Watch: Agudath Israel Sues New York Education of

Watch: Agudath Israel Sues New
York     State      Education
Department on Behalf of
Children With Special Needs
October 1, 2024

Albany, NY, October 1, 2024 — Today, Agudath Israel of America filed a
lawsuit against the New York State Education Department in Albany
Supreme Court. The lawsuit challenges a recently adopted state regulation
which Agudath Israel argues is both illegal and devastatingly harmful to
thousands of children with special needs.

Under New York State law, all children have the right to receive special
education services when a need is demonstrated. The needs of children
attending nonpublic schools are outlined in their Individualized Education
Services Plan. These services are typically provided by the local school
district. However, New York City fails to meet its obligation to provide
services directly, and parents are therefore forced to file a due process
complaint with an Independent Hearing Officer to obtain entitled services on
the open market and pursue reimbursement. Upon a review of the evidence
and circumstances, Independent Hearing Officers have overwhelmingly ruled
in favor of parents, and children have received services in this manner.

On July 15, the New York State Board of Regents adopted an emergency
amendment to Section 200.5 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of
Education that drastically restricts parental rights to file a due process claim,
the very mechanism NYC nonpublic school parents must resort to obtain
entitled services. Although the State Education Department expressed
confidence that New York City would adjust its policies accordingly, the
result has been a near-total collapse of the private special education provider
market.

Now, almost a month into the school year, thousands of children remain
without services. Many are unable to attend school at all, as they require
support throughout the day. These vulnerable children face irreparable harm
every day that passes without receiving the critical services they need during
their key developmental years.

Over the past months, Agudath Israel has engaged in intense advocacy
efforts—directly with the State Education Department, the NYC Department
of Education, and legislators—and organized two public comment campaigns
in which thousands of parents voiced their opposition to the new regulation.
Despite some progress, the overall situation remains dire. After careful
consideration, and in consultation with its rabbinic leadership, Agudath
Israel decided it had no choice but to pursue legal action.

The lawsuit contends that the amended regulation violates the plain meaning
and intent of the state law; the state’s own prior guidance; a long line of
decisions; and decades of practice. To add insult to injury, the state passed a

change of this magnitude on an “emergency” basis in the dead of night and
without public comment, violating the State Administrative Procedure Act.
Given the amendment’s immediate and irreparable harm, Agudath Israel has
requested that the court issue a Temporary Restraining Order to halt its
implementation.

Agudath Israel thanks Adam Cohen and the team at Walden Macht Haran &
Williams LLP for their expert and dedicated legal work in pursuing the case.

Agudath Israel also wishes to acknowledge the 10 parental plaintiffs. Their
children are blind, wheelchair-bound, have cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and
various forms of learning disorders, and they hail from diverse faiths and
neighborhoods. These parents have courageously stepped forward to tell
their stories and fight on behalf of all children with special needs across New
York City.

Agudath Israel has been at the forefront of advocating for families of
individuals with special needs in its community for decades, most recently
opening a new Yahalom division to support and guide parents raising
children with special education needs.

Agudath Israel Sues New York
State Education Department on
Behalf of Children With Special
Needs
October 1, 2024

Albany, NY, October 1, 2024 — Today, Agudath Israel of America filed a
lawsuit against the New York State Education Department in Albany
Supreme Court. The lawsuit challenges a recently adopted state regulation
which Agudath Israel argues is both illegal and devastatingly harmful to
thousands of children with special needs.

Under New York State law, all children have the right to receive special
education services when a need is demonstrated. The needs of children
attending nonpublic schools are outlined in their Individualized Education
Services Plan. These services are typically provided by the local school
district. However, New York City fails to meet its obligation to provide
services directly, and parents are therefore forced to file a due process
complaint with an Independent Hearing Officer to obtain entitled services on
the open market and pursue reimbursement. Upon a review of the evidence
and circumstances, Independent Hearing Officers have overwhelmingly ruled
in favor of parents, and children have received services in this manner.

On July 15, the New York State Board of Regents adopted an emergency
amendment to Section 200.5 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of
Education that drastically restricts parental rights to file a due process claim,
the very mechanism NYC nonpublic school parents must resort to obtain
entitled services. Although the State Education Department expressed
confidence that New York City would adjust its policies accordingly, the
result has been a near-total collapse of the private special education provider
market.

Now, almost a month into the school year, thousands of children remain
without services. Many are unable to attend school at all, as they require

support throughout the day. These vulnerable children face irreparable harm
every day that passes without receiving the critical services they need during
their key developmental years.

Over the past months, Agudath Israel has engaged in intense advocacy
efforts—directly with the State Education Department, the NYC Department
of Education, and legislators—and organized two public comment campaigns
in which thousands of parents voiced their opposition to the new regulation.
Despite some progress, the overall situation remains dire. After careful
consideration, and in consultation with its rabbinic leadership, Agudath
Israel decided it had no choice but to pursue legal action.

The lawsuit contends that the amended regulation violates the plain meaning
and intent of the state law; the state’s own prior guidance; a long line of
decisions; and decades of practice. To add insult to injury, the state passed a
change of this magnitude on an “emergency” basis in the dead of night and
without public comment, violating the State Administrative Procedure Act.
Given the amendment’s immediate and irreparable harm, Agudath Israel has
requested that the court issue a Temporary Restraining Order to halt its
implementation.

Agudath Israel thanks Adam Cohen and the team at Walden Macht Haran &
Williams LLP for their expert and dedicated legal work in pursuing the case.

Agudath Israel also wishes to acknowledge the 10 parental plaintiffs. Their
children are blind, wheelchair-bound, have cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and
various forms of learning disorders, and they hail from diverse faiths and
neighborhoods. These parents have courageously stepped forward to tell
their stories and fight on behalf of all children with special needs across New
York City.

Agudath Israel has been at the forefront of advocating for families of
individuals with special needs in its community for decades, most recently
opening a new Yahalom division to support and guide parents raising
children with special education needs.

Agudath Israel 5785/2024-2025
Calendars Are in The Mail
October 1, 2024

As we approach Rosh Hashanah, we just wanted to let you know that your
Agudah calendar is in the mail! May you fill it with many simchos this coming
year!

To request a calendar, go to agudah.org/calendar, or call 212-797-9000,
extension 200. If you received a calendar last year, you will automatically
receive one this year.

“Come, Let Us Return to
Hashem” A Kol Korei from The
Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of
America
October 1, 2024

In these turbulent times, as Klal Yisroel grapples with ongoing suffering and
uncertainty, we stand together, united, turning our hearts and minds to
Avinu ShebaShomayim. The past year has been marked by relentless
challenges—tragedies, loss, and hardships that have impacted all segments

of our people. With the Yemei Harachamim V’haSelichos upon us, the
Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah have issued the following kol korei, urging every
member of Klal Yisroel to strengthen our faith, intensify our efforts in
teshuvah, tefillah, and tzedakah, and reconnect with the values that define us
as a nation. May our collective efforts bring a year of brachah, health, and
shalom for us all.

Click here for a printable PDF of the Kol Korei.

[Free Translation]

In this time of distress for Klal Yisroel, a year that has been filled with
endless suffering for our holy people from start to finish—beginning with the
terrible event that occurred during the Yom Tov of Shemini Atzeres, which
turned our celebration into mourning—we have been bombarded by reports
of bloodshed and captivity. Our eyes are lifted to the heavens, yearning for
the release of the captives and the return of those who have been lost in
darkness. We have faced harsh decrees against the Torah and those who
study it and practice it’s mitzvos, we’ve mourned the loss of our great
leaders, and we’ve endured numerous calamities that have impacted all of us,
from our youth to elders. Our means of livelihood have dwindled, leaving
many struggling to provide for their families. This year has brought us many
challenges, and we find ourselves with no one to rely on but our Father in
Heaven.

Now, as we turn our gaze upward, seeking Divine mercy, let us heed the call:
“Let us return to Hashem, for He has torn and He will heal us.” We all bear
the responsibility to strengthen ourselves and to redouble our efforts in
teshuvah, tefillah, and tzedakah, to increase the merit of Torah, and to accept
the yoke of Heaven. We must invoke His compassion for His people, His city,
His land, and His heritage. Especially now, as we stand on the threshold of
the Yemei Harachachim V’haSelichos, we have a precious opportunity to seek
out Hashem while He is near. We must add strength and vigor to our service
of Hashem, conduct a thorough self-examination, and seek the merit of all of
Klal Yisroel as a whole and us as individuals, so that we may all be inscribed
in the Book of Life, in the Book of Sustenance and Prosperity, and in the Book
of Redemption and Salvation.

The Torah states, “For what great nation is there that has a G-d so near to it
as Hashem, our G-d, whenever we call upon Him?” The act of prayer stands
at the pinnacle of our service, and we need to strengthen our commitment to
pray with heartfelt intention, turning our tefillos into cries for mercy and
supplication, rather than mere rote recitation. Additionally, we must
reinforce our observance of the many important halachos related to tefillah
and other areas where, unfortunately, many have become lax.

Moreover, in this time of crisis, it is our duty to strengthen our faith in
Hashem—this complete faith that has been passed down from generation to
generation. Throughout all exiles and hardships, we have remained loyal to
Hashem and His Torah, steadfast believers, clinging to Him and trusting in
His salvation. This commitment requires continuous reinforcement,
especially in times of trouble.

We also wish to highlight that a hundred years ago, in the year 5684 (1924),
our people faced immense suffering and a severe economic crisis across the
Jewish Diaspora. During that time, the Rabbon Shel Yisroel, the Chofetz
Chaim, penned a public letter (brought in the Sefer Geder Olam), stating:

“Everyone stands astounded, wondering why the times have changed so
drastically for the worse. In addition to the fact that all Jews are being
oppressed in every corner of the world, the cost of living is rising day by day,
taxes and levies are significantly increasing, and the terrible decrees against
the Torah and its mitzvos are overwhelming. Moreover, the state of livelihood
everywhere is extremely poor, and our people are lamenting their dire
situations.

“The primary reason for our suffering is because we distance ourselves from
Hakadosh Boruch Hu. He commanded us, ‘And you shall sanctify yourselves
and be holy.’ Our sages teach us that ‘whoever sanctifies himself below is
sanctified from Above.’ Another verse states, ‘For Hashem, your G-d, walks in
the midst of your camp to save you…’ The expression ‘to save you’
encompasses many matters: saving you from the sword, from famine, from
captivity, and from plunder. ‘And your camp shall be holy, and He shall not
see among you any unseemly thing and turn away from you.’”

Therefore, we find it fitting to remind the community of several key points
that we should all be diligent about at this time:

     1. Each person should commit, during these Yemei Harachamim
        V’haratzon, to be vigilant about davening with a minyan, so that all
        our prayers may join together with the collective prayer, which is
        always heard. Additionally, we should join the community in reciting
        the chapters of Tehillim that are said together at the end of davening
        in all holy communities, and women and children should also recite
        these chapters of Tehillim daily.
     2. No part of Pesukei Dezimra should be skipped. Therefore, everyone
        should strive to arrive at shul early and not be late, so that they can
        recite the entire Pesukei Dezimra with enthusiasm and focus, as
        mentioned in the halachic sources.
     3. Great care should be taken to avoid idle conversation during
       davening and the reading of the Torah, especially during chazaras
       hashatz, as it is written in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 124:7)
       that one who engages in such conversation “sins and his sin is
       greater than one can bear.”
     4. We must strengthen our faith in Hashem, which is the foundation of
        our faith. It is appropriate for everyone—men, women, and
        children—to set aside time every morning to review the Thirteen
        Principles of Faith, thus awakening ourselves to strengthen our
        complete belief.
     5. We should accept upon ourselves practical commitments regarding
        modesty, for, as the posuk states, “Hashem, your G-d, walks in the
        midst of your camp, and your camp shall be holy.” By doing this, we
        will merit the presence of the Shechinah and the supervision of
        Hashem to protect us from all evil.

In addition to all this, each person knows the state of their own soul and
which matters require teshuvah and improvement. In these times, when
judgments are weighed, we must awaken to correct our actions and
character traits, strengthen our Torah study and set fixed times for learning,
serve with our hearts, accept the yoke of Heaven, and increase acts of charity
and kindness to uplift the spirits of the downtrodden. May it be Hashem’s will

that the Shomer Yisroel accept our service, hear our cries with mercy and
favor, and inscribe us in the Book of Good Life for a blessed year, filled with
redemption and salvation. Amein, so may it be His will.

Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America

Inside the Agudah: Rabbi Ari
Strulowitz
October 1, 2024

In this episode of Inside the Agudah, Rabbi Ari Strulowitz, Director of
Operations of Agudath Israel of Illinois, sits with Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger,

Agudath Israel’s Director of Torah Initiatives, to discuss his work on behalf of
the Agudah.

Rabbi Strulowitz first got involved in Agudath Israel of Illinois in 2013 with
Camp Nageela Midwest, then a project of Agudath Israel of Illinois. In 2016,
Rabbi Strulowitz began as Executive Director for Nageela, focused on
growing the camper enrollment and kiruv impact.

Over the years with the Agudah, Rabbi Strulowitz has worked on several
projects and events, including the Midwest Convention, the H3 Business
Halacha Summit, and the Midwest Siyum Hashas. Rabbi Strulowitz is now
Director of Operations of Agudath Israel of Illinois, overseeing the Agudah’s
various programs and initiatives, helping the Jewish community of Chicago
and beyond.

Inside the Agudah: Rabbi Moshe
Simcha Levine
October 1, 2024

In this episode of Inside the Agudah, Rabbi Moshe Simcha Levine, Director of
Development at Agudath Israel of America, sits with Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger,
Agudath Israel’s Director of Torah Initiatives, to discuss his work on behalf of
the Agudah.

Inside the Agudah: Rabbi Ariel
Sadwin
October 1, 2024

In this episode of Inside the Agudah, Rabbi Ariel Sadwin, the executive
director of the Mid-Atlantic region of Agudath Israel of America, sits with
Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger, Agudath Israel’s Director of Torah Initiatives, to
discuss his work on behalf of the frum community. Rabbi Sadwin has held his
current position since 2007.

Rabbi Sadwin learned at Yeshivas Ner Yisroel in Baltimore and Yeshivas Mir
Yerushalayim, receiving semicha at Ner Yisroel Kollel Avodas Levi.

Since 2010, Rabbi Sadwin has also served as the president of Maryland
CAPE, the Maryland Chapter of the Council of American Private Education,
leading the coalition of nonpublic, parochial, and independent schools across
the state of Maryland.

In this interview, he shares his experiences and observations about his work
for Agudath Israel.

Inside the Agudah: Rabbi Labish
Becker
October 1, 2024

In this episode of Inside the Agudah, Rabbi Labish Becker, Executive Director
of Agudath Israel of America, sits with Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger, Agudath
Israel’s Director of Torah Initiatives, to discuss his work on behalf of the frum
community. As one of the longest tenured Agudath Israel staff members,
Rabbi Becker has seen and accomplished so much over his almost five
decades of service to Klal Yisroel. He shares his insights and memories in this
fascinating interview.

Inside the Agudah: Mr. Moshe
Davis
October 1, 2024

In this episode of Inside the Agudah, Mr. Moshe Davis, Executive Vice
President of Agudath Israel of Illinois, sits with Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger,
Agudath Israel’s Director of Torah Initiatives, to discuss his work on behalf of
the frum community.

R’ Moshe comes from three generations of community leaders. His
grandfather, Rabbi Shlomo Davis, was one of the founders of Telshe Yeshiva
in Cleveland and Telshe High School, serving as a member of the hanhalah
for over 50 years. R’ Yosef Davis, R’ Moshe’s father, came to Chicago in 1964
to learn in Telshe Chicago, establishing a lifelong association with the
yeshiva. Along with the Telshe rosh yeshiva, Rav Avrohom Chaim Levin zt”l,

R’ Yosef became one of the founders of Agudath Israel of Illinois, serving as
its president in the early years.

Continuing the family legacy of community involvement, R’ Moshe has served
on the boards of directors of many local organizations over the last 25 years,
including the Midwest Region of Agudath Israel where he started as
Founding Chairman, the Jewish Federation and Jewish United Fund and the
Associated Talmud Torahs. Most recently, he volunteered as a co-president of
JDBY-YTT, the largest Jewish day school in the Midwest, for over 12 years. He
has been on the board of JDBY-YTT for over 20 years, currently serving as its
Chairman of the Board.

Prior to joining the Agudah in official capacity as its Executive Vice President
in February 2022, R’ Moshe worked as a licensed professional and business
owner in the healthcare and real estate industries. R’ Moshe and his wife
Chevie currently live in Chicago.

Your Voice Made a Difference:
Five Billion Dollar School Choice
Bill Heads to the Floor
October 1, 2024

Yesterday, the House Ways and Means Committee passed a five billion dollar
education tax credit proposal entitled the “Educational Choice for Children
Act (ECCA)” (H.R. 9462). ECCA has received support from more than 150
members of the House and is the fastest and surest way to expand school
choice to all 50 states.

To the thousands of you who filled out our action alert to contact your
representatives, your voice made a difference. And to all those who did not,
you now have a chance as the bill heads to the floor for a full vote.

Agudath Israel has been at the forefront of crafting and promoting ECCA,
working with the sponsors and coalition partners over the last several years,
Agudah staff participated in hundreds of meetings. We have submitted a
legislative memo to the House Ways and Means Committee in support of
ECCA, explaining the impact the legislation would have for the Orthodox
Jewish community and on the benefits to all schoolchildren.

We are all too aware of the plight of yeshiva parents who struggle to afford
tuition for their children.

ECCA offers one critical form of “school choice” – i.e, methods that provide
parents the financial ability to choose schools best suited for their children,
whether they be public, private, or religious. This bill will encourage
taxpayers to invest in education by allowing a dollar-for-dollar federal tax
credit for taxpayers who contribute to Scholarship Granting Organizations

(SGO). These SGOs would then provide scholarships for a range of
educational expenses, including private school tuition!

This approach, with its nearly universal eligibility, promises to be of great
benefit to parents who struggle to afford tuition at the yeshivos and Jewish
schools of their choice.

It is vital that you contact your representatives by using our portal, below.
Congress must hear your voice.