WHO SPEAKS FOR THEJEWS?

CHASKEL BENNETT ACTIVIST, BUSINESS OWNER

CHASKEL BENNETT IS AN ACTIVIST WHO SERVES THE COMMUNITY BOTH AS AN ADVOCATE THROUGH AGUDATH AND INDIVIDUALLY. HE’S BEEN PARTICULARLY ACTIVE AT THE LOCAL LEVEL IN NEW YORK CITY, INCLUD- ING IN RECENT ELECTIONS. AT 40, HE IS THE YOUNGEST MEMBER OF THE AGUDAH’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES. MR. BENNETT IS A BUSINESS OWNER AND LIVES IN FLATBUSH.

last year) that I literally have a in aska- Agudath Israel about 11 years ago. nus with my rav almost every day, some- I’ve been a Hatzolah member for close times every few hours. I discuss everything to 20 years. That was really how my aska- that comes up with him. I’m not on my nus career started. The truth is that when own. you’re a Hatzolah member you see that you I’m a relatively young guy. Most accom- can move mountains every day. When you plished askanim are THEa lot older STORIES than me. BEHINDIt’s have the SOME interest, OF determination THE and time ON HIS ROLE IN ADVOCACY a tremendous privilegeJEWISH to be able COMMUNITY’S to work and are surrounded MOST ACTIVE by the right chevrah, AND HOW HE GOT STARTED: with some of them on major communal you can accomplish the impossible. I am an 18-year mispallel at Rav Shim- issues including religiousAND ENERGETIC rights, Israel, ADVOCATESAlso, being in Sherer’s shul, you shon Sherer’s shul. I said publicly at the homeland security, school choice, Rubash- really get a feeling of what it means to be Agudah convention (where I was chairman kin and Pollard. I started actively with an askan. There are very few people in BY YOSSI KRAUSZ

This year, the Jewish community engaged with national level, ranging from top-level mem- government on a massive scale. The US presiden- bers of major Jewish organizations to pri- tial elections, a war in Israel and a hurricane that vate individuals. devastated a number of Jewish communities—all We were interested in both their philo- these events increased interest and focus on our sophical and practical viewpoints. How did community’s interaction with the outside world. they become involved in advocacy? What But the question arises: Who speaks for our is their particular style? What have they community? There is a small army of askanim accomplished? What are they working on and advocates of various sorts who are trying to now? And what do they think about the express and promote our needs to government future of advocacy? leaders and officials. But who are these people? Not only are the answers to these ques- What are their beliefs about advocacy? What tions important due to our need to know level of communication with gedolei Yisrael do who is representing us, but also this dis- they have before taking action? And do we have cussion can show our youth, from whom enough of them? the next generation of advocates will arise, We recently interviewed an eclectic assortment the many ways to become involved in of American Jewish advocates for the Ortho- advocacy, and the various techniques used dox community, working both locally and at the by responsible advocates.

my generation who know as much about ton numerous times together. (Rabbi Shmuel Lefkowitz, Shea Ostreicher Rabbi Moshe Sherer's accomplishments as You have to understand that to be an and others) worked together with govern- I do, through his son, my rav. It’s part and effective askan you need patience. I’ve ment officials and was finally able to see a parcel of being there. Rabbi Moshe Sherer learned that you can’t always solve every breakthrough. TAP for yeshivos is finally a was probably the most successful askan problem this minute, but working hard reality and it will help our community in that American frum Jewry ever had, so that gets us closer to a solution. A lot of my very meaningful ways. I’m proud to have is a very high bar for any askan to aspire to. efforts have been focused on tuition and played a role. There are a lot of lessons to be learned. education assistance. In my estimation, By the way, an important component As far as askanus is concerned, I consider tuition is the most pressing domestic issue in askanus is to work as a team. It’s never myself a talmid of Reb Shimshon Sherer, a facing our community today. In the last few just one person. The contacts and abilities talmid of Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel and years, I was on the ground floor of the TAP of each person can be mixed together to Rabbi Shmuel Bloom. (Tuition Assistance Program) effort, work- create one effective unit. But one-on-one ing through my local contacts to carry the interaction is sometimes more important. ON THE FOCUS OF HIS ball forward. Baruch Hashem, we were mat- Both have their place. ASKANUS: zliach beyond our wildest dreams. I truly The last several years have brought me believe that TAP for rabbinical colleges is ON HIS REPRESENTATION OF several opportunities—local, national and a continuation of the work Rabbi Moshe AGUDATH ISRAEL: even international—in terms of activism Sherer did for Pell grants over 30 years Local issues do not require me to be a on behalf of Eretz Yisrael and interacting ago. He worked tirelessly for many years card-carrying member of Agudah; some- with government officials, certainly during to obtain aid for parochial schools. He times acting as a concerned local citizen is times of crisis. I’ve been to Washington, was instrumental in establishing AARTS enough. I’m also on the board of COJO of DC with fellow askanim—people like Leon accreditation in order to get federal aid Flatbush, which does significant govern- Goldenberg, who is a great friend and tire- through Pell grants for yeshivah colleges. ment advocacy on many levels. less advocate. We share similar goals and On the New York State level, our yeshivos Being part of Agudath Israel doesn’t have a lot of common ground and inter- didn’t qualify because of a quirk in the law. always mean you’re advocating for Agudah. ests. We’ve been to Albany and Washing- Over the course of a decade, Agudath Israel It means that you have the resources of a large, capable organization to work toward sitting in the room with him. [Agudah stay involved, that can result in increased communal goals. In fact, last year a certain general counsel] Mordechai Biser gave benefits for our community—whether organization that does a lot of good work a very lawyerly and intellectually sound police presence, religious protections, for kids-at-risk was in a very bad financial presentation on why this bill was the help for yeshivos or anti-discrimination matzav, and through Agudah’s contacts we wrong approach, and it was very well efforts. More young people have to under- were able to help them in a very meaning- received. Then I gave a passionate—more stand that they can make a difference. ful way even though they aren’t really affili- my style—statement saying that we were The need for effective advocates for our ated with Agudah. Baruch Hashem, we’ve very sympathetic to his feelings and that community has increased, not decreased. been able to use our resources to help saving a life is as important to us as it is to There’s a whole new group of younger guys other groups that may not have the right him, but that we can’t force people to do in Queens and Flatbush and Boro Park contacts on a high level. something that goes against religious prin- coming into their own now. ciples just because it’s well-intentioned. ON HIS STYLE OF ADVOCACY: You could see his eyes soften as we told ON CONSULTING DAAS I mentioned before that one of my men- him that we understood where he was TORAH: tors is Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zweibel. He’s coming from and explained our view in a You asked when I feel the need to con- one of the most temimusdike people we moral and scholarly way. By the end of the sult daas Torah. Being part of Agudah has have in klal Yisrael. He’s an eved ne’eman conversation he agreed to take the bill off given me access to many of today’s gedo- of the gedolei Yisrael. He’s a soft-spoken the table, and said he would work with us lim who are experienced in answering person. Very rarely will you hear a harsh to fashion a different one that would take high-level klal askanus shailos, clearly and word from him. I’m proud to say that into account the sensitivities of the Ortho- unambiguously giving over the daas Tora I’ve tried my best to learn from him, even dox Jewish community. At that moment, I on the spot. That takes pressure off people though our personalities are at opposite knew why I wanted to be in askanus—to like me.

YOU COULD SEE HIS EYES SOFTEN AS WE TOLD HIM THAT WE UNDER- STOOD WHERE HE WAS COMING FROM AND EXPLAINED OUR VIEW IN A MORAL AND SCHOLARLY WAY.

ends of the Earth. But there is value in be able to present the views, opinions and With my rav’s encouragement I’ve gone using the soft approach sometimes. traditions of the Orthodox Jewish com- to the Novominsker , Rav Shmuel munity in a responsible and appropriate Kamenetsky and Rav , ON THE POSSIBILITY OF manner, not through screaming, yelling among others, for guidance on specific ASKANUS BACKFIRING: and threatening but working in a personal cases. I don’t go to them on every issue, When you’re acting on behalf of the tzib- setting to change minds and help people though, only when my rav or I feel it rises bur, you have to think 10 times before you understand us. Anything I’ve learned in to the level of a difficult halachic or hash- speak. When you’re wearing a yarmulke, that regard has come from Rabbi Zwiebel kafic shailah. You have to use seichel. you’re viewed differently. I’ve learned from and Agudath Israel. I don’t have a blanket endorsement from others how to do it, and how not to. Some- anyone. Who does? We try to be cogni- times, before a meeting in Albany, we’ll ON THE FUTURE OF ADVOCA- zant of our role as Torah shtadlanim. Are have a conference call or meeting to dis- CY AND POLITICAL ENGAGE- we infallible? Who’s infallible? I’m sure we cuss strategy and how to approach a certain MENT IN THE COMMUNITY: make mistakes. But I can say with confi- inyan. An example: A year and a half ago, We’ve spent an enormous amount of dence that we are trying 100% to do it a New York assemblyman was proposing a time and effort trying to get people to vote right. mandatory organ donation bill for driver’s and showing them how important their licenses that would force people to donate vote is. A FINAL THOUGHT: their organs by default. We met with him Most people know that I was heavily Being involved in askanus can sometimes in Assemblyman Dov Hikind’s office in involved in the Bob Turner race. I saw the create tension with people in your commu- Albany. The opportunity to advocate liter- energy and excitement in the Orthodox nity who differ in opinion and approach. ally came to us. This person was a secular community. There’s certainly a growing For me personally, the goal is not to win Jew, and he was actually well-meaning. His level of knowledge about politics. How at all costs. I hate machlokes and want des- motivation was that his own daughter had does that translate? perately to create achdus amongst Yidden. needed a transplant and they couldn’t find If people get excited about their candi- Call me old-fashioned, but I truly believe an organ. It was personal to him. date but the excitement dissipates the day that this approach is still the core mission I’ll never forget how 20 or 30 of us were after the election, that’s not good. If people of Agudas Yisrael.

68 // DECEMBER 26, 2012 // 13 TISLEV, 5773 RABBI ABBA COHEN VICE PRESIDENT OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AND WASHINGTON DIRECTOR OF AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA

ON HIS START IN ADVOCACY: remedial education and education for the I grew up in Washington, in a home disabled. In light of recent events, we have where, in addition to my parents’ regular also been concentrating more on security jobs, they were both deeply involved in issues and disaster relief for our schools, askanus on the national and local levels. and other issues. School-related matters, Also, I went to Ner Yisrael, which such as kashrus concerns in school and stresses not only excellence in learning, but summer feeding programs have also been also in service to the community. In both on our recent agenda. During the current discourse is not carried on in a respectable places, I was taught by example. fiscal negotiations, we have devoted much fashion. Then it is harmful to the whole I directed my secular education toward time to fighting threats to Pell Grants, which community. that, as well. I received a master’s degree is critical to yeshivos and to the “charitable But I’m often asked, “How can you work from Columbia University in international deduction,” which is a big help to all of our with so-and-so? He’s so against what we affairs and a law degree from Georgetown schools. stand for!” The answer I give is that we University. Religious liberty and accommodation is, can find areas that we can work on with I was fortunate that my first professional of course, another key area. In health care, everyone, whether they’re Republicans or opportunities were in working for the com- for example, there are aspects of Medicare Democrats, whether they are liberals or munity. I spent several years working with and other programs that, over the years, conservatives. There are always presidents, the Anti-Defamation League on issues relat- have put in question the halachic and moral senators and congressmen with whom we ing to Israel and the safety of endangered acceptability of how we treat patients in share values and can work together on Jewish communities around the world. very serious and “end of life” medical situ- those values and in those areas. We must During the years I was in law school and for ations. We’ve been having discussions with concentrate on the needs, interests and a little while after that, I worked for noted the White House on these issues. In regard values of our community, and where we can attorney Nathan Lewin in Washington DC, to “marriage” and family issues, we have find common ground. Helping the commu- where he asked me to join in on many of his been vigilant in working to protect the reli- nity has to be our driving force. Jewish religious liberty-related cases. gious rights of our , our laymen and We know, for example, that there are Agudah opened its Washington office in our institutions. And, it is interesting that, areas like school vouchers where we can’t 1988. I was ready to join the workforce in the despite the significant progress we have work with certain elected officials. But there area I had prepared myself for, and I was rec- made over the decades, we are still confront- may be—and often are—a hundred other ommended to the Agudah by Mr. Lewin and ing recurring problems in the workplace. goals we can work together on. Rabbi Naftali Neuberger. It was the type of Finally, now and on an ongoing basis, we I’ve worked with four presidents and position I had hoped for and prepared myself are concerned about the safety and well- we’ve had fruitful relationships with all four for, and I was fortunate to be hired by Rabbi being of Israel. This has especially been the in many areas. If we keep that perspective, Sherer. I’ve been working at the Agudah for case in recent months with the heightened we can accomplish a lot for the community. the past 23-plus rewarding years. Iranian threat and the hostilities with Gaza. So, any person in the community has the We are facing critical months ahead. right to support or align himself or herself ON RECENT AREAS OF HIS with particular candidates or parties. And ADVOCACY: ON COMMUNITY SUPPORT there may be many benefits to that. But as a As a general rule, the largest chunk of my FOR ONE CANDIDATE AND community advocate, it is within our inter- work relates to schooling. That includes ADVOCACY: ests to work with both sides of the aisle. expanding funding opportunities and That’s an extremely important issue. Leaving aside the legal issues governing a maintaining the autonomy and religious Far be it from me to tell anybody who non-profit, it would not be in our interest character of our schools. With major educa- they should or shouldn’t vote for. Every- or to our benefit to align ourselves with any tion and budget legislation on the horizon, one has the right to decide whom to sup- particular party or candidate. After all, we we have been focusing on better and more port. My only concern is when the level are not driven by political ideology. We’re services for our school in programs like of rhetoric goes over the line and political driven by a Torah ideology and by the inter- ests of our community. Sometimes that will on what I call strategic issues. An example able to build on relationships that Rabbi land us within the Republican platform and of this concerns “coalitions.” Much of what Sherer and others had already started. sometimes it will land us within the Demo- is done in Washington now is done by form- I think there were many organizations crat platform. ing coalitions with other groups as it often inside and outside the Jewish world that leads to more effective advocacy. But form- were looking on to see if we’d be success- ON THE RELATIONSHIP ing coalitions with certain other groups— ful. They wondered whether the Orthodox OF DAAS TORAH TO HIS Jewish or non-Jewish—might raise issues community had the political “culture” or ADVOCACY: that don’t sit comfortably with our Torah sophistication to go forward into the belly Agudah was established to be a daas and we bring these questions regarding of the political structure in Washington or Torah-driven organization and that’s why coalition-building to the Moetzes for reso- whether we would fall on our face. Person- our policies are determined by prominent lution. We ask about when we can make ally, after almost 25 years in Washington, I roshei yeshivah and admorim who comprise coalitions and with whom. The Moetzes has would like to think that we’ve proven our our Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah and Nesius. given us general guidelines, but, even so, we worth and answered that question posi- That doesn’t mean that our lay leadership or sometimes have to consult with them on a tively. staff have no role. Many times our rabbinic case-by-case basis. I also think it was an important move leadership will look to us for input or infor- Sometimes questions revolve around the because shortly thereafter Lubavitch and mation. But our policies are determined by best way to go about getting our policies put the OU opened their offices in Washing- the rabbinic leadership. into the public arena and into the political ton. I think our foray into Washington, The process works well. When dealing process. Even that is guided by the Moetzes. and our success, encouraged others and with clear halachic issues—for example, So the Moetzes plays a key role both in made them more comfortable in taking that assisted suicide or abortion—these are terms of positions and in how we go about step. We’ve all found a place here and have issues for the Moetzes and the Nesius. On doing what we do. been accepted with open arms and respect. some other issues, for example, funding for As a result, the Orthodox community has schools, the Moetzes gives us general guide- ON THE AGUDAH’S MOVE TO become a more potent political force. lines for our work and it is the staff’s respon- WASHINGTON: In practical terms, whether it’s on Capi- sibility to work within those parameters. The Agudah was the first Orthodox orga- tol Hill or in the White House, government Of course, we don’t go to the Moetzes with nization to open up a full-time presence in leaders know that the Orthodox commu- pieces of legislation and ask for guidance on Washington. It was the realization of Rabbi nity is a segment of the Jewish community minutiae. They declare our policies or give Sherer’s dream. He understood that if you that needs to be considered and reckoned us general guidelines and it is up to the pro- want to be most effective in the political with. That was why opening our office was fessionals to make sure that the details con- and legislative arena, you really need a full- such an important step. It gave the Ortho- form to those policies or guidelines. time presence. And we weren’t coming in a dox community a seat at the table. And now We’ll also sometimes go to the Moetzes vacuum. We were fortunate enough to be it is a permanent seat.

NATHAN DIAMENT DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS OF THE UNION OF ORTHODOX JEWISH CONGREGATIONS OF AMERICA

HOW HE GOT INVOLVED munity issues, I did some pro bono work IN COMMUNITY ADVOCACY: on behalf of the OU and some other things. Prior to this job, I worked for a law firm. Additionally, I was involved in putting Before that, I clerked for a federal judge in together a conference at University New York. with various rabbanim, academics and com- When I was in law school, I spent one munal leaders to discuss political advocacy summer in Washington working for Nathan and public activism from a Torah perspec- Lewin’s law firm. Through that experience tive. That’s when I met some of the leaders and because of my general interest in com- of the OU. Subsequently, when they were

70 AMI MAGAZINE // DECEMBER 26, 2012 // 13 TISLEV, 5773 looking to bring someone in to do this job, with them on issues of concern for us, and permissible but commendable, and the OU they thought of me. also, when appropriate, supporting their ini- should support it and government fund- tiatives. But it’s also mobilization. In the past ing for the research. That recommendation HIS AREA OF ADVOCACY: year, a lot of the OU’s expansion has entailed was brought to the board of the OU, which I spend most of my time on federal poli- having more staff people on the ground in approved it. cy issues here in Washington. Our department key states like New York, New Jersey and works on all levels, expanding our efforts at the Florida, working with rabbanim and lay- COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR state level in 18 states. people to help get the community active in ONE CANDIDATE: A good example is what I’m in the midst engaging with local officials and helping us We’re collecting election returns num- of working on right now, which is talking mobilize them in support of our initiatives. bers from precincts with large Orthodox with senior leaders in the Department of Jewish populations, and in communities Homeland Security, under whose umbrella ON THE RABBINIC ROLE IN OU like Teaneck or Miami or Wickliffe, Ohio, is FEMA, regarding institutions in our com- ADVOCACY: where there’s a large population of Ortho- munity that were damaged and almost The OU’s approach is not quite the same dox , and you see the trend of Romney destroyed by Sandy. Specifically, we’re as Agudah. We don’t have a moetzes like having done better. At the same time, it working with them on the issue of how they do. But certainly, on issues with a indicates that Obama got some support in shuls that were damaged can be ruled eligi- halachic dimension, the OU leadership will the Orthodox community. Like every other ble to receive federal funds to rebuild, when consult with rabbanim for halachic guidance community, we’re not monolithic. they’re not explicitly covered by the stat- and input. A good example that goes back a Our job is to find the points of common- utes. I’ve been in intensive discussions with number of years was when the issue came ality on which we can agree. I’ll give you an officials about how they can be covered. up concerning whether the government example: A piece of legislation we’ve started More broadly, we work as part of the pro- should fund stem cell research. That was working on involves a grant program to Israel coalition with the big organizations, a big issue on the state and national level, be created by the Department of Energy like AIPAC [American Israel Public Affairs and it was something the OU had never for nonprofit organizations, including reli- Committee] and the Conference of Presi- really dealt with before. We put together a gious ones, to make their buildings more dents of Major Jewish Organizations. On group of rabbanim who had experience and energy-efficient. That’s an example of an domestic issues, we work on pretty much knowledge with regard to bioethics issues. issue that there’s some support for on the any issue that can affect religious freedoms. We also had some Orthodox scientists in liberal Democratic side in particular, even the group who were familiar with the actual though liberals don’t support school vouch- HIS METHODS OF ADVOCACY: research, and we had some other commu- ers or other ways to give funds to religious I would say it’s a combination of relation- nity leaders. As a group, they spent several schools, because this isn’t about supporting ship-building and mobilization. We try to months going through both the halachah private schools. It’s about improving energy develop relationships with senators and con- and the science. Eventually, they reached efficiency and reducing harmful impacts on gressmen, and with White House officials a consensus that stem cell research of the the environment and other goals that folks and their staff members. We develop direct kind that was being discussed—not for on the more liberal side approve of. It’s all relationships, part of which involves working reproduction but for cures—was not only about finding points of common interest.

EZRA FRIEDLANDER CEO OF THE FRIEDLANDER GROUP, A LOBBYING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRM BASED IN NYC

That reminds me of a question the White sensus group that by and large represents House had in the early ’50s, when they the Jewish community and speaks in a uni- complained that a lot of people came to fied voice to the White House. Then you them with issues related to Israel and each have AIPAC, which does that for Congress. one represented a different group and a dif- This doesn’t mean that Jewish groups won’t ferent viewpoint. The Conference of Presi- speak for themselves sometimes. dents of Major Jewish Organizations was In regards to a local issue, it really WHO REPRESENTS THE JEW- established to clarify one viewpoint for the depends on who has the votes. If a commu- ISH COMMUNITY? Jewish people. It’s an umbrella and con- nity identifies itself as a cohesive group and goes to an elected official and says, “We and get their support, they need to address If you have legitimate reasons to support a represent X number of votes,” that particu- those issues. I don’t say that I represent particular candidate, then supporting him lar group can claim to represent that por- anyone. I’m more like someone who gives is commendable. In fact, the community tion of the community. For example, the advice to people who aspire to public office. should be vocal in its support for its pre- Simon Wiesenthal Center can say, “We rep- Nine out of 10 times, I tell them not to put ferred candidates. resent 100,000 Jews who pay dues to us.” on a yarmulke and dance Hava Nagilah for Agudah and the OU, or any membership- us. That would be a nice photo op, but it CONFRONTATION driven organization, can claim to speak for wouldn’t garner any support in the com- IN ADVOCACY: however many dues-paying members they munity. There’s a time and place for everything. have. Can anyone say “I represent all the You need to be professional, to represent Jews”? No. That would be incorrect. DOES COMMUNITY SUPPORT the American approach. You need to be FOR ONE CANDIDATE UNDER- courteous. You need to bring facts to the HIS ROLE ON BEHALF OF THE MINE ADVOCACY? table. But there also has to be an under- COMMUNITY: It’s certainly the American tradition to standing that the community won’t think I view my role more as an ambassado- be able to publicly support one candidate twice about organizing and demonstrating rial one. I bring a particular point of view over another. As long as your advocacy is and ruffling feathers when we need to— to elected officials and tell them that these responsible, it’s okay. Responsibility means within legal means, of course. are the issues that concern the Jewish com- not spreading conspiracy theories about munity, and that if they wish to serve them what one candidate might do if they win.

RABBI ABRAHAM FRIEDMAN BUSINESS OWNER AND ASKAN BOTH A BUSINESS OWNER AND COMMUNITY ACTIVIST, RABBI FRIEDMAN SERVES AS A CHAPLAIN FOR SEVERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY AND IN THE CORRECTIONS SYSTEM ON A VOLUNTEER BASIS.

a phone call from one of the askanim there. their phones and grab a sandwich. It was a He was telling me that I should try to come kiddush Hashem, because they helped many down to see what’s going on in order to make non-Jews too. They helped everyone alike. a big tumult in the political world. Even the When I saw what was going on, I imme- people who were left with something were diately sent an email to a host of elected being looted every night. The police depart- officials. I reached out to Senators Schumer ment was swept away in the water. Most of and Gillibrand, [Public Advocate] Bill de HIS TYPE OF ASKANUS: the police cars were damaged, and those that Blasio and my close friend State Senator Let’s talk for a minute about the hur- weren’t damaged had no gas. It was really Eric Adams, who made a lot of phone calls ricane [Sandy] and you’ll automatically chaos. to make sure that a lot of people came down understand my role. One of the heavi- They came to me because they know that to visit, because just hearing what I had to est hit areas was Sea Gate. Sea Gate has after so many years of working for the klal say was not the same as seeing it for your- been overlooked for years because it’s I’ve gained the respect of law enforcement self. That same day, they were given a tour of its own little village, so to speak. They and elected officials. They know that when I the neighborhood and they couldn’t believe have their own police department and call them, I’m never asking for anything per- that there was no command post, no FEMA, public operations. They were hardly sonal. I’m not an organization that advocates no Red Cross—no chesed organization either mentioned anywhere. Because of the for funds. I only call when a member of klal besides Shomrim. No one even knew about hurricane, over 100 houses will never Yisrael needs help. Sea Gate. So they started to make a commo- be lived in again. They were too badly I went down there and saw the devasta- tion in the political world. damaged to be fixed. tion. I was touched and heartbroken by the I also involved a good friend of mine, A few days after the storm, Sea Gate horrific scenes. I saw families standing on the Hakeem Jeffries, who was just elected to Con- hadn’t gotten any attention what- street with mamash nothing. Thankfully, the gress and represents the Sea Gate area. He soever. They called a lot of agencies Shomrim from Boro Park and Williamsburg came and couldn’t believe what he saw. Jerry and were totally ignored because they went to patrol the area. They set up a com- Nadler, who used to represent the district, hadn’t been on the news at all. I got mand post so people could come to charge came with him.

72 AMI MAGAZINE // DECEMBER 26, 2012 // 13 TISLEV, 5773 Because so many elected officials came was one of the first Hatzolah members job. I believed that we shouldn’t ruin the down, each of them brought different in Kiryas Yoel. He invented the idea of a relationship by supporting another candi- assistance to the area. For example, Sena- Bikur Cholim room in a hospital 25 years date, so I supported [Obama]. tor Schumer’s office made sure that FEMA ago. There was no such thing before that. If they hadn’t had an open-door policy to responded immediately. The next day, That’s the environment I grew up in. Every us, I would have been the first person to say Friday, FEMA set up a command post on Shabbos and Yom Tov we had a dozen, two we should deal with the election differently. Surf Avenue, right near the entrance gate, so dozen guests—people who had nowhere But because I know that I was able to help that people who had lost everything could else to go. I think that when you grow up the community in many ways because they fill out an application for immediate assis- with a father like that, continuing what were helpful to me and there’s such a thing as tance. Hakeem Jeffries’ office made sure that he did is a big thing for his neshamah. He hakaras hatov, I felt that he was the way to go. the Red Cross and other organizations came passed away at a young age, but the things right away, especially the National Guard, he did for others endure. I’m also very for- THE FUTURE OF ASKANUS which had to inspect the entire area. De tunate to have a good relationship with AND THE MERITS OF PRIVATE Blasio called Commissioner Kelly and asked other askanim. I have a lot of respect for VERSUS ORGANIZATIONAL him to send cops, especially for Shabbos, older and more experienced askanim, and ASKANUS: when Shomrim couldn’t patrol. Kelly prom- use their judgment as an example. I think Elected officials have come to realize that ised to do so, and the officers arrived before that allows me to build a team rather than although organizations are very impor- Shabbos and were there for the entire Shab- work alone. Every askan has a unique way tant and represent a large sector of the bos patrolling the area. I think that’s what of helping the community. One individual community, they also know they have to started making people aware of the devasta- cannot have all the contacts and knowledge. respect individual askanim who work tire- tion there. Working together with other askanim, we lessly on behalf of the klal. Elected officials I got a beautiful letter from some local can accomplish much more for klal Yisrael. cannot mandate that everything has to go residents thanking me for raising public through organizations and that if you need awareness and getting them assistance. I CAN SUPPORT FOR something you have to go them. There are don’t need any thanks. I was happy to be A LOSING CANDIDATE askanim working on behalf of the commu- the good shliach. The real thanks goes to MAKE ADVOCACY DIFFICULT nity with absolutely no agenda other than Hatzolah and Shomrim and to the people LATER ON? the good of the klal. If your heart is in the who came from all over to help. Cheskel Working together rather than against a right place, the official will see that you Bennet came down and made calls to orga- candidate can only help you. The Obama mean it and will respect you and have an nizations to donate food and clothes. Those administration, at least on the issues I was open dialogue with you. people deserve the credit and thanks. involved in, was genuinely trying to help the The organizations will continue to community. They were extremely helpful advocate, and if they’re smart enough HOW HE GOT INVOLVED with homeland security, law enforcement they’ll include [individual] askanim, IN ASKANUS: and other issues for which I advocated. The because each askan brings a unique way It started with my father, a”h. I grew up White House Jewish liaison is Jarrod Bern- to help klal Yisrael. in a house that was full of chesed. My father stein, and there is no better person for the

RABBI AARON KOTLER CEO OF BMG, COMMUNITY ADVOCATE

RABBI AARON KOTLER OF BETH MEDRASH GOVOHA IN LAKEWOOD HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN COMMUNAL ADVOCACY FOR THE PAST 16 YEARS.

ON HIS START IN ADVOCACY: ally involved even in the most mundane My grandfather Rav Aharon, ztz”l, estab- details of advocacy. My father continued lished the model for the American Ortho- this mehalech, and my earliest memories dox community of constant shtadlanus, include visits by governors and senators. advocacy and engagement with all aspects They believed that achrayus for our com- of government. Despite the immense press- munities entails becoming involved and ing responsibilities that he faced from all not sitting back. segments of the klal, he was always person-

13 TEVES, 5773 // DECEMBER 26, 2012 // AMI MAGAZINE 73 ON HIS DIFFERENT HATS: distill the issues and have a trusting rela- exclude married people, they might dis- Institutions have very clear rules about tionship where the person is not going to courage marriage. If it will cost a couple what they are allowed to do and are not skew the facts and try to just push the result $16,000 a year, and they don’t have that allowed to do both in terms of elections and their way, but instead really be a resource for money yet at the beginning of their earn- advocacy. The Lakewood community has them to figure out what needs to be done. ing cycle, they might decide to push off a group of private citizens who represent The rule in the recent national health- marriage a year or two. It’s not so common the community and advocate on its behalf. care reform that children can remain on in our community to push off marriage Although some of them, including myself, their parents’ insurance plans until age 26, because of financial reasons, but it is very also hold positions in non-profit institu- even if married, was something we worked common in the general public. Conserva- tions, their work is on behalf of the general hard on together with a number of other tives agreed on the importance of amending public and not as representatives of their national advocates. As the bill was being this “under 26 even if married provision,” institutions. This holds true for the types written, there was a provision in the bill even though they opposed the healthcare of issues that come up, which tend toward that said that if you are under age 26, you bill in general. general economic and social issues, and are allowed to stay on your parents’ plan. Liberals wanted to expand the pool of assisting individuals in need. Until then, insurance companies could do mandated coverage, because they were as they wished; now they were going to be looking to cover as many people as possible ON THE INGREDIENTS OF mandated to allow those under 26 to stay under the provisions of the bill. That was ADVOCACY: on their parents’ plan. something very important to them. So we There are a few ingredients that are But that bill specifically said that if you said, “Why would you arbitrarily exclude key. The first one is education. Education were married, you would not be able to this married person?” involves knowing the facts and being able stay on your parents’ plan. As the bill was We became spokesmen for this, because to make a reasonable case for fairness and being written, we were watching how its no one else cared as much about it. Tech- equity as the basis for the policy that you are various provisions would affect the Ortho- nically, other religious groups would have advocating. If you are able to marshal the dox Jewish community in the United States. cared about it, but they had so many other facts, gather the information and make an There were hundreds and hundreds of dif- issues they were interested in, it wasn’t on equitable argument for government to do ferent things going on in the bill, and this their agenda. While we had many religious something, government will often listen. If was one of them. concerns about the bill—for example, right- we advocate to remedy a disparity or unfair Because we had long-term relation- to-life and end-of-life issues—when it came situation, we will generally find a listening ships with some of those who were writing to the financial aspects of the bill, this was air. But that entails that you are able to edu- the bill, without having to take a position one of the most important and doable issues cate the government officials so that they on whether we liked the bill or not—that for us. can have the full picture. That’s probably was irrelevant, because it would either the most important part of advocacy. pass or fail on its own merits—in speaking ON THE ROLE OF DAAS TO- Relationships are obviously critical. with those who were writing it, we could RAH IN ADVOCACY: Those are not one-time things; you develop say, “Let’s discuss how this will impact the All the time, not on an occasional basis, long-term relationships, in which officials Orthodox Jewish community and other you have hashkafah issues about how to deal will rely on you as much as you will rely on religious communities that may get married with something. It may be on something them. They may rely on you because you earlier than the general public.” that you would expect, such as “end-of- can help them in their goals, which are to In the typical population, people tend to life” matters, and other times it is on some- govern and to govern well. They want to get married after age 26, so it would not be thing out of the blue. For example, here is govern well because they want to serve and a hot-button issue in their communities. We something that actually happened: We were do a good job, and for the vast majority of said, “Look, in our community, people may asked to support a gun-control bill by an them, they really want to do the right thing, get married at ages 20, 21, 22.” elected official. Now that idea is obviously and they’re not just focused on reelection or We appealed to conservatives and liber- very much in the public arena after the reappointment. als with a set of arguments that appealed to tragic shooting in Newtown, but at the time In order for them to serve, they need to each of them. We said to the conservatives it wasn’t on the radar and is not something know what is going on in their communi- that specifically excluding those married that was high on the priority list of our com- ties. There is no firewall, where someone would create what is called a “marriage pen- munity. We were asked to support that bill sits in an office and makes policy without alty,” which conservatives always oppose. because we had asked elected officials for knowing what the people want in regard to Anything in the federal code or tax code help on something else. One of them said, those policies. So if anyone is elected to any that is detrimental to a married couple as “This is what I need help on. If you help me level of public office and they are serious opposed to a single person, conservatives with gun control, I’ll help you with this.” about making a difference, the most impor- dislike, because they want to encourage It was completely unrelated; it came from tant thing for them is to have good relation- more marriage and more stable family units, nowhere and the question was whether to ships with people in the communities who rather than fewer. expend our community voice on something can help them explore what the needs are, We explained that if the bill would unrelated to us. We had to ask whether this

74 AMI MAGAZINE // DECEMBER 19, 2012 // 6 TISLEV, 5773 was something we should be involved with which we recognize with respect that not So you may have a new person who or should not be involved with. everyone will always agree with. Our meso- comes up and takes one issue and says, “I Another question that came up, much rah has always been one of hakaras hatov. will change policy on this issue,” which may more recently, is how to relate in elections We’ve always said to elected officials that seem attractive to the frum community. But to politicians who are more liberal than if they work with us, listen to our point of we might say that that’s unbelievably appre- those with whom we have more empathy view, represent us fairly (and that’s all we ciated and if they are elected, we hope they on social and moral issues. That’s something ask for, fairness), and give our community do that, but that might not change the feel- we most recently spoke with in detail with the attention we deserve by virtue of being ings of hakaras hatov we have to someone Maran Hagaon Rav Aharon Leib [Steinman] citizens in their district or state, and they do who has taken the time to understand our about; in the past we spoke with Rav Avra- so in a respectful way, the community will communities, build relationships, allowed ham Chaim Levine and many others on. We recognize that and support them. We’re a us to advocate for our communities and also have a clear mesorah from my father, highly informed electorate, and people will then enacted policies that are beneficial, ztz’l, and others. We consult on daas Torah be aware of quality representation. You go overall, for the frum community. You may issues regularly with roshei yeshivah, whose to shul, and everyone has a point of view not agree with everything someone says, opinions are valued and followed by many, and is engaged, which is the way it should but you may still feel that they are worthy and with rabbonim. The key to asking is to be. Our philosophy of hakaras hatov has of your support. not have a pre-determined outcome and to been that we will turn out en masse for such recognize that you will always come across an official and that we care. A FINAL NOTE ABOUT issues where there is a hashkafah perspec- The American system of governance ADVOCACY: tive. Even in a more limited way, there is really forces consensus-building between Probably the most important thing to the question of what we should expend different factions and sides. There is very know is that it is a lot of work. It’s not a fun our energies on. Everyone has only a lim- little winner-takes-all in the American and glamorous game. But though it’s a lot of ited amount of time, energy and resources, system. When you think of the two large work, it has a lot of toeles. so we need to know what we should spend political parties, they themselves are con- For those who are less active on a daily those on. glomerations of different interests. By the basis, the most important thing that they time a person gets into office, they are the can do is vote and show that they care ON COMMUNITY SUPPORT product of many different forces and voices, about the public issues. By doing that, FOR ONE CANDIDATE AND and they have to do the best job they can they strengthen the hands of any advocate ADVOCACY: juggling the different points of view for the involved in any area. We have a clear mesorah in Lakewood, common good. We’re not the sole voice.

RABBI MOSHE DUVID NIEDERMAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS OF WILLIAMSBURG,

A DIRECT SERVICE PROVIDER AND THE UMBRELLA ORGANIZATION FOR HUN- DREDS OF RELIGIOUS AND CIVIC GROUPS IN WILLIAMSBURG SINCE 1966. HE IS ALSO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE RAV TOV INTERNATIONAL JEWISH RES- CUE ORGANIZATION AND SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CENTRAL RABBINI- CAL CONGRESS, HISACHDUS HARABONIM. HIS ADVOCACY FOR THE COMMUNITY IS PERFORMED IN ALL OF THESE CAPACITIES AS WELL AS IN MANY OTHERS.

ON GETTING INVOLVED WITH rosh of the Hisachdus Harabonim and the KLAL WORK: yosheiv rosh of the Vaad Harabonim of Rav I began 40 years ago, at the behest of the Tuv. So I’ve been working with the Hisach- Satmar Rebbe, zt”l. dus Harabonim from the beginning. Basically, the Rebbe wanted to create Dealing with Russian Jews led to a lot of stayed there and wouldn’t leave. an organization to assist Yidden abroad, in halachic shailos and naturally necessitated Russia and other places. At the time, he cre- the guidance of rabbanim. This eventu- ON WHAT ADVOCACY ated Rav Tov. That’s when I got involved. ally led me to Russia in 1987 to arrange a INVOLVES: The Voideslover Rav, zt”l, was the yosheiv harsha’ah on a get because the husband It involves two things: The first is to be

13 TEVES, 5773 // DECEMBER 26, 2012 // AMI MAGAZINE 75 a proud, ehrliche Yid and to explain very also civic minded people who are concerned ence between elections and governance. clearly to government that we are grateful with issues that affect the broader society We are obligated to daven for the success of that Hashem sent us after the big churban to as a whole. Look at the hurricane and the our officials, and in turn they’re supposed a malchus shel chesed, where people are able response of the Jewish community to help to represent all people—even those who to enjoy freedom of religion and not devi- everyone! Look at , Met Council and didn’t vote for them. But if someone attacks ate from our mesorah. It is necessary to tell its 26 affiliated JCCs, headed by its indefati- an official and calls him an anti-Semite, that them what you stand for and that you will gable CEO Willie Rapfogel and so on. backfires and has no place. not accept anything less. Our experience is that most of the time— There is a clear rule that you should never In order to accomplish that, you have to yes, there are exceptions—elected officials change your support from someone who do a few things. You have to explain what are receptive. If they see sincerity and con- has helped you. This is al pi Torah and al our requirements are. Explain the concept sistency and persistence, you can bring pi mentchlichkeit and practicality. You don’t of being shomer Torah u’mitzvos. Explain about social, housing and policy changes jump off the wagon, because then no offi- that being chasidic doesn’t mean going back and other needed services for the Jewish cial will ever trust you to support him in to the Middle Ages. You can give them community. the future. You never double-cross someone examples of people who have been leaders who helped you. Don’t be afraid to lose an in their fields while beingchasidishe shomrei ON WHETHER HE FINDS HIM- election. If you stood up for what’s right— Torah u’mitzvos. Also, you need to explain SELF ADVOCATING DIFFER- you won! If someone else comes in, he’ll that our distinct religious way of life is not ENT POSITIONS THAN OTHER respect that. about living in isolation or showing any JEWISH GROUPS: kind of disrespect or distrust. Rather, our One hundred percent. That’s true on an A FINAL NOTE ON WHAT PEO- religious traditions prevent us from partici- ongoing basis. Of course, that makes it dif- PLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT pating in certain social activities with the ficult. But the government understands ADVOCACY: greater community. There are many issues that there are always multiple voices on any It’s very important that people listen to on which we need to join together with the issue, and I am sure that they encounter that others who have been there. As it says in community at large and work in tandem. a lot. By law, the government has to respect Chovos Halevavos, don’t think your parents G-d created man in His image, and we need our sincere religious beliefs and positions, didn’t know what you know today! There to respect mankind and work together. For regardless of what another group says. are people older than you with knowledge example, our religious values require us to and experience, and you should work with have the separation of genders in our own ON COMMUNITY SUPPORT them and not against them. We have always communities, even with close friends, and FOR A SPECIFIC CANDIDATE: had great rabbanim and leaders whom there are other things we do to raise our I can tell you that if a person supports younger people can emulate and look up children as civilized, law-abiding citizens. a candidate in an individual capacity, he to. In the next generation, you’ll be the old And they succeed despite not having a can encourage people to go out and vote askan, and the younger askanim will look up formal education. for that candidate, but it has to be done in to you for guidance! The system has proven that our final a respectful manner. Responsible elected product isn’t only law-abiding citizens, but officials understand that there is a differ-

GERSHON SCHLESINGER CEO OF UJCARE HEALTHCARE,

A HEALTHCARE COMPANY BASED IN WILLIAMSBURG. HE ALSO IS THE HEAD OF AD- MAS KODESH, AN ORGANIZATION WHICH WORKS TO PRESERVE JEWISH CEMETERIES WORLDWIDE. MR. SCHLESINGER ALSO SERVES AS AN ASKAN ON POLITICAL ISSUES FOR THE SATMAR COMMUNITY LED BY RAV AHARON TEITELBAUM, SHLIT”A.

ON HIS START IN ASKANUS: war. After the war, he learned in Vodkert, My father, a”h, whose name was Rav Hungary, and left to America in 1956. He Yitzchak Schlesinger, was born before the was always involved with the Jewish ceme-

76 76 AMI AMI MAGAZINE MAGAZINE // //DECEMBER DECEMBER 26, 19, 2012 2012 // //13 6 TISLEV, TISLEV, 5773 5773 teries. The highlight of his life was when involved in the preservation of another Speaking about Congresswoman in the 90s, he and the Satmar rosh haka- cemetery with special importance to Velazquez, we’ve probably had 10 immi- hal, Rav Sender Deutsch, decided to buy Satmar when we bought the cemetery in gration cases over the past year that she’s the cemetery in Ujhely. The old cemetery Sighet. helped us on. One was a chasan who was in Ujhely, where the Yismach Moshe Because of my interest in politics, I having trouble getting into the country is buried, was smack in the middle of became involved in issues closer to home right before his chasunah. If you are close town, and the city decided to use it as as well, and became active in local poli- with a congressperson, it is a tremen- real estate. So they took it upon them- tics. dous help for askanim. selves, with the blessing of the Satmar My first campaign in Williamsburg was Rebbe at the time, the Beirach Moshe, to with a young state senator named Daniel ON THE FUTURE OF buy the cemetery. In the bais hachaim you Squadron. He walked into the UJCare ASKANUS: can see a plaque thanking my father for office and asked us to support him. He Recently there was an article in a saving it. was 28 years old, and the incumbent was secular newspaper that said that if both When I grew up, my father was always Martin Connor, who had been an incum- Satmar communities vote together as a making phone calls from home to try to bent for 31 years. We had a meeting to bloc, we would have 10,000 votes in preserve bais hachaims. He passed away look into whether he had a chance to Williamsburg, and that if politicians in 2001, and I decided to continue with win, and the more we delved into it, we knew that, they would do a lot more for what he had done. I met many times saw that yes, he did. That was our first the community than they do when they with my rebbe, Rav Aharon Teitelbaum, successful local campaign, in 2008. are split. I do believe, as an askan, that if and he encouraged me to continue on The last campaign we did successfully we vote together, we could do a lot more

THERE IS A WHOLE NEW GENERATION OF ASKANIM WHO HAVE CAPABIL- ITIES AND A KNACK FOR POLITICS AND ASKANUS. WORKING TOGETHER WILL BE FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL.

and open up an organization. was a campaign for Congress, for Con- for the community. Right now, there are In 2005, the Rebbe called me. He gresswoman Nydia Velazquez. She had 5,000 voting for one candidate, and had come from London, where he had the whole machine against 5,000 voting for another, and we cancel met with Rav Elyakim Schlesinger, who her. We were successful and she won. one another out. That makes no sense. had complained to the Rebbe that he Although she had been a congresswoman If we could work together, that would didn’t have enough help in preserving for 20 years, she was redistricted and is be a major change for the better. cemeteries. So the Rebbe asked me to now part of Williamsburg. I meet with I feel also that there should be a vaad take a couple of askanim to meet with her once a week to keep her updated on of askanim that gets together a few times Rav Schlesinger. So I took Rav Yitzchak Jewish issues. a year, so that even those who are work- Fleischer from Bobov as a partner and One recent issue was the plight of ing individually will be able to share flew to Rav Schlesinger. Since then, I Jacob Ostreicher. Because of her His- what they are doing with everyone. The don’t think that a week has gone by panic background, I thought she would old model of askanim would never let without us speaking to him about bais be a good person to go down to Bolivia a young askan near the politicians that hachaim issues. to help Jacob. We had heard that Con- they were dealing with, perhaps because We’ve met every single consul gen- gressman Chris Smith from New Jersey they felt they would no longer be rele- eral or ambassador here in America was involved, so we made the connec- vant. That’s just not the case. I feel that from countries in Europe that have large tion. Since she was down there a few everyone has to share information with Jewish cemeteries: Poland, Hungary, the weeks ago, things were on a fast track. other askanim. There is a whole new gen- Czech Republic, Romania, Spain and Jacob Ostreicher, in his interview with eration of askanim who have capabilities many others. We preserved cemeteries the Associated Press this week, thanked and a knack for politics and askanus. in dozens of countries, including the her as one of the people who had come Working together will be for the ben- ancient cemetery in Toledo, Spain, and down and worked hard. A congress- efit of all. The mentality of the younger many others. woman with 20 years seniority wasn’t askanim is more open, and I think that In that capacity, I was able to be someone the Bolivians could ignore. is helpful. RABBI LEVI SHEMTOV DIRECTOR OF AMERICAN FRIENDS OF LUBAVITCH, BASED IN WASHINGTON, DC

flights were scheduled for Daylight Sav- Boruch Hu, and for the practical gashmi- ings Time, so we had an ally there. The yus needs of every Yid wherever he may chairman of the Daylight Savings Com- be. In addition, I have the zchus to advo- mission was from New Mexico, and we cate for the needs of my fellow shluchim had the head shliach there go talk to him and their communities. If you want, you about how important the issue was even can say that I advocate for the advocates. for his own city. In the end they worked I’m proud of that. out a compromise: Instead of two months it was one month, and instead of THE NEED FOR ADVOCATES a whole month it was two weeks on one TO CONSULT HALACHIC end and two on the other end. Their goal ADVISORS: to preserve energy was met, but not at If you get invited by a Muslim ambas- the expense of our kehillah. sador to an iftar [Muslim celebration], HIS START IN ADVOCACY: are you allowed to go? In some cases I started when I was younger by help- THE EFFECTS OF PARTISAN- the answer is yes, and sometimes no. ing my father and learning from him [the SHIP ON HIS ADVOCACY: It depends on which eid [holiday] they famed askan and shliach, Rabbi Avraham I think that everyone in Washington are celebrating. One eid celebrates the Shemtov], then I went on to develop knows that I am equally accessible to end of fasting and teshuvah, and that is the projects he started and add some both sides. That’s why, when we have similar to what we do and we can go. But more, trying to respond to the needs of our annual dinner, we have top Demo- another eid marks the passing of Yish- Lubavitch and the general Jewish com- crats and top Republicans together. mael and Mohammed, and that’s against munity. My colleagues know that they When we honored [Republican] Speaker our Torah and we aren’t allowed to go. I can ask me for anything and I will do it of the House John Boehner last year, would say that 99 percent of frum Jews for them, just as I hope they would do he was given his award by [Democratic don’t even know that there is such a the same for me. Representative] Steny Hoyer. When shaaloh. There are other interactions, we had an event last year honoring the and pidyon shvuyim and other very sen- RECENT PROJECTS: Rebbe, two of our main speakers were sitive cases, and for that I consult rab- Recently, about a year ago, we worked [Republican House Majority Leader] banim who size up the situation and tell to preserve support for the mosdos that Eric Cantor and [Democratic Repre- me what I need to know. were in danger of being minimized by sentative] Debbie Wasserman-Schultz. cuts. Working together with others we They don’t usually mingle. When I was THE FUTURE OF ORGANIZA- identified who needed to be approached, at the vice president’s house for a Rosh TIONAL ADVOCACY and we approached them. Hashanah reception, I told Cantor that AND THE INVOLVEMENT We are busy every single day. We have Wasserman-Schultz was to his right. OF YOUNG PEOPLE: [] branches in 48 states and 80 He said, “Debbie Wasserman is never to There’s no doubt that many young countries, and there’s always something my right!” He turned and saw her and people in the frum community are needed by somebody somewhere. said, “Hi, Debbie.” Then I asked them becoming interested in the political pro- for a nice, nonpartisan photo in honor of cess, and motivated to get involved. The LOCAL ADVOCACY: Rosh Hashanah, and they took a picture problem, though, is that some of them One of my classic stories was when together. believe that they are the overarching they were worried that changing the The fact that the community votes one voice of frum Jews everywhere. That can clock for Daylight Savings Time would way doesn’t necessarily affect me. I’m be a problem, because when there are make the earliest zman tefillah in Detroit not partisan, so it doesn’t affect me. too many of those it’s just noise. So far, around 8 a.m., which would mean that those who represent the major groups for a few weeks a lot of Jews wouldn’t be BEING A SHLIACH have at least managed to inform each able to get to work on time. We nego- AND AN ADVOCATE: other about what they’re doing, so that tiated with a lot of people. The airline A shliach is by definition an advocate. I those we speak to aren’t hearing a con- industry was involved because all their advocate forYiddishkeit and for Hakadosh tradictory voice.

78 AMI MAGAZINE // DECEMBER 26, 2012 // 13 TISLEV, 5773 I see young people showing up at vari- establishing a new paradigm in Jewish FINAL NOTE ous events related to the political pro- communal life—that of the completely The most important thing is to be cess, like AIPAC and the conventions. frum advocate for the frum community open, honest, respectful and diligent. They’re involved in campaigns, even in a totally secular government as elected When you are those things, you can be working in offices. Then you have the representatives. I get a lot of nachas from quite effective. I’ve seen that the razzle- superstars like [New York City Council- Greenfield. He used to be a student here dazzle doesn’t shine like the truth does. man] David Greenfield and [New York in Georgetown. Then there’s the man State Senator] Simcha Felder, who are behind it all, Ezra Friedlander. YERUCHIM SILBER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE BROOKLYN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

HIS START IN ASKANUS: ing 50 or 60 people putting together food Basically, my entire career has been com- packages for a hospital on a Thursday night. munity work since I left . I worked for There’s nothing like it in the outside world. a couple of yeshivos, then I had a business That’s probably the most incredible thing servicing not-for-profits andyeshivos , help- they see when they become acquainted ing them raise money. Back in 2001, when with our community. The other thing that Bill de Blasio originally ran for City Council, amazes them is our fully self-contained and he was running in my neighborhood and self-sustained yeshivah education system. I got involved in his campaign. When he won, I joined his staff on a part-time basis, THE POSSIBILITY OF ADVO- so I got into government and moved on CACY BACKFIRING: besmirch politicians on a personal level. from there. I’ve been involved in govern- Obviously, you don’t always get every- But everyone has a right to his own politi- ment and community activities for the past thing you want. But I think that the efforts cal view. 25 years. of people who advocate properly and l’sheim One would hope that any elected official shamayim won’t backfire. When people has the best interests of his constituents in PRESENT ADVOCACY: advocate improperly and not as part of a mind. There are just different views as to We service people to help them access group, it can and has backfired. The main what those best interests are. government benefits. We’re really here to thing is to do it respectfully. We may not represent the community in Boro Park, agree with everyone’s lifestyle and politics, THE FUTURE OF ADVOCACY: advocate for their needs, get them benefits but you have to show respect for the person I think it helps to advocate as part of an like food stamps and Medicaid and help and for the office. Never forget that it’s a organization because it makes you more with employment issues. medinah shel chesed, and it’s a tremendous effective. Young people should get involved. chesed that we have the power to advocate. I have seen some of that. It’s important. EDUCATION AND We have to respect the government for that. I think our voting has really improved, RELATIONSHIP-BUILDING although we still need more. But the situ- IN ADVOCACY: DOES COMMUNITY SUP- ation is getting better, for presidential elec- It’s all a single package. As you build rela- PORT FOR ONE CANDIDATE tions at least. People see that they can make tionships, you’re educating people. It’s two UNDERMINE ADVOCACY? a difference. sides of the same coin. I’ve been fortunate to I’m only concerned when it stoops to a work with numerous government officials certain level that’s unbecoming, like when FINAL WORDS: who’d had little prior exposure to our com- people make silly comments. We have Voting is very important. If you don’t munity. And educating them about us is a right to support candidates. That’s the vote, don’t complain. paying dividends till today. They’re amazed American way. But it has to be done respect- Always be respectful and mindful of kid- when you bring them for the first time to fully, without stooping to personal attacks. dush Hashem. Remember that you represent see all the chesed organizations like Hatzo- Unfortunately, there are people who do klal Yisrael. lah and . I remember taking Brad that and it’s unhelpful. Hopefully, respon- Always avoid personal attacks. Only criti- Lander to Yad Efraim when he was first sible elected officials can look beyond cize on a policy level rather than on a per- running for City Council. We were watch- that. It is a matter of concern when people sonal level. 

13 TEVES, 5773 // DECEMBER 26, 2012 // AMI MAGAZINE 79