More than 500 people are expected to attend an upcoming political summit hosted by Temple Hillel in North Woodmere on March 8, according to event organizers.
The summit will focus on the future of the Jewish vote, with discussions about current issues such as security, the economy, health care and education. Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach), Assemblyman Phillip Goldfeder (D-Far Rockaway), and State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre), as well as Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) and Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf are scheduled to speak.
Cindy Grosz, the event’s organizer, said the temple has always been at the forefront of politics, having hosted Ronald Reagan when he was president and former Sen. Alfonse D’Amato during their visits to the Five Towns. “The goal of the summit is to provide a brief introduction to our local politicians,” she said. “We want to show people the future of the Jewish vote, and encourage people to become vocal and involved.”
Sheinkopf said he believes that people should participate more in their government. “We need people to start understanding that what happens in public life is not a separate reality,” he said. “Decisions by political figures impact our lives in many and often incalculable ways. You cannot outsource democracy. It requires participation to inform those in power of displeasure or support of their actions. Failure to vote empowers the powerful.”
Grosz said that more people should be concerned about issues happening not just globally, but also locally. “It is also important to note that people are signing up from all over the South Shore of Long Island, as well as areas in Queens nearby because of our concerns of daily happenings,” she said. “Hate crimes are popping up all over New York, Europe and let's not forget how Israel is dealing with her threats daily.”