Luncheon for Legislators Championing Jewish Federation of Tulsa’s Bill Efforts

In a celebration of public service and community partnership, the Jewish Federation of Tulsa will host a special Legislator Recognition Luncheon honoring Senator Kristen Thompson and Representative Emily Gise for their pivotal roles in passing Senate Bills 991 and 942— two critical pieces of legislation that represent a profound step forward for the protection of Jews in Oklahoma.

This event on Tuesday, September 30, will bring together civic leaders, community members, and state officials to recognize the exceptional contributions of these two lawmakers. Both Senator Thompson and Representative Gise will be presented with the inaugural Yolanda Charney Award for Public Leadership, named in honor of Yolanda Charney—a beloved Tulsa community leader, advocate, and lifelong promoter of justice, whose legacy continues to inspire new generations of public servants.

The Bills of SB 991 and SB 942  

SB 991 and SB 942 reflect advocacy and dialogue between state legislators and the Jewish Federation of Tulsa. SB 991 codifies the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into law and identifies eleven contemporary examples of Jew hatred, helping organizations recognize instances of antisemitism. SB 942 requires every institution of public education to incorporate the IHRA definition of antisemitism into their code of conduct, treating antisemitic incidents with the same gravity as racial discrimination, and including Jewish students under the protections of Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Senator Kristen Thompson, a Republican representing Edmond, worked closely with the Federation to finetune the language in SB 991, collaborating across the aisle to secure bipartisan support. “Oklahoma will not tolerate antisemitism,” Thompson said. “I’m grateful to the members who had the moral clarity to support these bills.”

Representative Emily Gise, a Republican and native Tulsan representing the Oklahoma City area, became an instrumental voice in shepherding SB 942 through the House, leveraging her background in public education to articulate the bill’s importance. “These measures bring clarity, accountability, and protection, ensuring that antisemitism is no longer ignored but addressed with the seriousness it deserves,” Gise remarked. “I’m proud to stand with our Jewish neighbors and to help build a future where every student can feel safe, seen, and supported.”

The Yolanda Charney Award for Public Leadership is being introduced this year as a tribute to one of Tulsa’s most respected civic figures. Yolanda Charney has been a passionate advocate for education, human rights, and interfaith cooperation. Yolanda has served the Tulsa community in various capacities. She was the Director of the Community Relations Committee at the Jewish Federation of Tulsa, President of the Tulsa Section of the National Council of Jewish Women, and Executive Director of the Hispanic American Foundation of Tulsa, to name a few.

During her time at the Federation, she played a key role in addressing anti-Israel sentiment and strengthening ties with Black and Latino communities. She was instrumental in forming coalitions with organizations such as the Tulsa Urban League and the Tulsa Equality Center, contributing to the successful “Say No to Hate” campaign. Yolanda collaborated with local institutions such as Oral Roberts University (ORU) and the University of Tulsa for interfaith events, including ORU’s annual “Night to Honor Israel”. Throughout her career, she was deeply committed to dialogue, education, and building bridges between diverse groups, leaving a lasting legacy in Tulsa’s community relations efforts. Her work exemplifies the spirit of leadership and public service that the new Yolanda Charney Award for Public Leadership aims to honor.

Yolanda believed in the power of local leadership; therefore, it is only fitting that this award be given to two individuals who embody her spirit—leaders who, like her, didn’t just talk about change but made it happen. The award will be presented during a formal ceremony as part of the luncheon. The successful passage of SB 991 and SB 942 is a testament to what can be achieved when community organizations and legislators work hand in hand.

Meaningful progress requires not just advocacy, but allies. Senator Thompson and Representative Gise have been active partners with the Jewish Federation of Tulsa every step of the way. Both wanted to understand the issues and use their platforms to do good, which is exactly what public service should look like.

Senator Kristen Thompson and Representative Emily Gise have shown what’s possible when empathy meets action.

The Legislator Recognition Luncheon will be held in the Barbara and Dave Sylvan Auditorium at the Jewish Federation of Tulsa on
Tuesday, September 30 at 1 pm.

Please join us in recognizing and thanking Senator Thompson and Representative Gise. RSVP required at: JewishTulsa.org/YCA.

by Chloe Chappell, Director of Youth and Family Engagement