Just weeks after a turbulent and divisive election, an avid audience of Jewish community activists and legislators attended Agudath Israel’s annual legislative Luncheon held at Alliance Bernstein Global Wealth Management in Midtown Manhattan.
The event featured federal law enforcement and city government officials, as well as a bi-partisan panel of Congressmen moderated by Rabbi Abba Cohen, director of Agudath Israel’s Washington Office.
Among the lawmakers that represent Brooklyn in attendance were Acting Kings County District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, City Public Advocate Letitia James, City Comptroller Scott Stringer and Central Brooklyn Congressmember Hakeem Jeffries.
The theme of the luncheon was “National Security Decisions Awaiting President Trump in His First 100 Days: The View from Congress.” This led to a discussion of many vital topics, such as anti-Semitism, immigration, and supporting Israel.
Throughout the afternoon, speakers kept coming back to the idea that cooperation and partnership, along with the related ability to work together and present a united front, are our best weapons against anti-Semitism and the evolving terrorist threat.
As James declared, “In the face of hatred and adversity, the strongest weapon we have is to stand together.” She stated that there is an economic anxiety in the city, and, since the election, a growing proliferation of hatred against the Jewish state. Recently, she attended a protest after a playground was defaced with swastikas. She declared that New York will take action to protect all New Yorkers against hatred and bigotry.
Stringer, corroborating the Public Advocate’s words, said that since the election, hate crimes in the U.S. have risen by 31%. “We must address these issues,” he said. He also warned of the possibility, based on certain campaign promises made by President-Elect Trump and a Republican Congress, of a tremendous NYC budget cut, one that would result in more homelessness and crime.
Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez then spoke. He said, “I am here to commit myself to the community – a place of fairness, of safety and security.” He acknowledged and thanked the legislators present.
William F. Sweeney, Jr., FBI New York Director-in-Charge, agreed that partnerships are the key to fighting terrorism – a threat that has evolved, with younger attackers and homegrown assailants, with no obvious connection to terrorist regimes or agencies. “The FBI does nothing alone,” he said. “Everything we do is based on partnerships. Thank you, especially this group, for your community and your voice.”
Finally, attendees enjoyed a lively panel discussion moderated by Rabbi Cohen with representatives Eliot Engel (D-NY), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and Randy Weber (R-TX).
All of the panelists avowed their support for Israel and their desire to see U.S. support for Israel grow. Discourse included the Memorandum of Understanding between Israel and the U.S., additional support for Iron Dome batteries, and the need to keep a strong relationship with our traditional allies in NATO. Several panelists spoke of the need to limit Iran’s power. All participants agreed that we need a sane and wise immigration policy – one that does not shut the doors, but vets immigration with common sense.
In his opening remarks, Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, Agudath Israel’s Executive Vice President, thanked the event’s sponsors, coordinator, and attending elected officials.
Sponsors included Mr. Joseph Richter, Mr. David Matovich, Mr. Simon Gans and Mr. Zurich Gabof. The event was coordinated by The Friedlander Group and its CEO, Ezra Friedlander. Elected officials included New York State Assembly Members Helene Weinstein and David Weprin; New York City Council Member Rory Lancman; Rockland County legislator, Aaron Wieder; and Mayor Izzy Spitzer of New Square.
Brief introductions to the speakers were made by: Jeffrey Wiesenfeld, principal with Alliance Bernstein Global Wealth Management and host of the luncheon; Joseph B. Stamm, Luncheon Co-Chair and CEO of MedReview; Michael A. Ramin, Luncheon Co-Chair; prominent community activist and Luncheon Co-Chair Peter Rebenwurzel; and Rabbi Abe Friedman.
Several attendees appreciated the chance to network and to hear directly from legislators about the situation in New York and Washington. One participant had come all the way from Lakewood on behalf of her school. Another, a member of a Jewish Community Council, said, “I was impressed by the issues that were discussed – immigration, anti-Semitism, Israel – and the bi-partisan nature of the panel. It was great to see members of many Jewish communities throughout New York come together in an event like this.”
