On Sunday, Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY) served as the Keynote Speaker for the 50th Commencement Ceremony of Touro’s Lander Colleges, held at Lincoln Center in New York City. During the event, Lawler was also honored with an honorary doctorate.
Congressman Lawler, who represents New York’s 17th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, has been a steadfast supporter of Israel, the Jewish community, and Jewish education. As a strong advocate for school choice, he has consistently defended and promoted Jewish education at both state and national levels. Additionally, he has been a vocal opponent of antisemitism and the BDS movement, standing firmly in support of Israel.
“Touro is honored to recognize the efforts and actions of Congressman Lawler to advocate for the Jewish community and stand up for what’s right in these most challenging times. In the wake of the anti-Israel demonstrations at colleges and universities across the nation, Lawler has shown that the safety of Jewish students is of paramount concern,” said Touro President Dr. Alan Kadish.
This spring, Congressman Lawler introduced the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which the House passed by a margin of 320-91. This legislation requires the Department of Education to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism and its contemporary examples when enforcing federal anti-discrimination laws. The use of the IHRA definition is a crucial step in identifying and addressing antisemitism and ensuring that antisemitic hate crimes on college campuses are properly investigated and prosecuted.
Addressing Touro University’s 600 graduates, Lawler shared a hopeful message, which was met with a standing ovation. “There are many challenges we face right now, from rising antisemitism to multiple conflicts across the globe to an economy that isn’t quite working for everyone. Go out there and make a difference. The future of our society is in your hands—help make a better world for those that will follow you,” said Congressman Lawler.
“Graduating is a momentous occasion—congratulations to you and your families on this incredible achievement,” he added.
Prior to his tenure in Congress, Lawler served as a New York State Assemblyman. He currently serves on the House Financial Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and nearly 50 congressional caucuses, including as Co-Chair of the Anti-Congestion Tax Caucus, the Moldova Caucus, the bipartisan SALT Caucus, and the Problem Solvers Caucus.
