas and the need to release all the hostages. Only then did the discussion move on to other policy agenda items.”
A primary focus of the discussions was the escalating issue of antisemitism. The delegates urged each member of Congress to maintain their efforts in combating the rise of antisemitic incidents. They praised those who supported bills addressing this discrimination and encouraged others to join the fight.
The delegates also highlighted the reduced allocation for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) last year, despite nearly 60% of applicants being denied due to insufficient funds. Agudah, alongside other allies, is advocating for an increase to $400 million for the next fiscal year.
Education was another key topic. The Orthodox community emphasized the importance of school choice and federal proposals to extend it nationwide. Delegates met with sponsors of the Educational Choice for Children Act, urging broader support for the scholarship tax credit bill. Agudath Israel has been a foundational member of the coalition backing this legislation.
Binyomin Schwartz, President of Agudath Israel of Ohio, reflected on the mission’s impact, saying, “The mission was an eye-opener to seeing how Agudah’s presence in Washington is making sure our voices are heard at this critical time.”
Mrs. Sorolle Idels, a prominent New York community activist, added, “Coming to Washington shows elected officials that our community is watching. They know that we will thank them for their friendship and hold them accountable if they don’t live up to their promises.”
Eli Wax, a South Bend attorney and a member of the Indiana delegation, noted, “For so many of us, this was our first interaction with our members of Congress. Now, we are making plans to host many of the officials for a visit to our communities.”
Rabbi Yossie Charner, Agudath Israel’s director of congressional affairs, emphasized the importance of constituent involvement, saying, “Conducting meetings with thirty-five members of Congress and senior staff from three states is only possible when there are constituents at those meetings. When elected officials see that we represent an engaged constituency it helps our advocacy efforts in Washington.”
Rabbi Yitz Frank of Agudath Israel of Ohio highlighted the mission’s impact, stating, “Congressman Greg Landsman told us directly that community visits such as Agudath Israel’s advocacy missions have an impact on Capitol Hill, and his sentiment was echoed by other members of Congress throughout the three mission days who urged us to keep coming back.”
Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Agudath Israel’s director of New York government relations, concluded, “This week’s incredibly successful mission marked just one piece of Agudath Israel’s ongoing advocacy on behalf of American Orthodoxy, and we look forward to continuing to work with our elected representatives to bring about positive change.”
