![Agudath Israel Holds Election Day Legislative Breakfast Agudath Israel Holds Election Day Legislative Breakfast](https://s6064.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/maxresdefault7.jpg)
Agudath Israel Election Day Legislative Breakfast Speaks of the Power to Make a Difference
By Judith Dinowitz
![L to R: Leon Goldenberg, Ezra Friedlander, Jeffrey S. Wiesenfeld, Peter Rebenwurzel, Shlomo Werdiger, Dr. Tevi Troy, Joseph B. Stamm, Congressman Todd Rokita, Rabbi David Zwiebel, NY State Senate Deputy Majority Conference Leader Michael Gianaris, Abe Biderman, Chaskel Bennett, Menachem Lubinsky, Rabbi A.D. Motzen.](https://s6064.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Agudath-Israel-500x334.jpg)
The message that they have the power to make a difference, repeated by many speakers, strengthened their resolve to collaborate on a better educational system, to protect religious rights, and to further school choice.
![L to R: Rabbi David Zwiebel, Rabbi A. D. Motzen, Congressman Todd Rokita](https://s6064.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Agudath-Israel-1-500x334.jpg)
Senator Gianaris, who is Greek Orthodox, painted a strong link between Greeks and Jews. He mentioned a story where a local priest refused to give the Nazis the names of the Jewish people in his town and urged the Jews to hide in the woods, providing them with food. With intolerance on the rise, notably in the Middle East but also here in the United States, Senator Gianaris spoke strongly of the need to fight any form of prejudice. In closing, he announced that he would be introducing legislation in New York prohibiting the state from investing in or doing business with any company that participates in the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement. This spurred an enthusiastic round of applause.
![NYS Senator Martin Golden addressing the crowd](https://s6064.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Agudath-Israel-2-500x334.jpg)
Following Dr. Troy, Senator Marty Golden added his endorsement of the power of the audience to effect change. He urged the audience to stand firm in the fight for the Education Tax Credit. “With the power of the people, between Brooklyn and Buffalo, we will get it. We cannot walk away from the table without it.”
Photo & Video Credit: Shmuel & Dov Lenchevsky