Aron Wieder, the only Hasidic member in the Rockland County NY Legislature, was elected Majority Leader by his fellow Democratic colleagues Tuesday Night, JP Updates reports.
Two years ago, Mr. Wieder was the first member of the upstate Hasidic community to be elected to the 17-member chamber. In his short tenure in office, Mr. Weider developed working relationships with almost all his colleagues, Republicans and Democrats alike for the benefit of the fast-growing Orthodox Jewish Community.
County Executive-elect Ed Day, a Republican, was elected in November with the support of the anti-Hasidic movement – Preserve Ramapo.
“I’m humbled that I received the endorsement of my colleagues. I want to thank them for their support,” Mr. Weider told YWN. “I will work tirelessly for all of Rockland County. I look forward working with County Elect Leg. Day to move the County in the right direction.”
“I ask the Rebone Shel Oilom for ‘Seyate D’shmaye’ and that I should make a Kiddish Hashem for Klal Yisroel,” he added.
County Legislator Alden H. Wolfe was appointed Chair of Legislature, and Hood Vice Chair of the Legislature.
According to Monsey resident Yossi Gestetner, Rockland County has a population of more than 320,000, including 90K Jews – almost 50% are Orthodox Jewish. It’s the second largest concentration of Jews in the United States after Brooklyn.
Former Assemblyman Ryan Karben, who served as Majority Leader of the County Legislature before serving in the State Assembly, hailed Mr. Weider’s appointment as a far-reaching moment for the Orthodox Jewish community in New York.
“This is a moment of political maturity for the Hasidic community- one of their own will be an advocate not only for their specific needs, but will be spokesperson for a political party’s agenda,” Mr. Karben told YWN.
“The question is whether the rabbinic leadership with whom Wieder has had sometimes tense relations will provide him the space to lead a diverse caucus that does not always agree with the Hasidic community’s priorities,” he added.
(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)
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2 Responses
Has the local anti-semitic rag Journal News (LoHud) yet run a story about how the “Hasids” are destroying life in Rockland followed by dozens and dozens of anti-semitic commenters on their website ranting they need to deport the “Hasids” (codeword: Jews) out of Rockland?
Assemblyman Ryan Karben stated:
“The question is whether the rabbinic leadership with whom Wieder has had sometimes tense relations will provide him the space to lead a diverse caucus”
The rabbinic leadership objects to laws that promote immorality and ateism in society. Will Wieder follow the Democrat party secular line, or will he follow his conscience?