RECAP: Tzedek Association’s Two-Day Mission to the Nation’s Capital

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We Didn’t Just Visit Washington — We Made History | Tzedek Association’s Two-Day Mission to the Nation’s Capital In early September 2025, nearly 400 advocates, rabbonim, and volunteers of the Tzedek Association journeyed from across New York, New Jersey, and beyond to Washington, D.C. for a two-day mission that blended tefillah, inspiration, and powerful advocacy — leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s capital. This was not a sightseeing trip. It was a mission of purpose — to give chizzuk to those who work tirelessly behind the scenes, to express hakaras hatov to government partners who stand with Klal Yisroel, and to advance a cause at the heart of Jewish continuity: support for couples facing infertility through expanded access to life-changing treatment. 🚌 The Journey Begins Buses departed from Brooklyn, Lakewood, Monsey, Monroe, and the Catskills, converging first at the Maryland House rest area — where hundreds of Yidden davened Mincha together in a moving scene of achdus. In Baltimore, participants visited the kever of the gaon and tzaddik Rav Michoel Eliezer Forshlager zt”l, where Rav Meir Zwibel led heartfelt bakashos rachamim and Tehillim, davening for Klal Yisroel, for families divided by prison walls, and for couples still waiting for the bracha of children. That evening, at the historic Watergate Hotel, the group gathered for registration and a lavish buffet dinner, followed by an uplifting kumzitz led by Mordechai Kohn. Strangers became brothers, singing arm in arm late into the night — some continuing to the White House gates for quiet songs of emunah: “Klal Yisroel is here.” 🌅 A Morning of Memory and Meaning Tuesday began early. A mikvah was prepared at the Watergate pool, shtiblach filled the ballrooms for Shacharis, and breakfast was served before the group set out for the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Guided by Reb Elchanan Friedman and Reb Handel Breuer, the visit became a deeply spiritual encounter with memory. Standing amid the exhibits, participants reflected on how far Klal Yisroel has risen from ashes to renewal. 🏛️ Union Station Luncheon — Inspiration and Gratitude From there, the group proceeded to Union Station, one of Washington’s most majestic landmarks, transformed for the day into a gathering of Torah, unity, and pride. The program, emceed by Reb Handel Breuer, featured remarks by: Yehuda Kaploun, U.S. Special Envoy on Antisemitism Congressman Randy Fine, known as the “Hebrew Hammer,” who spoke about faith, identity, and fighting antisemitism Rabbi Moshe Margaretten, Founder & President of Tzedek Association, who conducted an open Q&A detailing Tzedek’s advocacy — including the forthcoming Executive Order on infertility treatment access Video messages highlighted Tzedek’s global reach: Rabbi Gerami from Iran, expressing gratitude for Tzedek’s help to Jews in distress Rabbi Ederi from Ukraine, describing Tzedek’s wartime humanitarian aid Zevulun Siman-Tov from Afghanistan, whose life was saved through Tzedek’s efforts Moving testimonies followed: R' Yossi Shereshevsky of Baltimore, reunited with his family thanks to Tzedek’s criminal-justice advocacy R' Yaakov Shlome Kahana, speaking passionately about Tzedek’s infertility initiative and the miracles seen by those who joined the cause The luncheon closed with fiery divrei chizuk from Harav Reb Chaim Aron Ungar, Tzedek’s rav, urging continued unity and action. 🇺🇸 On the Steps of the U.S. Capitol In a historic reenactment, the group marched together to the Capitol’s East Front steps, retracing the 1943 march of rabbis who pleaded in vain for help for European Jewry. Standing in the same spot, Rabbi Margaretten declared: “Eighty-two years ago, our rabbis were turned away. Today, Baruch Hashem, we have a White House that listens.” Hundreds of voices joined in a soul-stirring rendition of “Ani Maamin,” echoing through the center point of American democracy — a moment of emunah and geulah awareness never to be forgotten. 📖 Torah in the Senate Inside the Hart Senate Office Building, Torah learning filled the halls of power. Reb Mordechai Schiff delivered words of Torah on sanctifying Hashem’s Name in public service. Mishnayos were learned, Tehillim recited, and Mincha davened — transforming the chamber into a beis medrash in the heart of government. 🕯️ Gala Evening — The Library of Congress The mission culminated in a breathtaking gala at the Library of Congress Great Hall, one of the world’s most magnificent spaces. Beneath marble arches and gilded ceilings, the evening celebrated partnership and gratitude. “Stay with us. Bring others to join. Together, we’ll change the future.” 🌐 Learn more at: www.TzedekAssociation.org