On Wednesday, January 14, Agudath Israel of America led a New York delegation to Washington, DC, for a full day of advocacy meetings on Capitol Hill, bringing Jewish communal concerns directly to members of Congress. The effort was led and organized by Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Director of New York Government Relations at Agudath Israel of America, whose steady leadership guided the delegation through a packed and purposeful day.
Representing Queens were Mrs. Sorolle Idels, Chairperson of the Queens Jewish Alliance, and Rabbi Ephraim Gurell, Government Affairs Associate at Agudath Israel of America. Both played active roles throughout the day, ensuring that Queens’ voice – and its long-standing relationships – were clearly represented.
Rabbi Gurell brings a blend of Torah scholarship and public policy experience to his work, holding semichah from Yeshivas Ohr HaChaim and a BA in Political Science from Touro University. Idels, a tireless advocate for Queens Jewish life, carried with her years of community leadership and trust built across borough institutions.
The Queens presence was further strengthened by the participation of Reb Chaskel Bennett, a Queens native and member of Agudath Israel’s Board of Trustees – and notably, Idels’ brother.
Also attending on behalf of Agudath Israel were Rabbi Yossie Charner, Agudah’s Director of Congressional Affairs, and Miri Szpilzinger, Associate Director of Media Affairs, both of whom played key roles in advancing the delegation’s messaging and coordination throughout the day.
Additional participants included Rabbi Yechezkel Wagner, Executive Director and leader in school and nonprofit operations; Avi Goldstein, Strategic Advisor for Nonprofit Organizations based in Monsey; Mort Becker, Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director for New York State Senator Bill Weber; Yaakov Hyatt; Tova Fried; and Simcha Levi, Administrative Director at Yeshiva Ohr Naftoli.
The delegation moved through a full slate of meetings with members of Congress and senior staff, discussing issues affecting Jewish families, schools, and institutions across New York. Chief among them were rising anti-Semitism, nonprofit security funding, and educational opportunity.
One meeting, however, carried particular resonance for the Queens contingent.
During the visit with Congresswoman Grace Meng, a longtime and trusted ally of the Queens Jewish community, a candid moment unfolded. Rabbi Josh Mehlman, Chairman of the Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition, openly remarked – with a mix of humor and sincerity – that he was “jealous” of the close, consistent relationship Queens Jewish leaders have cultivated with their congresswoman. It was an unguarded acknowledgment of something many communities strive for but rarely achieve.
Idels received the comment with quiet pride – not as a personal accolade, but as validation of years of steady engagement and advocating respectfully and persistently on behalf of Queens’ Jewish institutions and families.
That meeting also stood out for another reason. While the delegation had split into two advocacy groups for much of the day, due to scheduling constraints, the meeting with Rep. Meng brought both Agudah groups together in one room – a moment of unity that did not go unnoticed.
Throughout the day, delegates raised urgent concerns about anti-Semitism, referencing recent incidents including the arson attack on a synagogue in Mississippi and anti-Semitic demonstrations in New York outside a shul and Jewish school, where chants such as “We support Hamas” and “Intifada revolution” were heard. Lawmakers were thanked for speaking out publicly, and advocates pressed for stronger protections and enforcement.
A major focus was the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which provides critical federal funding for security enhancements at vulnerable nonprofit institutions. Jewish schools, shuls, and organizations across New York rely heavily on this program, and delegates emphasized the need for reliable access and increased funding amid escalating threats.
The delegation also discussed the Pray Safe Act, sponsored by Rep. Meng, which would help houses of worship more easily access security resources by coordinating federal information on grants, training, and best practices.
Education was another central topic. Delegates spoke about the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC), scheduled to begin in 2027, which allows taxpayers to receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit – up to $1,700 – for donations to scholarship-granting organizations supporting K-12 education, including private school tuition. Advocates urged lawmakers to help ensure New York opts into the program so families across the state can benefit.
The delegation met with Representatives Yvette Clarke, Andrew Garbarino, Laura Gillen, Dan Goldman, Nick LaLota, Nick Langworthy, George Latimer, Mike Lawler, Nicole Malliotakis, Grace Meng, Josh Riley, Pat Ryan, Tom Suozzi, and Ritchie Torres, along with senior staff from the offices of Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Rep. Claudia Tenney.
By the end of the day, the takeaway was simple: Advocacy works when it is personal and persistent. For Queens, the presence of Mrs. Sorolle Idels, Rabbi Ephraim Gurell, and Reb Chaskel Bennett reaffirmed that real relationships continue to open doors far beyond Queens.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
