The annual National Association of Jewish Legislators (NAJL) breakfast in Albany is an especially emotional one this year as the New York Chapter, of which Assemblymember Lavine is president, experiences Hate Ends Now: The Cattle Car Exhibit. While we are fortunate to live in a time and place where we can never truly comprehend the unspeakable horror experienced by Jews and other targets of Nazi Germany, this incredible exhibit provides a small glimpse into what it was like to have everything taken from you and sent to your probable death - no different from an animal to slaughter.

Lavine speaks with Hate Ends Now CEO Todd Cohn outside the exhibit. Lavine is a firm believer that we must fight hate through education, and the more we understand what actually happened, the better we will be able to ensure that it never happens again.

Assemblymember Lavine finds few things are more gratifying than helping improve the lives of his constituents. Lavine is proud to be at the ribbon-cutting for a newly renovated kitchen at a Life's WORC group home in Westbury which was funded with a $125,000 grant he secured.

Lavine poses for a selfie after a tour of the house given by resident Brett and his lovely fiancée Megan (center / (l-r) in yellow & green shirt).

Brett shows Lavine how to operate the refrigerator, one of several high-tech appliances featured in the state-of-the-art kitchen.

A legislative resolution sponsored by Assemblymember Lavine proclaims Wednesday, April 23, 2025, as Holocaust Remembrance Day in the State of New York. Known in Hebrew as Yom HaShoah, this day is set aside for remembering the victims of the Holocaust and for reminding New Yorkers, all Americans, and all people around the world of what can happen to civilized people when bigotry, hatred, and indifference reign. Lavine speaks on the floor of the Assembly Chamber about the deeply personal significance of the resolution in light of the murder by the Nazis of his entire European family during the Holocaust.

A day of mixed emotions for Assemblymember Lavine at the Mid-Island Y JCC for the renaming of a street in honor of fallen IDF soldier and Plainview native Omer Neutra – one of about 1,200 killed during Hamas' attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. With 59 living hostages still in captivity along with the remains of 35 others, including Omer’s, Lavine urges that we stand together in support of Israel and the never-ending fight against antisemitism.

Governor Hochul signs new legislation strengthening New York State’s gun laws, which are already among the most stringent in the nation. At the event, she noted a calculable decline in shootings resulting from her continued push to prevent gun violence.

Photo courtesy: Aidin Bharti / Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Members of New York Jewish Agenda join Assemblymember Lavine and his colleagues in the Assembly Majority in Albany for a thoughtful discussion about the rise in antisemitism.

Libraries aren't just for books, they provide so much for the community, including activities for people of all ages, computer services, and just being a place to find some much-needed peace and quiet. Assemblymember Lavine visits Plainview-Old Bethpage Library to meet with leaders of the Nassau Library System, along with directors of several Nassau Libraries, to discuss their budgetary concerns.

The first day of spring is made that much brighter by the unveiling of a new meditation garden at AHRC Nassau’s Wheatley Farms and Arts Center in Brookville. The beautifully designed and magnificently landscaped area was funded by a $250,000 grant secured by Assemblymember Lavine.
(l-r) Stanfort J. Perry, AHRC Nassau Chief Executive Officer; Assemblymember Lavine; Saundra M. Gumerove, Esq., AHRC Nassau President

The project includes new pathways and a landscaped water feature with seating and accessibility components for people with physical disabilities. At the event Lavine places a commemorative friendship rock painted by a resident.

With budget season in in full swing in Albany, Assembly Judiciary Chairman Lavine joins colleagues of both the Assembly and Senate Judiciary Committees at a special hearing focusing on areas of the budget concerning courts, public protection, and criminal justice.

Assemblymember Lavine has a very productive meeting in his district office in Glen Cove with community activist Paula Frome and Rabbi Sharon Ballan representing Bend the Arc: Jewish Action – Long Island. The two advocating for parole and prison reform and the welfare of elderly inmates.
(l-r) Daryl Tolbert; Assemblymember Lavine; Rabbi Sharon Ballan, Temple Beth Sholom; Paula Frome, Community Activist; Elmer Florez, RAPP Long Island Representative

Assemblymember Lavine has the chance to meet with SUNY Stony Brook student and Glen Cove native Tami Gitlin about the critical topic of antisemitism on college campuses. Lavine noting that it's always an honor to be asked to speak to students about pending legislation, especially topics such as this which are so critical as we continue to deal with extremism and the increasing hatred against Jews.

Teaching children to read might be the single most important activity in a child’s education. With that in mind, it is always a privilege for Assemblymember Lavine to return to Connolly Elementary School in Glen Cove, where his wife Ronnie taught for many years, to participate in the PARP (Pick a Reading Partner Program) …

The kids were very attentive as Lavine read to them and he led them in a discussion about the legislative process.

Assemblymember Lavine has the honor of addressing Agudath Israel of America as it held its Albany Advocacy Day. As part of the annual event, community advocates join Agudah staff and board members to meet with legislators and push for key initiatives on behalf of New York’s Orthodox Jewish community. Lavine finds special significance in meeting with this group as he proudly serves as President of the New York chapter of the National Association of Jewish Legislators.

Photo credit: Agudath Israel of America / Moshe Gershbaum

For the second consecutive year, a flag representing the neurodivergent community is flying over the City of Glen Cove. The Neurodiversity Strength flag was raised in a special ceremony in Village Square.The event was coordinated by Assemblymember Lavine and the City of Glen Cove. Lavine was on hand along with city officials and flag designer Josh Mirsky of Jericho. Mirsky, a member of the Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board, has been working towards making the Neurodiversity Strength flag prominent for raising awareness of neurodiversity across the state. The event coincides with Neurodiversity Celebration Week (March 17-23) followed by Autism Awareness Month in April.



(l-r) Donna McNaughton, Glen Cove Deputy Mayor; Josh Mirsky with his parents; Pamela Panzenbeck, Glen Cove Mayor; Assemblymember Lavine

Assemblymember Lavine congratulates Felicia Thomas-Williams on her election to the New York State Board of Regents. Lavine believes that Felicia’s wealth of experience as a retired educator in the Brentwood School District will benefit students throughout the state.

AARP advocacy volunteers have a very productive meeting with Assemblymember Lavine in his district office. The meeting covered possible legislation that will help make life a little easier for seniors.
(l-r) Andy Poulos, AARP Advocacy Volunteer; Assemblymember Lavine; Marie Biggiani, AARP Advocacy Volunteer; Fred Slade, AARP Advocacy Volunteer

Assemblymember Lavine is privileged to meet Roslyn High School junior Eliza Liebowitz. Lavine’s office makes a donation for kids in need as he presents a citation to Eliza in recognition of her philanthropic efforts on behalf of multiple charities and non-profit organizations.

The Cradle of Aviation Museum hosts a legislative breakfast and Assemblymember Lavine is privileged to attend. The museum in Garden City does an incredible job of paying tribute to the countless historical achievements in the field of aviation and space exploration which took place right here in our area.

A great way to close out Black History Month as the Black National / Pan-African flag is raised for the first time in downtown Glen Cove….

(l-r) Pamela Panzenbeck, Glen Cove Mayor; Marsha Silverman, Glen Cove City Councilwoman; Lela Watson, Founder & President, I Am My Sister; Roderick Watson, Executive Director, I Am My Brother; Assemblymember Lavine; Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, Nassau County Legislator

Assemblymember Lavine expresses his appreciation to the I Am My Sister organization for making this dream become a reality and the community for such a great turnout on a beautiful late winter day.

(l-r) Roderick Watson, Executive Director, I Am My Brother; Lela Watson, Founder & President, I Am My Sister; Assemblymember Lavine; Rev. Roger C. Williams, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Glen Cove

A special moment in Albany for Assemblymember Lavine and colleague Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay who have the privilege of meeting therapy dog Huck! Besides being about as cute as can be, Huck has an important job which is to work with her handler, Port Jefferson EMS Deputy Chief Michael Presta, to provide comfort for patients, EMS providers, and community members exposed to traumatic events.

Planned Parenthood activists from across the state come to Albany to meet with their representatives and advocate for sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice. Assemblymember Lavine is joined by wife Ronnie, a member of the organization, at a rally in the Capitol.

SCO Family of Services meets with Assemblymember Lavine in Albany. Lavine is a steadfast supporter of the organization which delivers vital human services to children, families, adults, and the community to provide them with the necessary tools to achieve success.

(l-r) Bryan Pollack, Director of Government Affairs; Leslie Johnson, Vice President of Communications and External Affairs; Assemblymember Lavine; Nicole L. Weingartner, Director of State Government Affairs, Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP

Assemblymember Lavine teams up with Governor Hochul’s office to sponsor a workshop in Glen Cove to inform immigrants of their rights. Lavine is seen here with Stevens Martinez, Deputy Director for Long Island Intergovernmental Affairs at the event which took place at the Glen Cove Public Library. The following weblink provides more information on a variety of free services that immigrants and the community can access through the Office of New Americans and its many state partners: https://dos.ny.gov/know-your-rights

Assemblymember Lavine visits Hofstra University and speaks to Basia Szydlowski, host of Long Island Community Spotlight on WRHU 88.7 FM. The two had a thoughtful conversation about Lavine's proposed legislation to mandate that the January 6th Trump insurrection be taught in schools.

It was bittersweet for Assemblymember Lavine to attend the goodbye party at the Glen Cove Senior Center for Rhoda Finer who is moving to North Carolina to be closer to her family. Rhoda and her late husband Arthur did so much for the community including helping to establish the senior center and as founding members of North Country Reform Temple. Lavine wishes Rhoda the best of luck at the event.

Great follow-up at a joint Assembly hearing on public protection to Assemblymember Lavine's bill passed last year enhancing judicial staff privacy. New York State Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas confirming that morale in state courts was up as a result of this legislation.

In his role as President of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Jewish Legislators, Assemblymember Lavine leads a meeting in Albany…

Lavine is also proud to serve this wonderful organization a member of its National Board of Directors.