Last week, I found myself in an unfamiliar but deeply meaningful setting: the halls of Congress. Alongside hundreds of fellow professionals and lay leaders—and four remarkable colleagues from Greater MetroWest NJ—I traveled to Washington, D.C., for a whirlwind 24 hours of advocacy and connection.
For me, this was an exciting adventure with the potential to not only help the Jewish community of Greater MetroWest but all Jews living in the United States. Frankly, I had never participated in a lobbying trip to Congress before, and at times I felt like I was in a movie or TV show. Once we began our conversations, however, it became clear that the major points we were trying to impress upon our Congressional Representatives and Senators, were very real.
In each case, we stressed the need for increased government funding for security through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). We spoke plainly and urgently: Jewish institutions in Greater MetroWest have seen their security costs double since October 7, 2023. These costs are straining our synagogues and schools, making it harder for them to provide essential services to their communities. Collectively, we asked our representatives to do more, to be sensitive to our needs, and to focus on the impact of rising antisemitism, which threatens not just our safety, but the fabric of American society.
Was it impactful? Time will tell. But what I learned is this: When we speak together, we are heard. When we show up united, we are powerful. And when we meet with leaders who truly care, progress is possible.
We also took every opportunity to express our gratitude. The U.S. government has been helpful to our community over the years —and we acknowledged that. But that didn’t stop us from pressing for more. We were 400 voices strong, clear in our message, and unwavering in our purpose. It was an extraordinary experience, and I’m proud to have been part of it.