[VIDEOS & PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Last night close to fifteen hundred people filled the grand ballroom of the New York Hilton for Agudath Israel of America’s annual dinner.

The assemblage was addressed by both the Novaminsker Rebbe shlit”a, Rav Shmuel Kaminetzky Shlit”a whose remarks echoed the dinner’s theme: Stand Up and Speak Up. New York City Mayor Bill Deblasio delivered a keynote address in which he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the needs and rights of the Orthodox community. He also spoke of the long standing relationships that he enjoys with Agudath Israel, and of the importance of the organization’s work within the city.

The evening’s honorees included Ruby Schron, Rabbi Yosef Asknazy, Rabbi Ellis Safdeye, Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Dr. Ernest Isaacson, Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov, Alexander Rapaport and Rabbi Mordechai Zions and moving tirbutes were made in memory of Mr. Julius Klugmann z”l and Mr. Aaron Schwebel z”l, who were both long time Agudah activists.

The climax of the evening came when Mr. Schron was presented with a Sefer Torah as a token of appreciation for his work on behalf of Agudath Israel. The presentation was accompanied by music and lively dancing, thus bringing a fitting end to a night that celebrated Kavod Hatorah.

Avodas Hakodesh Awardees @ Agudath Israel 92nd National Dinner: Stand Up & Speak Up from Agudath Israel on Vimeo.

Rubin Schron (Guest of Honor: Rabbi Moshe Sherer Memorial Award) from Agudath Israel on Vimeo.

Julius Klugmann z’l Tribute Video (HaGaon Rav Aharon kotler Memorial Tribute) from Agudath Israel on Vimeo.

R’ Aaron Schwebel z’l Tribute Video (Reb Elimelech Tress Memorial Tribute) from Agudath Israel on Vimeo.

Rabbi Yosef Aszknazy (Moreinu Yaakov Rosenheim Memorial Award) from Agudath Israel on Vimeo.

Mishnah Yomi of Pirchei Agudath Israel of America from Agudath Israel on Vimeo.

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