Agudath Israel of America welcomed more than 200 community leaders, activists, elected officials, and government representatives to its New York Legislative Meet and Greet on Tuesday evening, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to advocacy and the enduring strength of New York’s Orthodox Jewish community.

Against the backdrop of the New York City skyline, and against the backdrop of rising antisemitism both in New York and around the world, the evening carried a message of resilience and determination.

Setting the tone in his opening remarks, Agudath Israel board member Chaskel Bennett declared, “We are not going anywhere.”

He continued, “We will stand up for ourselves. We will stand up for our community. We will stand up for the Jewish people and for our Jewish identity. We will do so with grace, dignity, courage, and confidence. We will never be intimidated into silence, and we will never apologize for who we are or for standing up for what is right.”

Mr. Sol Werdiger, Agudath Israel’s Chairman of the Board highlighted Agudath Israel’s role as a national advocacy organization, including its efforts across 13 states and its continued work with government leaders in Albany, New York City Hall, Washington, D.C., and beyond. He pointed to recent advocacy successes, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s intention to opt into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, which will provide new opportunities to support students and families across the state.

During the program, Agudath Israel presented a mezuzah to New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin in recognition of her steadfast friendship and unwavering support of the Jewish community, particularly her leadership in advancing initiatives to help keep Jewish New Yorkers safe.

Speaker Menin addressed the alarming rise in antisemitism and reflected on her personal connection to the issue as the daughter and granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, reaffirming her commitment to standing with the Jewish community.

New York City Comptroller Mark Levine was also honored with a mezuzah in appreciation of his many years of friendship and consistent support for the Jewish community. In his remarks, Comptroller Levine praised the Jewish community’s enduring contributions to New York City and echoed the evening’s central theme.

“We are not going anywhere,” he said. “We are part of the past of this city. We are part of the present of this city. We will be a part of the future of this city.”

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D NY-9) also addressed attendees, reaffirming her commitment to combating antisemitism and protecting Jewish communities.

“I am resolute that bigotry, violence, discrimination, and any prejudices toward the Jewish communities of America and our world will never be tolerated, never be accepted, and I will continue to fight to ensure that Jewish families and communities are respected and protected,” she said.

Agudath Israel of America

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