Those Shameful Thoughts and What They Really Say about You
10 min read
17 min read
Assemblymember Berger is running on the Aish Ha’Am slate for the WZO Congress and believes being politically active is critical in a post-Oct. 7 world.
Assemblymember Sam Berger had just graduated from law school and was preparing to take the bar exam. He didn’t have politics on his mind at all. In fact, it seemed uncharacteristic of him to get involved.
“I actually had no interest in it,” he said. “I don't like being in the spotlight, I don't like having my picture taken, and I am an introvert.”
But when Sam heard that Assemblymember Daniel Rosenthal, his representative in the 27th district in Queens, New York was planning to step down, he decided to talk to Rosenthal about the job.
“My parents raised me with a strong belief in doing chessed (kindness),” he said. “That was the only reason I went to law school, to help people. If the Assembly was where I could be the most helpful, then that's where I wanted to be.”
If the Assembly was where I could be the most helpful, then that's where I wanted to be.
Sam ran and won, officially becoming an assemblymember on September 12, 2023, and advocating for the residents of Pomonok, Electchester, Kew Gardens Hills, College Point, and Whitestone. He was born and raised in this district and returned to it after studying abroad in Israel.
“I’ve been doing this for over a year and I’ve loved every minute, both the good moments and the hard ones,” he said.
Sam is now running on the Aish Ha’Am slate as a candidate to be a delegate for the World Zionist Congress (WZO). He hopes that as a delegate he can encourage others – especially young Jews – to get involved politically, just like he has.
“As we have seen time and time again, where there is silence or apathy, hate tends to fester,” he said. “We cannot rely on others to fight our battles for us. Like it or not, the political world is where decisions are made that significantly impact Jewish society, and no one can fight harder for our issues than us. We live and breathe these issues.”
In a post-Oct. 7 world, being politically active is critical, according to the assemblymember.
Assemblymember Sam Berger does not enjoy the limelight.
“One of the few lights among the darkness is the many non-Jewish voices that have been outspoken on antisemitism,” he said. “Still, Jews must get involved politically to show the world that we are paying attention, we are not afraid, and we will push back against those who seek to spread lies and hate.”
His advice? If you see something you want to change, then go out and change it – especially on a local level.
“And please, pay attention to and get involved in local politics,” he said. “Many people tend to focus on national politics, but most of the immediate issues you see in your community stem from local politics. Put the phone down, turn off the TV, stop whatever is distracting you, and get involved.”
Though Sam is already busy – not only is he a politician, he’s also a dedicated husband and father to two young daughters – he’s chosen to apply to become a WZO delegate.
“How can I not run?” he said. “WZO is one of the largest organizations in the world dedicated to supporting Jewish communities. This is an opportunity for every Jew to get involved (if you haven't registered to vote yet, what are you waiting for?!) and help shape the direction of the WZO. Now, more than ever, we must be unified and laser-focused in how we tackle the issues facing the Jewish people.”
During his time abroad in Israel, Sam spent four years learning at Yeshiva Bircas HaTorah in the Old City in Jerusalem, which was right near Aish. That influenced his decision to run on the Aish Ha’Am slate.
“There's a special warmth which always emanated from the students and teachers at Aish,” he said. “It’s a certain blend of strong Jewish identity and longing to unify the Jewish people. The Aish Ha'am slate captures that uniqueness of a vastly diverse group of individuals all unified with the same goal of bringing the Jewish people together and strengthening our voice.”
If he becomes a delegate, he plans to advocate for policies that combat antisemitism, strengthen the bond between Israel and America, and uplift people who feel afraid in these uncertain times.
We can disagree with our fellow Jews and still stand as one nation. We must
“Most importantly, I hope to help Jews around the world feel safe,” he said.
He’s also advocating for unity among am Yisrael, the Jewish people.
“We cannot be a scattered nation, too divided to stand together,” he said. “We have too many enemies as it is. We can disagree with our fellow Jews and still stand as one nation. We must.”
Personally, Sam is sending out a message of hope for every Jew: No matter what, God is on your side.
“I really had no idea I’d be where I am today,” he said. “I have failed many times in my life and a successful future, one where I could make an impact in my community, always seemed out of reach. But when I wasn’t sure of the path before me, Hashem presented one. I’m married to my best friend, have two beautiful children, learn Torah every day, and have found meaning in my work.”
He continued, “In life you will fall. You must get up. You must keep trying. God will sort out the rest.”
Go to www.aish.com/vote/aishcom to vote. You can also find an opportunity on the website to become an ambassador, actively joining in our efforts.
The Jewish People need Aish’s voice. And Aish needs YOUR voice! Together we can accomplish what might seem impossible.
