During the week of January 31, 45 members of the Tidewater Jewish community signed into Zoom meetings with members of the Virginia General Assembly for Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day[s] 2022.
More than 300 delegates from across the Commonwealth came together on Wednesday, February 2 to hear from the new members of the executive branch, Governor Glenn Youngkin, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and Attorney General Jason Miyares.
Even though the 2022 Date With The State did not include a trip to Richmond to meet with legislators, it was possible to meet with many members and their staff and send the same message of Jewish communal unity that takes place when meeting in-person.
Following are a few comments from attendees about Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day[s] 2022:
Megan Zuckerman:
Every year Date with the State gives us, members of the Tidewater Jewish community, an opportunity to meet and hear from our Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General. Despite being on a Zoom webinar, this year did not disappoint. It was especially important to hear from Virginia’s three highest government officials as newly elected public servants this year. We heard their agenda while they saw that more than 300 engaged Virginia Jewish constituents prioritized the hour with them that day and will continue to engage and hold them accountable to our Jewish community needs during their four-year tenure.
Kirk Levy, JCRC Legislative chair:
“We are thankful for the opportunity to connect directly with Virginia leadership. It is essential for a successful Jewish future to understand and appreciate the directives of our current government leaders. We thank Governor Youngkin, Lt Governor Earle-Sears, and Attorney General Miyares for their candid words and time spent with our community.”
Nofar Trem:
As a first time attendee to Virginia’s Jewish Advocacy Day, I was excited to see the amount of policy makers that took the time to meet with us, discuss the issues that are concerning the Jewish community, and the amount of support shown. I feel like it is important for community members of all ages to be involved and do their part for the Jewish community to stay safe and thrive!
For more information about the Jewish Community Relations Council, visit JewishVA.org.
Elka Mednick is assistant director, Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.