For the fifth time in less than two months, Kol Yisroel returned to Albany on March 17, continuing its determined advocacy campaign to strengthen protections for houses of worship across New York State.

The visit had one clear goal: building support for Assembly Bill A10548, legislation that would prohibit protesting within 100 feet of a house of worship.

The bill was introduced by Assemblymember George Alvarez (D-78) following sustained advocacy by Kol Yisroel. The organization first met with Alvarez’s team on February 4 and has remained in regular communication since. As a direct result of Kol Yisroel’s advocacy and continued follow-up, Assemblymember Alvarez ultimately introduced the legislation.

During the visit, Kol Yisroel—led by Shmulie Hartstein together with a group of young advocates—spent the day meeting lawmakers to expand support for the measure, secure additional Assembly co-sponsors, and identify a sponsor in the New York State Senate.

Among those the group met with were:

• Senator John Liu (D-16)
• Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-23)
• Senator Robert Jackson (D-31)
• Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-56)
• Assemblymember Charles Lavine (D-13), Chair of the Judiciary Committee
• Assemblymember Kahleel Anderson (D-31)
• Assemblymember Robert Carroll (D-44)
• Assemblymember Al Stirpe (D-127)

In one of the day’s notable developments, Assemblymember Charles Lavine (D-13) told the delegation he intends to co-sponsor the legislation, providing an important boost for the bill.

The day concluded with a meeting with Assemblymember George Alvarez (D-78), where the group discussed next steps for advancing the legislation. Alvarez emphasized that passing A10548 is a priority for him this legislative session.

The bill has already gained co-sponsorship from Assemblymember Kalman Yeger (D-41) and Assemblymember Simcha Eichenstein (D-48), with additional support expected in the coming weeks.

For Kol Yisroel, the message remains simple: showing up matters.

After months of persistent advocacy and repeated trips to Albany, Kol Yisroel’s push for a 100-foot protection zone around houses of worship is now moving through the legislative process. The organization says it will continue meeting with lawmakers and building support until the bill becomes law.