Dozens of Federal, State and local elected officials and community leaders came together at Camp HASC in a bi-partisan show of support for an informative and uplifting day of education, conversation, networking and action for individuals with special needs and developmental disabilities. HASC’s long time Chairman, Mr. Abe Eisner, shared opening remarks that framed the goals of the program “to look toward the future and ensure we are on track to provide for those most vulnerable members of our community.” Recognizing the dedication of the many public servants in attendance, Mr. Eisner thanked all those that gathered for their support, hard work and commitment.

Honored with the ceremonial groundbreaking of a new state of the art therapeutic facility, NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie was visibly moved by his first visit to the Upstate HASC campus, touring the new medical facility and activities. In thanking Speaker Heastie and Assembly members who gathered, Mr. Eisner remarked, “State Assembly funding is essential to the next stage of growth at Camp HASC, and  we are grateful for your consistent support , friendship and partnership”.

Guests were greeted by Mr. Shmiel Kahn, CEO of HASC Center, and toured Camp HASC’s fully adaptive facility, receiving an insider’s view of the extraordinary therapeutic, medical and academic programs and services offered.

A tireless askan for Klal Yisrael, Reb Chaskel Bennet, the program’s Master of Ceremonies, led the charge with passion and eloquence, moderating a meaningful program focused on medical care and services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism in New York State. In the presence of his colleagues in the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Laura Gillen and Congressman Josh Riley, Congressman Mike Lawler, a stalwart friend of Camp HASC and HASC Diagnostic Center, was recognized for his extraordinary efforts in a meaningful presentation.

The Bi-Partisan Roundtable, a meaningful show of support for Camp HASC’s work on behalf of the most vulnerable members of our community was graced by the attendance and participation of honored members of the New York State Assembly, Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, Assemblyman Kalman Yeger, Assemblyman Sam Berger, Assemblywoman Paula Kay, Assemblyman Aron Wieder and Assemblyman Lester Chang. NYS Senator Peter Oberacker and NYS Senator Bill Weber, committed advocates on behalf of individuals with special needs and their families, participated in the lively discussion and program.

Our representatives in Washington and Albany were joined by a contingent of dedicated community leaders, including Rabbi David Katz, Director of the Israel Heritage Foundation, and Catskills Hatzolah coordinators. Camp administrators expressed appreciation to Sulivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff for his dedicated service in keeping everyone safe.

In his closing remarks, Rav Judah Mischel, Executive Director of Camp HASC, evoked ‘the golden rule’, and praised the special guests for choosing a life of public service and dedication to others: “Let us close our meaningful day together the way we began by accepting upon ourselves the mitzvah of loving one’s fellow as ourselves and commit ourselves to further action on behalf of those counting on us.”