An impressive showing from the New York delegation in the US Congress each took their turn at the podium Sunday and affirmed their unwavering and unconditional support for Israel and their determined commitment to preventing antisemitism.
Jerry Nadler (D, NY12), Senior Member of the Jewish delegation in Congress, Adriano Espaillat (D, NY13), a leading member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Gregory Meeks (D, NY5), a key Member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and Grace Meng (D, NY6) the only Asian American Member of Congress from New York State, and Mike Lawler (R, NY17) a key Republican in Congress joined Crown Heights’ own Yvette Clarke (D, NY9), Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D, NY8), and Majority Leader and Senior Senator from New York Chuck Schumer, in answering important policy questions posed by members of the Board of JCRC of New York’s Board of Directors.
The audience responded warmly as each of the legislators – all leaders in Congress and many serving in leadership roles on important committees, such as Foreign Affairs, Judiciary, and Appropriations, addressed key issues of particular concern to the Jewish Community: containing Iran, funding Israel’s defense, combatting anti-Semitism, and other important issues at home and abroad.
Leader Jeffries receive strong applause when he asserted that Israel would continue to receive key defense funding such as for the Iron Dome and the military support promised in the Memorandum of Understanding, “without conditions.” Congressman Meeks described passionately the shared history of Blacks and Jews in America, on the receiving end of hate and discrimination.
Senator Schumer recounted how he had worked to ensure that religious institutions should be included in the emergency aid to schools and in the PPP grants during the COVID emergency.
Congresswoman Clarke described how she proudly represents such a diverse cross-section of the Jewish community with members of the Lubavitch, Satmar, Bobov, Viznitz, Litvish and Yeshivish sectors all being included in the ninth Congressional District. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke talked about her many trips to Israel and her commitment to its security.
Representing Crown Heights at this event was Rabbi Eli Cohen of Crown Heights Jewish Community Council, and Eli Slavin, a member of the staff of Congress Member Clarke. The event was hosted by UJA Federation of New York and organized by the JCRC of New York.
But what are they going to do:
A) to stop the attacks on frum Jews in NY
B) to make sure that the criminals are arrested, prosecute and placed in prison.
Otherwise, don’t impress us with nice meetings and kind words.