From Daylight Saving Time to chickens,  the broad range of issues that our government affairs team has to to deal with each week is astounding.

With school safety in the news this week, Agudath Israel commended the US House for its passage of the STOP School Violence Act of 2018 and for ensuring that all students, public and private, were included in the bill.

Rabbi Sidney Glenner, Vice Chairman Emeritus and Founder of Keshet GADOL presenting the community service award to (L-R) Shlomo Soroka, Rabbi Yaakov Robinson, and Rabbi Yitzchok Ehrman

A key to our success is grassroots advocacy. Whether it’s a mission to Albany (see video below), a legislative breakfast in Great Neck, or a large rally in Annapolis, legislators are impressed when they see our community members politically engaged and passionate about relevant issues.

An important part of Agudath Israel’s advocacy is to ensure that students with special needs, including those that choose not to attend public school, receive the services they deserve. In Florida, Rabbi Matz sent out a memo this week to parents and schools informing them that Governor Scott signed a bill that would expand the Gardiner Scholarship Program.

In Chicago, Keshet, an organization that serves more than 1000 individuals with disabilities, awarded Agudath Israel of Illinois with its Community Service Award. Mazel Tov on your well deserved honor!

Welcome to my newest colleague Rabbi Naftali Miller, who recently joined Agudath Israel of America as the national director of development. To learn more about Rabbi Miller’s background and vision for the future click here

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