On Wednesday night, December 4, Moshe Hill, political analyst, writer, and columnist for the Queens Jewish Link, shared an enlightening virtual talk on behalf of the Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld Adult Education Center.
Rabbi Stuart Verstandig, President of the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, welcomed everyone. He shared that Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld’s fourth yahrzeit is the third day of Chanukah.
First, Mr. Hill listed different organizations that formed on college campuses from the 1990s onward. These organizations spread anti-Semitism on campus. They target young, unaffiliated Jewish students.
Orthodox communities are insular in nature, which is a good thing. We live near each other and near the shul. This is a great advantage for political participation. Observant Jews shape the district they are in. Our community now has so many Jewish representatives in Albany. The numbers of Jewish votes in our area in this past election are astounding. Queens’ massive voting numbers were in our community. When the community unites, there is a lot of political power there.
In contrast, secular Jews are spread out more, and they also live in urban areas that are liberal.
It’s very important to turn out to vote. He shared the statistics of high percentages of voter turnout for this past presidential election. He noted that Long Island registered hundreds of voters.
He pointed out that the Westchester Jewish community united and ousted a candidate who was anti-Israel.
He emphasized, “Turnout is the name of the game!”
He spoke about how Jewish voters made a big difference in St. Louis. They doubled and tripled the average turnout.
He shared that this strong turnout must be replicated every year. There are elections every year for different positions, and they affect our lives.
He noted that there is a scheduled election on Tuesday, December 10, in Great Neck for the Park Commissioner. It’s important that we vote, because the park commissioner determines if we can have permits in parks for Jewish events. The challenger to Vanessa Tameri is against Jewish events. The Jewish community in Great Neck needs to mobilize to keep Vanessa Tameri.
School boards and library boards hold local elections, as well. Our vote can affect the types of events hosted at the local library.
Every two years, there is a City Council race, and the Mayoral race is every four years. The person running against Mayor Adams in the primary is an anti-Israel socialist.
“Elections have consequences, and we have to make sure that they’re in our favor!” It’s important to know your local representatives and to invite them to your shul. Politicians want your money and your time. Campaign candidates are always looking for volunteers. “I urge everyone to get involved! Work to support candidates for our interests. Utilize power where we can.”
Next, Mr. Hill spoke about the future of US and Israel relations. He explained that the United States Military is invested in Israel. President Trump has chosen a very pro-Israel cabinet. Former Ambassador David Friedman said that Mike Huckabee is the best person to be the United States Ambassador to Israel. This is the time to radically change how the United States views Israel’s sovereignty. Judea and Samaria are cities not settlements. We need to support the plan to annex these cities. We have to defund the Palestinian Organization and the United Nations. We need to support passing legislation that stops BDS and to support legislation that protects Jewish students on college campuses. “It’s the best opportunity now to strengthen US and Israel relations.”
During the Q&A, Mr. Yaakov Serle, Publisher of the Queens Jewish Link, shared that our community has a tremendous effect on our public officials. He thanked Moshe Hill for his column and all of his involvement.
The community appreciates these informative programs that are presented by the Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld Adult Education Program.
By Susie Garber
