RAC-NY

1. The "First They Came" Campaign to ensure humane, just, and compassionate immigration policies in New York State.

"First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out, because I was not a communist..." - Martin Niemöller

a. Legislative Priorities

• New York for All Act - Prevents state and local law enforcement from collaborating with ICE, protecting immigrant communities from fear and harassment.
• Mandating End of Lawless Tactics Act - Restricts ICE from using deceptive or unlawful practices in enforcement actions, particularly wearing masks to conceal their identity.
• Protecting Sensitive Locations Act - Safeguards schools, hospitals, and houses of worship from immigration enforcement activities.

b. Partnerships and Coalitions

RAC-NY will join a coalition of New York Jewish organizations to coordinate advocacy, share resources, and amplify our impact.

c. Non-legislative Priorities

RAC-NY will organize statewide Zoom educational program(s) to empower congregants to support immigrants locally through non-legislative action and mobilize participation in advocacy efforts.

2. The "Climate Covenant" Campaign to ensure New York remains a national leader in reducing emissions and protecting the planet for future generations.

Take care not to damage and destroy My world, for if you destroy it, there is no one to repair it after you." - Kohelet Rabbah 7:13 

a. Legislative Priorities

• Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act - Reduces single-use plastic waste and strengthens recycling systems statewide.
• Cap-and-Invest Program and Guardrails Bill - Significantly reduces statewide emissions while protecting vulnerable communities.
• Solar Energy Expansion Bills - Promoting solar energy access.

b. Partnerships and Coalitions

RAC-NY will continue collaboration with Jewish and environmental partners, including Dayenu, JCAN, Adamah-NY, and statewide environmental coalitions, to advance shared climate goals through advocacy, education, and community action.

Join RAC-NY in Albany! 

RAC-NY is proud to organize an Albany Advocacy Day for New York’s Reform Jewish community to show support for climate and immigrant justice initiatives in New York State. 

The Advocacy Day will take place on Wednesday, February 25 from 9am – 5pm at the New York State Capitol in Albany. In the morning, we will provide education, training, and opportunities to build community; in the afternoon, we will take action and engage with our elected officials. The Advocacy Day is open to all teens and adults, including clergy, congregational staff, and lay participants.

There is no cost to participate, but we encourage participants to help cover the costs of the event by contributing an optional program fee in your registration. 

Register Now

Learn about our work across the country to organize, mobilize, and advocate so that all people can thrive in multiracial, inclusive democracies in North America and Israel.

Repeal of the “100-ft rule” (2025) -- ends a subsidy for gas hookups to existing homes and buildings – which incentivizes fossil fuels rather than renewables.

Climate Change Superfund Act (2024) -- requires oil and gas companies to pay some of the costs of preparing New York State for extreme weather events caused by climate change.

New York Equal Rights Amendment or "Prop 1" (2024) -- enshrines a wider set of anti-discrimination protections in the NY constitution, including the right to an abortion.

All-Electric Buildings Act (2023) -- first-in-the-nation legislation mandating that new construction in New York State be fossil fuel-free.

The "Less is More" Parole Reform Act (2021) -- protects those who have completed their prison sentences from being sent to jail for minor parole violations. 

The Protect Our Courts Act (2020) -- protects judicial integrity by ensuring that every immigrant New Yorker can access state courts without fear of arrest by ICE. 

The Green Light NY Act (2019) -- ensures equal access to driver's licenses for all New York residents, regardless of their immigration status.

• State Organizer: Ben Elkind
• Follow the RAC on Facebook
• National RAC Phone Number: 202-387-2800