“Empowering Our Youth”

By: Shmulie Hartstein

eshivas Nishmas Hatorah Partners with Kol Yisroel for Day of Advocacy in Albany

Students of Yeshivas Nishmas Hatorah joined Kol Yisroel this past Wednesday, May 6th, for a full day of civic engagement and advocacy at the New York State Capitol in Albany.

As part of Kol Yisroel’s growing civic education initiative, the trip marked the organization’s eighth student advocacy mission to Albany this year, focused on educating young people about government, public policy, and community involvement. The students traveled to Albany to advocate for stronger community safety protections surrounding houses of worship while also gaining firsthand exposure to how state government operates.

After an early 5:30 a.m. departure, the students spent the day meeting directly with elected officials from across New York State. The day began with Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-10). Additional meetings included Senator Shelley Mayer (D-37), Chair of the Education Committee; Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick (D-9); Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-23); Assemblymember Charles Lavine (D-13), Chair of the Judiciary Committee; and Assemblymember Steve Stern (D-10).

Throughout the visit, the students introduced elected officials, asked questions about public policy and government, and participated in discussions regarding community safety and civic responsibility.

 Organizers noted that the students represented both their yeshiva and the broader Jewish community with tremendous professionalism and respect, creating what many described as a major Kiddush Hashem.

During lunch, the group heard remarks from several lawmakers, including Senator Bill Weber (R-38), Assemblymember Michael Novakhov (R-45), Assemblymember Chris Eachus (D-99), and Assemblymember Gary Pretlow (D-89).

The students later visited the New York State Senate chamber, where they were formally recognized from the Senate floor by Senator James Sanders Jr. The trip concluded with a visit to the Legislative Office Building and a brief meeting with David Rodriguez Decancio, Senior Advisor to Speaker Carl Heastie.

The Albany mission marks the fourth school to participate in Kol Yisroel’s civic education program, which aims to encourage young people to become informed, active participants in government and public affairs while building leadership and public speaking skills along the way.

Shmulie Hartstein

Founder Kol Yisroel Inc.