Shortly before Congress entered its current six-week recess, Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey office led a group of delegates from across the state for a day of advocacy in Washington, D.C. The delegation met with their elected officials on Capitol Hill to discuss issues of vital importance to the community, particularly as the nation nears the November elections.

As the congressional visits approached the one-year anniversary of the atrocities of October 7, the Agudah leaders emphasized that the crisis in the region is still far from over, with Israel continuing to be bombarded from all sides by Iran-backed terror groups and with deadly terrorist attacks within Israel itself. The group emphasized the need to support continuing unconditional aid to Israel in order to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure and the threat it poses to Israel’s citizens.

In their discussions, the delegates also focused on the remaining approximately one hundred hostages still held captive by Hamas terrorists and the need for Congress to do everything in its power to fight to bring them home safe and unharmed. The group also shared with their elected officials the fears in the community caused by the dramatic upsurge in antisemitic violence and rhetoric both nationally and in New Jersey — particularly at New Jersey college campuses – and the need for greater security and law enforcement to protect vulnerable communities.

“As Israel continues to fight against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, it is crucial to urge our members of Congress to stand with Israel, and to provide it both political and military support in this time of great need,” said Rabbi Yossie Charner, Agudath Israel’s director of congressional affairs. “As we walked through the Capitol building, we saw dozens of pro-Hamas and pro-Palestinian protestors fighting against everything we are advocating for – underscoring how important it is for our side to be seen and heard.”

Another item on the agenda was the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) (HR-9462), a bill which would create a national scholarship tax credit and make tuition and other assistance available to parents in all fifty states. The delegates thanked the members of Congress who already signed onto the bill and advocated for others to sign as well, noting the tremendous benefits ECCA would provide to millions of Jewish and other families across the country.

“It was particularly gratifying to see two members with whom we spoke about the scholarship legislation immediately add their names as co-sponsors to the bill,” noted Shlomo Schorr, director of legislative affairs for Agudah’s New Jersey Office.

While in Washington, the group met with Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and George Helmy (D-NJ) and Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5), Tom Kean (R-NJ-7), Andy Kim (D-NJ-3), Rob Menendez (D-NJ-8), Frank Pallone (D-NJ-6), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11), and Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-2).

“These Washington Missions aren’t just about the Agudah,” said Mr. Ralph Zucker, an Agudath Israel Executive Board member from New Jersey who joined the mission. “They’re about connecting legislators with constituents, they’re about sharing the things that matter to our communities, they’re about making sure our presence is noticed on Capitol Hill. While the Agudah Washington Office is visiting and communicating with federal officials day in and day out, it is vitally important for our lay community leaders to join with them in this work so that together we can bring about real, tangible change for our families.”