Agudath Israel's Rockland Office to Hold Chanukah Legislative Reception

By M.C. Millman

Agudath Israel of America's Rockland regional office will hold a Chanukah Legislative Reception tomorrow - Wednesday, December 21. 

"The goal of our Rockland office is to forge meaningful relationships with our elected officials," Shragi Greenbaum, Director of Agudath Israel Rockland Regional Office, shares with Rockland Daily. "We don't only reach out when we need help, but we advocate for the community while forging positive, lasting relationships through other means as well while showcasing our growing community. For the Chanukah Legislative Reception, we are going to have Orthodox representation from all over Rockland, from Chassidish to Litvish to Modern Orthodox from every Rockland community, including newer communities such  as Pearl River, Nyack, Stony Point, Hillburn, Haverstraw, and Thiells."

Elected leaders, including legislators and personnel from the County government, town supervisors and trustees, Village representatives, and superintendents, will be in attendance, as well as federal, state, and county elected leaders.

"School districts are also invited," says Greenbaum, "as that is where most of our work lies as chinuch, and education is probably the most important thing we can do for our families. Not only do we advocate for students within the district, but if need be, we go up to Albany and Washington and lobby. Our entire district gains from the collaborative work we do. For instance, we're working on drafting legislation to reformulate how school districts get funding which will benefit all communities, not just the Orthodox, although it will be a very long haul."

The reception celebrating the partnership between the community and elected officials will take place from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. at the Crown Plaza - 3 Executive Boulevard in Suffern.