Starting the week I expected today’s commentary to review a concert attended this past Thursday with my daughter; that plan changed (last) Tuesday morning (August 26) after I read a story posted to Jewish Insider that New York Governor Kathy Hochul was about to sign into law a bill that my daughter – assistant director for the American Jewish Committee (AJC) in New York – worked to pass; thus a proud parent moment. It featured a quote from AJC’s CEO Ted Deutch as a subheader, “AJC CEO ‘This law is a meaningful tool to make our campuses places where students can learn without fear of discrimination.” Knowing Marisa’s role, I texted the article to her, stated congrats and told her, “If there is a bill-signing you should be there for the pen.” 

Marisa confirmed her attendance and advised of the location: the Governor’s new midtown office conveniently across the street from her AJC office. The landmark law requires Title VI anti-discrimination coordinators on every New York college campus. In statement on the signing, the Governor said, “By placing Title VI coordinators on all college campuses, New York is combating antisemitism and all forms of discrimination head-on. No one should fear for their safety while trying to get an education.”

That morning, I posted the article to X with this note, “Another proud parent moment in the making: Mazel Tov! to ⁦‪@Marisa_Bearak‬⁩ of ⁦‪@AJCGlobal‬⁩ who worked with ⁦‪@nily‬⁩ & ⁦‪@tobystavisky‬⁩ on this state-law-to-be.”

Back on March 30, my blog focused on Marisa’s Albany-Times Union op-ed supporting the legislation sponsored by the aforementioned (twitter-handles of) Assembly Member Nily Rozic and State Senator Toby Stavisky and the Senator sharing Marisa’s op-ed with her legislative colleagues. The Assembly Member liked my post to X and replied with a nice comment about my daughter:

AJC posted a pic from the bill signing to X with the picture that appears top left.