By Michele Justic
On October 7, Hamas terrorists unleashed a heightened level of hate not seen since the Holocaust. This hate spread throughout the world, and even into the halls of Congress. The February 13 Special Election in the Third Congressional District of New York, is not a vote for red versus blue, but right versus wrong.
Mazi Melesa Pilip has always fought for what’s right. Born in war-torn Ethiopia, she clearly saw what happens when violence supersedes morality. She considers herself blessed that her family was airlifted to Israel via Operation Solomon, and they kissed the ground when they arrived. Finally given freedom and opportunity in her peaceful homeland, Mazi always wanted to give back. She enlisted in the IDF as a paratrooper and then studied occupational therapy at the University of Haifa. She continued to Tel Aviv University where she earned a Master’s Degree in diplomacy and security. She met her husband, Adalbert, at the Technion, and then moved to the United States to raise a family in Great Neck.
She remembers her child wanting to wear a Magen David necklace, but worrying if it was safe to do so. Again, her passion for doing what’s right came to the forefront and she sprang into action in local politics. She was elected as legislator for the Great Neck-Manhasset district in 2021, and then reelected in a landslide victory in 2023, a visible sign of how her constituents support her.
On January 6, NORPAC-LI hosted an event for Mazi at the Lawrence home of Aryeh and Naomi Davis. The standing room-only attendance is proof that many feel a need for a champion like Mazi.
Nassau GOP chair Joe Cairo, County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and Presiding Officer of the Nassau County Legislature, Howard Kopel, came to the event to attest to Mazi’s achievements and winning potential. Cairo spoke of how Mazi is on the right side of the issues, and the same districts that voted red in the past should continue to do so. Blakeman noted factual discrepancies in Suozzi’s campaign ads and that his voting record and request in 2021 to be in “The Squad” does not reflect his self-imposed label of “moderate.” Howard Kopel spoke of Mazi’s success in the Nassau legislature.
However, Cairo, Blakeman, and NORPAC President Dr. Ben Chouake emphasized the need for funding. The Suozzi campaign has large reserves of advertising revenue. A Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesperson told SpectrumNews that an ad buy is in the seven-figures and SpectrumNews also reported, “the Democrat-aligned House Majority PAC placed $5.2 million in reserve for television and digital ads for the upcoming special election.”
Dr. Ben Chouake urged members to donate to this campaign via: https://norpac.net/contribute. He noted that NORPAC normally supports friends of Israel in Congress but Mazi will be a champion, a fighter for Israel who will convince others as well.
NORPAC LI President Stanley Stern agreed: “There are many Israel supporters in Congress, but not many champions like Elise Stefanik, Richie Torres, or Ted Cruz. Mazi Pilip will be such a champion if elected. Mazi is a once-in-a-lifetime candidate, an Orthodox Jewish woman of color who served in the IDF.”
Stern also went on to detail some of the costs of war and why Congressional aid is needed for Israel’s victory. It is reported the three month war so far has cost the Israel economy about $59.2 billion.
Which brings us back to Mazi’s mission. Unlike some, most notably members of the Squad, who serve in Congress with a hatred for America and Israel, Mazi appreciates the American dream and wants to give back. On October 7, she wanted to suit up and fight. She saw the world turn against Israel and the Jewish communities. Mazi was interviewed on many media outlets and attended many rallies in support of Israel and against anti-Semitism. Mazi’s mentors advised her that the best way she can fight for her values is in the halls of Congress.
As a fellow supporter of Israel and NORPAC, Jeff Eisenberg concurs, “Mazi is a truly accomplished candidate, through her background from Ethiopia, to Israel, her service in the IDF, and her recent position in government, gives her a unique experience and perspective that could champion the cause for both Israel and all Americans.”
The fight for what’s right is reflected in other core issues for Mazi as well such as legislation on crime, immigration, the budget, national security, etc.
Joe Cairo and Bruce Blakeman insisted that the majority of Mazi’s district of Oyster Bay Cove, Old Brookville, Levittown, Glen Cove, Roslyn, Manhasset, Plainview, Bethpage, Port Washington, Hicksville, Jericho, Syosset, Mineola, Farmingdale, Massapequa Park, and Great Neck as well as Little Neck, Whitestone, Glen Oaks, Floral Park, and Queens Village, share her views on these issues as well.
Mazi’s inspiration applies to all ages as SKA Sophomore, Gila Yastrab, noted: “Meeting Mazi Pilip was incredibly impactful, because her story is so unique and inspirational. Hearing her speak about her plans for the future made me realize that changes in Congress in support of Israel don’t just happen. Our community must actively ensure that our friends in Congress are supported, and I know that Mazi will surely be a champion in defending Israel. I hope she wins!
As Mazi confidently predicts, “Winning is the only option.”
