BY MOSHE HILL COMMUNITY CORNER SEPTEMBER 18 2024
In a significant moment for civic engagement, “Long Island Unites” officially opened its doors in Cedarhurst. The office, dedicated to registering and mobilizing Jewish voters, marks the second of its kind in New York, after the success of Westchester Unites. Leaders, educators, and activists from the Jewish community gathered to celebrate the launch, which promises to be a pivotal step in ensuring the community’s voice is heard at the ballot box.
This new initiative follows in the footsteps of Westchester Unites, which played a critical role in turning out 16,000 voters in a race that was decided by just 12,000 votes. As Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, of the Orthodox Union, eloquently quoted Thomas Jefferson: “Votes are not determined by the majority, but by the majority who participate.” His message underscored the importance of every vote, and how participation, especially in close elections, can shape outcomes.
Maury Litwack, the founder of the Teach Coalition, which oversees both Long Island Unites and Westchester Unites, stressed the importance of small, engaged communities. He cited a synagogue in Westchester where 90 percent of the congregation voted, using it as an example of how an organized, active group can influence an election. “A community capable of changing elections but doesn’t is politically sick,” Litwack declared. “I don’t believe that is our community.”
The Cedarhurst office aims to be the central hub for Jewish voter information on Long Island. It will focus on voter registration drives, education, and outreach to help ensure that the Jewish community understands what’s at stake in upcoming elections. With new regional boards forming across New York, this movement is gaining momentum.
The opening was attended by prominent leaders from local institutions like HANC, Yeshiva of South Shore, and HAFTR, signaling a broad coalition of support from across the Five Towns. Rabbi Dr. Joseph, addressing the crowd, highlighted how vital the establishment of this office is in uniting Long Island’s Jewish community around the shared goal of civic participation. “We stand up to fear by creating new spaces like this one,” he said, emphasizing the need for a strong, unified voice in the political arena.
Rabbi Kamenetzky of YOSS offered a poignant reminder that “every vote is not only a vote, it’s a butterfly effect that can change the course of history.” His words reinforced the idea that political engagement is a form of hakaras ha’tov – gratitude to the United States, a nation that has provided the Jewish community with respite and freedom. “Being part of the system,” he said, “is a way to show our appreciation.”
The sense of urgency in the room was palpable as speakers acknowledged the current political climate. Rabbi Axelrod emphasized the critical support for Israel emanating from Congress and the need for the Jewish community to remain engaged. “There’s a battle out there in the American political scene. We have to stay out there, we have to stay engaged,” he urged, pointing to the broader implications of political involvement.
Litwack summed up the day’s message: “Let’s make history, come Election Day.” With Long Island Unites now in operation, the hope is that the Jewish community will become a more organized, impactful voting bloc – one that helps shape the future, not just for Long Island, but for the nation.
This new office is not just about registering voters. It’s about creating advocates, teaching the next generation the importance of civic responsibility, and uniting a community to ensure its voice is heard loud and clear. As Litwack and others made clear, the stakes have never been higher. Long Island Unites aims to ensure that come November, the Jewish community will be ready.
