On Wednesday, November 7, members of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey had the privilege to first visit with Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter in Paterson, followed by the opportunity to have an open and candid conversation with Senator Loretta Weinberg in Teaneck. These events were two more in a series of Legislative Advocacy Days organized by the Jewish Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation.

Each of the meetings started with an urgent focus on the rise in bias and hate crimes felt both locally and nationwide. The legislators called for vigilance and unity. Participants discussed practical measures to address the crisis such as greater funding for security personnel and facility hardening at schools and synagogues. Both Assemblywoman Sumter and Senator Weinberg were especially sensitive to the needs of their communities that affected vulnerable populations in our community: the poor and the elderly. To get involved or for more information, contact JCRC Director Ariella Noveck at [email protected].