As I watched a 1992 video clip of Agudath Israel’s late president Rabbi Moshe Sherer presenting then-Attorney General Bill Barr an award at our 70th anniversary dinner, I couldn’t help but think that unfortunately he could have delivered nearly the same speech today. Rabbi Sherer spoke passionately about zoning laws in Airmont, New York meant to keep out Orthodox residents as he thanked Mr. Barr for directing the U.S. Justice Department to successfully file a civil rights lawsuit against the village. Mr. Barr then spoke about the rise in anti-Semitism and the breakdown of moral values. With Mr. Barr once again the US Attorney General, two pending federal lawsuits against Airmont and other similar cases around the country, it is a strange form of deja vu, as we live through those same experiences once again.

To watch the award presentation and remarks click on the image below.

Presentation of Agudath Israel of America’s Humanitarian Award to Attorney General William Barr 1992

To read Mr. Barr’s written remarks, our statement on Attorney General Barr’s confirmation, and a recent interview with Rabbi Abba Cohen discussing Mr. Barr’s nomination,  see here.