On Tuesday, November 29, 2016, key government figures will break bread and break ground with community leaders at a special Agudath Israel of America Legislative Luncheon.

Agudath Israel of America is a national Orthodox Jewish organization that services the community with a multi-faceted array of charitable, educational and social service projects.

Through its national Office of Government Affairs, its full-time Washington Office, and its regional chapters throughout the nation, Agudath Israel frequently takes advocacy positions before federal, state and local governmental bodies. In so doing, Agudath Israel seeks to protect the rights and advance the interests of observant Jews and their growing network of educational and religious institutions; to promote the wellbeing of Israel and Jews across the globe; and to offer a uniquely Orthodox Jewish perspective on contemporary issues of public concern.

Purposely scheduled to coincide with the transition period between presidential administrations, the November 29 event presents a unique and valuable opportunity for Agudath Israel’s lay leadership to meet and engage elected officials in dialogue about issues of relevance to their communities. In attendance at the event will be prominent communal, civic, religious and governmental leaders with an interest in public policy, and a proven track record of involvement and accomplishment.

The Luncheon will feature a Congressional Panel that will discuss “National Security Decisions Awaiting the Next President in His First 100 Days: The View from Congress.” Participants will include US Representatives Eliot Engel (D-NY), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and Randy Weber (R-TX). The Panel will be moderated by Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudath Israel’s vice president for federal affairs and Washington office director.

The Luncheon will also include remarks by FBI New York Director-In-Charge William F. Sweeney. New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, Public Advocate Letitia James and Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez will deliver greetings as well.

Peter Rebenwurzel, Joseph B. Stamm and Radni Davoodi will serve as Co-Chairs. Mr. Rebenwurzel is a prominent businessman, philanthropist and community leader. Mr. Stamm is the CEO and President, NYCHSRO/MedReview. Mr. Davoodi is the Chief Process Officer and Investor of Sharestates.The Luncheon will be sponsored by Coney Island Payroll Services.

The event is being hosted by Jeffrey Weisenfeld, Principal at Alliance Bernstein Global Wealth Management, and is being coordinated by The Friedlander Group and its CEO, Ezra Friedlander.

The significance of the Legislative Luncheon is summed up by Rabbi David Zwiebel, executive vice president of Agudath Israel: “Our annual legislative event serves as an impressive demonstration of the high level of involvement of the Orthodox community and creates a timely and vital reminder that the community cares deeply about where our government leaders stand on the issues of the day.”

(Leah Zagelbaum – YWN)