Striding through the halls of the Maryland House of Delegates, 29-year-old Dalya Attar is an anomaly: the highest-ranking elected Shabbat-observant female in U.S. history.
As a candidate last year in Baltimore’s District 41 – 65% African-American, and 5% Jewish – Dalya defeated 12 other candidates, including the incumbent. She now spends 90 days each winter in Annapolis, bringing her deeply-engrained Jewish values to the machinations of legislative politics.
Dalya is also a devoted wife and mother. On the day of our conversation, she texts with a request to push back our meeting by 30 minutes. Snow was falling in Baltimore and, with a delayed school start, she needed to drive her young children to school.
It is this reality of motherhood colliding with career – and the Jewish values that underpin her life – that makes Dalya Attar a refreshing voice of balance and sanity in today’s often-turbulent political waters.
Dalya’s conversation with Aish.com has been edited for clarity.
Aish.com: People say that you bring a fresh voice and perspective to the world of politics.
Dalya Attar: I am new to politics, not from a political family, and not part of a political machine. I want to do what's right. If I see something that should be done, I tell people how it is. As a prosecutor, I’m used to standing up and speaking out. I won't beat around the bush just to please people.
Aish.com: When it comes to straight-talk, politicians don’t always have the best reputation.
“’Don't lie, cheat or steal’ has always been basic in my book.”
Dalya: There is a perception that corruption is part of the political game, and there are many examples where that’s true. Unfortunately in recent years, many Marylanders in positions of authority have faced serious ethical violations or abused power – including the prior state senator in my district who is currently sitting in jail.
Aish.com: How has your Jewish upbringing influenced how you navigate the political swamp?
Dalya: Growing up in my family and attending Bais Yaakov (network of Jewish schools), morals and ethics always came first. “Don't lie, cheat or steal” has always been basic in my book. I will not deviate from these beliefs. If I have a doubt whether something is right or wrong, I tell myself the answer is “no.” When it comes to integrity, I err on the safe side.
I look at my religion and my beliefs, not as something that hinders my career and desire to help people, but enhances that ability. Jewish values are a huge asset in politics, guiding me and making it so much easier to represent the people. I train prosecutors and tell them, “Don’t ever lie about a case. It's not the right thing to do, and nothing is worth taking a chance on your reputation.”
Aish.com: Take us back to the beginning. What is your family background?
Dalya: My father came to the U.S. from Iran in search of a better future. My mother did the same coming from Morocco. They wanted to raise a family in a democracy, with freedom of religion and better economic opportunities. They met in Baltimore and – despite a new language, culture, and lifestyle – they worked hard, overcame many obstacles, and raised a family of six children.
Aish.com: What sparked your interest in politics?
Dalya: As a teenager, I’d pay close attention to the news. If there was a problem in the city or in the world, I passionately wanted to do something about it. I’ve always been an independent thinker, unwilling to accept the status quo. I wanted to be a lawyer, but knew it would tend in the direction of politics.
Aish.com: You speak about wanting to put the “more” back in Baltimore. Why?
Dalya: I've spent my entire life in Baltimore. I studied criminal justice at the University of Baltimore, and earned my law degree at the University of Maryland. When I graduated law school in 2014, I became a prosecutor in Baltimore State’s Attorney.
My parents live two blocks from my house. I work for the city, and I’m a wife and mother raising my family here. I’ve had a front row seat to the best of Baltimore, but also to the challenges we face. The desire to give back to my community motivated my decision to run for office.
Aish.com: Tell us about the moment you decided to run.
“An 11-year-old boy was pleading with me to help him. As a mother of two young kids, I was in tears. ”
Dalya: In 2016, I was working as a prosecutor in a juvenile detention center in Baltimore. I was coming to work every day, in the courtroom with these kids. An 11-year-old boy was pleading with me to help him, to not send him away. As a mother of two young kids, I was in tears.
Around this time I was approached by members of the Jewish community in Baltimore to run for office. I realized that as a prosecutor, there are limits to the impact I can make. A lot happens at the legislative level. So I decided to run.
Aish.com: You are the first Orthodox Jew elected to the Maryland legislature. What inspired you to break that barrier?
Dalya: I have a bold personality. I learned to think for myself and believe in my abilities. I'm not afraid to take chances. Otherwise I never would have run for office.
Initially, people were skeptical if I could win such a competitive race. I had no political connections. So I campaigned in all 50 communities in the district. My husband, siblings, friends and members of the community were out there every day, putting up signs and helping to organize. It was a true grassroots campaign.
Aish.com: What are the ways you help the 5% of your district that is Jewish?
Dalya: For many years the Jewish community felt that we had inadequate representation. Time and again, we saw legislators voting for an agenda that doesn’t meet the needs of our community.
On one hand, I’m a passionate advocate for improving public schools. On the other hand, as an alumnus of Bais Yaakov, I see the need for publicly-funded scholarships for private schools. Tuition creates huge financial pressures, which may mean it’s not possible for every child to attend Jewish school and receive those values that are so important to our Jewish community.
Aish.com: How do you juggle professional and personal responsibilities?
Dalya: In 2012, at age 21, I married my brothers’ friend, and we had two children while I pursued my law degree. It’s always been about juggling my family and career, and I’m blessed to have a supportive family. It's about balance and priorities. If there's a school event for my kids, I'll go there instead of to a professional event.
Aish.com: Any instances where the practicalities of Jewish observance affect your career?
Dalya: During the campaign there were many events that I would not attend on Shabbos. So I reframed the situation as a healthy break from the rigors of an election campaign. After I won the election, I saw my Jewish beliefs taking me to where I want to be. I won’t ever turn away from them.
Sometimes I get home right before Shabbos starts – but I get home on time, every time. During my first legislative session in 2019, I was required to attend one Saturday session. After consultation with a rabbi, I spent the entire Shabbat at the capital, and attended the session with no devices and no active participation.
Aish.com: Did any Jewish individual inspire you to enter politics?
Dalya: Growing up, I’d frequently visit an aunt and uncle in Connecticut who attend the same shul as Senator Joe Lieberman. As a 10-year-old, seeing a Shabbat-observant Jew run for vice-president seemed normal to me.
As a 10-year-old, seeing a Shabbat-observant Jew run for vice-president seemed normal to me.
Later, as a prosecutor, I was several times in the courtroom of Karen (Chaya) Friedman, an Orthodox judge on Baltimore’s 8th Judicial Circuit. Also, a year prior to my campaign, Isaac Yitzy Schleifer became the first Orthodox city councilman elected in Baltimore. Like me, he was in his 20s, and that inspired me to the possibilities.
Aish.com: Which historical figure do you view as a role model?
Dalya: Sarah Schenirer, the founder of Bais Yaakov a century ago in Poland, was someone who stepped out of the box and did something very great to help our community. She is a model of how to successfully balance Jewish tradition while pushing for innovation and creativity.
Her story also demonstrates that change happens on the ground. One woman, with little fanfare, simply did what needed to be done. She didn’t wait for big organizations to get involved, or let herself get mired in politics. She started her school, its success spoke for itself, and the organized community followed suit. In this respect, Bais Yaakov is a model grassroots movement.
Aish.com: It’s interesting that you say this. Rabbi Noah Weinberg zt"l, the founder of Aish HaTorah, also drew deep inspiration from Sarah Schenirer, often saying that she influenced the Jewish people more than any other person in the 20th century. (Rabbi Weinberg’s sister, Chavah Pincus, was sent to
Aish.com: Baltimore is known as one of the crime capitals of America. Tell us about the opioid epidemic, which is a full-blown crisis in your city.
Dalya: The opioid epidemic is a non-partisan issue; it does not discriminate. My friend in school died from this and I have personally seen the effects this epidemic has on families. Drugs are almost as easy to buy as bread and milk. But we aren’t going to get anywhere with fears and complaints. We need action. When I became a prosecutor, I joined the narcotics unit – prosecuting drug dealers, reducing the amount of drugs on the street, and arranging treatment for drug users.
Aish.com: Have you carried this fight against drugs into the legislative chamber?
Dalya: I was appointed to Maryland ’s House Opioid Workgroup. We worked to pass legislation regarding lawsuits against opioid manufacturers – mandating that money received be placed into a dedicated fund for drug treatment and recovery programs. I also partnered with Chayeinu, a Baltimore organization working to prevent addictions. We train local school administrators in the use of NARCAN, the nasal spray that counteracts the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose.
Aish.com: How are your relations with the 65% of your constituency that is African-American?
“Some people don’t like me because I’m Jewish, and others are even blatantly anti-Semitic. ”
Dalya: Some people don’t like me because I’m Jewish, and others are even blatantly anti-Semitic. Yet many of my African-American constituents are very supportive. I have a very good relationship with all communities in my district, and fortunately the majority of my district and I do not judge each other based on race or religion.
Also, we’re fortunate in Baltimore to have as a role model the recently-deceased U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings. His Youth Program brings elite African-American high school students to Israel, as a way to further bonds between those communities.
During Black History Month, I co-sponsored Hate Crimes legislation to include “the attempt or threat of committing a hate crime,” as one way to help to reduce rampant violence in Baltimore. I aspire to be like Elijah Cummings in standing up for human rights, and making clear that hate is never allowed.
Aish.com: Maryland is a heavily Democratic state. In 2016, Hillary Clinton won Maryland with over 60% of the vote, and the Maryland House of Delegates is 70% Democrat. Given the reality of partisan politics, are you pressured to vote the party line?
Dalya: My parents were Democrats, and I’m a Democrat. But I will break from the Democratic line when it contradicts my beliefs. For example, I voted against the party line on the “end-of-life bill,” granting people the right to suicide. The bill left too much room for abuse, too much room for the disabled communities and minority communities to be harmed by it. Just because I have a “D” for Democrat doesn't dictate who I am or what I believe in.
Aish.com: Your term in the Maryland House of Delegates is four years, and in January 2020 you’ll be starting a 90-day session. Will you be introducing any new legislation?
Dalya: Yes, one that addresses the issue of Jewish marriage and divorce. New York and a few other states have passed a law stating that civil divorce is contingent on “nothing else impeding a full divorce.” This prevents someone from enjoying the benefits of civil divorce, while still complicating their ex-spouse’s life from a Jewish perspective. In consultation with a rabbi, I’m sponsoring similar legislation during the coming session.
Aish.com: I imagine you have higher political aspirations.
Dalya: I’m inspired by the example of Ben Cardin, who started out in the Maryland House of Delegates and is now a popular U.S. Senator. He is very pro-Israel, and vocally against anti-Semitism. I respect that.
Visit Dalya's website at www.dalyaattar.com
(11) RABBI YOCHANAN EUKEL, January 9, 2020 3:48 PM
Is Delegate Dayla truly a "d" small-case or??
Shalom ~ Appreciated the profile article on Delegate Dayla Attar. She made clear her non-d stance on euthanasia because of her Orthodox Jewish Beliefs. Yay! However, does Delegate Dayla also take a small-D diversion when it comes to the sanctity of life for the unborn or newborn, in keeping, again, with her Orthodox Jewish Beliefs?
(10) Nancy, January 8, 2020 9:50 PM
She is NOT a robot!
Dalya Attar has a mind of her own. Please reread this article. Yes, she is a Democrat but that does not mean she is in lock step 100% of the time. She is a breath of fresh air, IMO.
(9) Ronald Sevenster, January 8, 2020 4:32 PM
Incomprehensible
I cannot understand how an orthodox Jewish woman in good conscience can join the Democrats. They are nihilists who intend to destroy all divine foundations of our culture. They favour the destructive Gender Ideology and the LGBTQ agenda against the natural family. They favour abortion up until and even beyond the moment of birth. They favour active euthanasia. Everything they stand for is diametrically opposed the the values of the Torah.
Nancy, January 8, 2020 9:47 PM
To commenter #9 Ronald Sevenster
Please explain to me how it is possible to "favor abortion up until and even beyond the moment of birth."
Nyj, January 9, 2020 2:04 AM
I’ll explain
They lie and call it abortion even after the baby is born. So they lie and say it’s ok
Nancy, January 9, 2020 12:27 PM
Re: The actual meaning of the term abort
If you look at that term in a different context, it literally means to stop something. For example, I have seen the word abort come up on my computer when something is amiss. Once you have delivered a baby, you have NOT performed an abortion. That is simply logical. Now, there are many people who feel abortion should be made illegal at all costs. Guess what? If we completely overturn Roe v. Wade, women will die anyway by attempting to get unsafe and illegal abortions. Well, poor women will die. The wealthy women will be able to access safe and sanitary abortions. If a woman dies from an unsanitary/botched abortion how is that a preservation of life?!
Anonymous, January 9, 2020 2:21 AM
Abortion of life?
Perhaps. They are pro-euthanasia, etc. Interesting way of putting it, but maybe that's what he meant.
Yisroel Kasten, January 10, 2020 6:09 PM
VA Governor Ralph Northam (D) on post-birth abortions
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D.) commented about a controversial 40-week abortion bill and in so doing said the law allows an abortion to take place after the infant's birth.
"If a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen. The infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if that’s what the mother and the family desired, and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother," Northam said, alluding to the physician and mother discussing whether the born infant should live or die.
BillyW, January 9, 2020 1:56 AM
It's Maryland politics.
Maryland is so Democrat that you can't win as a Republican. Even Jews that are Republicans register as Democrats so they can vote in the primaries which is where it really matters.
Anonymous, January 9, 2020 2:20 AM
Politics
Yes, she's a democrat. If you want to get anything done in Maryland, you are officially Democrat, even if you are Republican, otherwise your voice is smothered even before you open your mouth. I know Dalya personally, having attended school with her from elementary through high school. If she were to be forced into a corner of the foundations of our faith versus her job, I confidently believe she would walk away rather than compromise on her principles. Thankfully, at the moment, she is able to work, under their official umbrella, to do things to help many people, without having to support all of the things you mentioned...
Harry Pearle, January 9, 2020 3:09 PM
Many REPUBLICANS Refuse to TALK and They Attack Democracy with Trump!
Avos 5.17 (or so) says we should ARGUE for the sake of Heaven, like Hillel and Shammai. We should not argue like Korach.
My fear is that Trump has brainwashed so many people, into believing in his absolute authority. I fear the Jews are being fooled, and they stop thinking for themselves. I fear that with Trump domination, we are losing DEMOCRACY, itself, for the USA and for other nations...
Anonymous, January 17, 2020 5:31 AM
Obama vs Donald
Our nation was in far more danger of losing its democratic nature during the Obama regime, than it is under the current Presidency. If anything, Donald Trump is restoring our dream of having a democracy, by Making America Great Again.
Raymond, January 17, 2020 5:28 AM
Good Democrats
Ronald Sevenster, while I overwhelmingly agree with you, in the name of fairness, I do feel compelled to mention that at least in times past, there were some really good Democrats, such as Harry Truman, Robert Kennedy, Henry Scoop Jackson, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, and Joseph Lieberman. Such good old days are, unfortunately, gone, and now we have a situation in which the Radical Left, led by Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Ocasio-Cortez, and Bernie Sanders, control the Democratic Party. About the only good Liberal left is Alan Dershowitz, but now even he is being attacked by his own Democratic Party for daring to oppose our President's Impeachment. Let's hope that Dalya Attar ends up being like the good Democrats of long ago.
(8) Anonymous, January 8, 2020 2:50 AM
Highest ranking Jewish observant elected woman
What does highest ranking mean? My daughter was just elected in New York as Justice of Manhattan State Supreme Court. She is 100% observant. Ruchy Freier was also elected as first Chadish woman Judge in NYC Civil Court.
Shraga Simmons, January 9, 2020 12:58 AM
rank
You're right, it is a tricky thing to measure. So let's interview your daughter next!
(7) Samson Ben Yoseph, January 8, 2020 12:43 AM
Democrat?
NO THANKS
She doesn't realize that Baltimore has been more than she can handle longer than she has been alive and coming from IRAN?
I can see her working with AOC and Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar that got elected by other muslims that moved in certain areas so they could vote and elect other muslims and she will just act like Jews and muslims all get along here and those muslims are just poor innocent people.
Ilhan Omar and
THAT is what has always been known to be BS
Anonymous, January 9, 2020 2:16 AM
One big lump of hopeless generalization
I am not actually sure there is a point in responding to this comment, but if not for the commenter, for the people reading it:
Samson ben Yoseph has effectively just lumped everybody coming from Iran together in one big lump of "I don't trust them" - I suppose he does not subscribe to the notion that the Jews are a separate people no matter where they happen to have been living in our long exile. Yes, her family comes from Iran. They fled from there, actually; they are not exactly working under the influence of its government. I find it highly offensive to compare her to the three women mentioned above.
Samson ben Yoseph has also strongly implied that Baltimore is hopeless (who can "handle" it, exactly?), and so has chosen to write off my lifelong city into the trash-bin of "why bother?" Thankfully, Dalya would like to help the city, and as I attended high school with her, and had many classes together with her, I'm glad she is in a position of influence here, and cares.
Yes, she's a democrat. If you want to get anything done in Maryland, you are officially Democrat, even if you are Republican, otherwise your voice is smothered even before you open your mouth. Before our country was in a perpetual state of civil (meaning polite) war, the two parties actually knew how to work together. Once upon a time, Republican and Democrat represented a certain leaning towards one way of viewing things, but that didn't mean that one eye was completely blind, or hallucinatory. Perhaps some breath of that old school still exists in one young woman who hasn't fallen prey to the cynicism of today and still wants to and believes she can make a difference.
(6) Denise, January 7, 2020 6:48 PM
Anti-Semitism
Dalya, I hope, as a Democrat, you keep your eye on the core values of the party. The anti-semitism, the anti-Israel rhetoric, the support for BDS, abortion is troubling. As Jews we value Israel, and we value life, the Democratic Party is against everything we stand for. Please consider these important issues when affiliating with a party
Anonymous, January 9, 2020 2:23 AM
Nothing doing in Maryland if you're not an official democrat
Yes, she's a democrat. If you want to get anything done in Maryland, you are officially Democrat, even if you are Republican, otherwise your voice is smothered even before you open your mouth. Yes, the party umbrella shelters some pretty awful stuff. I don't believe, however, that affiliating with a party automatically binds you to thinking everything they do, as opposed to using your affiliation for practical purposes of moving forward and getting things done...
(5) Steve Douglas, January 7, 2020 5:57 PM
Congratulations
Congratulations on your electoral success and may you be richly blessed in your future political endevours.
Anonymous, January 17, 2020 5:34 AM
Lincoln-Douglas Debates
Steven Douglas, of course, is famous for his legendary debates with none other than Abraham Lincoln himself.
(4) Anonymous, January 7, 2020 4:06 PM
Dalya Attar represents a very Jewish district!
Where do you get the statistic that District 41 is only 5% Jewish? Count the synagogues, kosher restaurants and bakeries, and Jewish social service agencies in this district. Jews are a substantial presence in this district.
(3) Joseph Apicella, January 7, 2020 2:38 PM
Best Wishes
It is nice to see observant Americans enter politics and remember the separation of Church or Synagogue and state. Not in their personal lives , but political life.
(2) Anonymous, January 6, 2020 7:08 AM
A question
I have a question. Why didn’t Yosef contact his father during the 20 years that he was in Egypt?
Ra'anan, January 7, 2020 8:57 PM
It would have caused his brothers embarrassment & that was more...
important than causing his father emotional pain. We learn that from Tamar's being prepared to be burned to death rather than shame Yehudha.
Anonymous, January 17, 2020 5:37 AM
Joseph and His Brothers
I have heard that answer before, but continue to find it quite unsatisfying. Joseph does not tell his father that he (Joseph) is still alive so as to not embarrass his brothers? Meanwhile, though, his father was suffering terribly, basically in a deep state of depression for those many decades. Joseph's brothers deserved to get embarrassed, while Jacob did not deserve to suffer like that.
(1) Nancy, January 5, 2020 10:20 PM
??Yes!!
A true rock star!!
Anonymous, January 17, 2020 5:39 AM
And Rachel Was His Wife
To me, the true rock star among Torah woman was Rachel, the very devoted wife of Rabbi Akiva, who himself acknowledged that his tremendous success as a Torah scholar was due to his wife's uncompromising devotion toward him.