Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY), will serve as Keynote Speaker for the 50th Commencement Ceremony of Touro’s Lander Colleges, to be held on June 2nd at Lincoln Center in New York City. Lawler will also receive an honorary doctorate at the event.
Congressman Lawler, who represents New York’s 17th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, is a longtime supporter of Israel, the Jewish community and Jewish education. A champion of school choice, he has publicly defended and protected Jewish education on both the state and national levels. He has also fought against antisemitism and the BDS movement and is an outspoken supporter of Israel.
“Touro is honored to recognize the efforts and action 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 will require the Department of Education to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism and its contemporary examples when enforcing federal anti-discrimination laws. Usage of the IHRA definition in this context is a key step in calling out antisemitism where it is and ensuring antisemitic hate crimes on college campuses are properly investigated and prosecuted.
Lawler has a positive message for Touro University’s 600 graduates. “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 and now, 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 continued.
Lawler previously served as a New York State Assemblyman. In Congress, he currently serves on the House Financial Services Committee and 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.