Agudas Yisroel Delegation Fights for Armed Security Guards at NY Mosdos

Albany, New York – On Tuesday, the second installment in Agudah’s three-part advocacy mission to the states capital in Albany NY. This week’s mission consisted of delegates from Queens and 5 Towns/Long Island who traveled to meet with their legislators and discuss issues facing their frum communities and Yeshiva’s.

Since the Simchas Torah attacks, antisemitism has been increasing rapidly. This unfortunate uptick is especially apparent in New York State, which is home to hundreds of Jewish schools. Therefore, ensuring our children’s safety in schools is paramount, and one of Agudath Israel’s top priorities.

The Nonpublic School Safety Equipment Grant (NPSE) reimburses private schools in New York State for safety and security measures, an improvement in their ability to keep their students safe, Agudah advocates encouraged all the legislators they met with to support a doubling of the NPSE allocation to $90 million.

Another issue on the table was universal school lunch. Last year, the New York State budget included an allocation that partially funded universal school meals. Agudah, together with other advocates, is advocating strongly for an allocation to fully fund universal school meals for private schools.

“Agudah’s Queens/Long Island Albany Day was a unique opportunity to experience the world of advocacy that Agudah is involved with daily,” said Rabbi Ari Ginian, executive director of Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island. “The security and safety of their students is of the upmost priority to all schools. Going to Albany gives us the opportunity to speak with our legislators and communicate to them what our current security situation is like on the ground and impress on them the vital need for increased security funding for Mosdos.”

“Agudah firmly believes in the importance of legislators having the opportunity to meet their constituents face-to-face, really getting to see the communities they represent,” said Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, director of New York government relations. “Bringing groups of community members to Albany facilitates that goal and helps Agudah better advocate for our dear communities and Yeshiva’s.”