Kol Yisroel Embarks on Third Albany Mission in Five Weeks

On February 24th — just one day after a major blizzard blanketed New York — Kol Yisroel and its dedicated group of young advocates embarked on their third trip to Albany in just five weeks. Undeterred by weather and travel challenges, the mission remained clear: to continue pushing for meaningful community safety legislation around houses of worship and to advocate for a permanent solution to the long-standing East Ramapo school district issues impacting the Monsey community.

Throughout the day, the group met with key lawmakers:

Senator Jeremy Zellner (D-61)

Assemblymember Daniel Norber (R-16)

Assemblymember Steve Stern (D-10)

Assemblymember Micah Lasher (D-69)

Assemblymember Lester Chang (R-49)

Senator Peter Harckham (D-40)

The most pivotal meeting of the day was with Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-81), Chair of the Assembly Codes Committee. As the committee responsible for advancing buffer zone legislation to protect houses of worship, this discussion carried particular weight.

Kol Yisroel was clear in its message: the proposed 25-foot buffer being discussed — introduced by Assemblymember Lasher — is not adequate. In their view, 25 feet does not come close to providing meaningful protection for entrances and exits or ensuring congregants feel secure. The conversation was respectful but firm, focused on strengthening the legislation before it reaches the floor.

The trip concluded with a visit to a public hearing, where the group observed the Commissioner of Education testify before a joint legislative session. They saw Senator Bill Weber (R-38) question the commissioner directly on issues impacting the community.

As always, the group said their goodbyes to Senator Weber before heading home.

It was a productive mission filled with substantive conversations and forward movement. Kol Yisroel will continue advocating, continue pushing, and continue showing up — *because in Albany, as always, showing up is what counts.