FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2010

Contact:
Maury Litwack, Orthodox Union
917-345-4417

CONGRESSMAN JIM GERLACH MEETS ORTHODOX JEWISH LEADERS
Orthodox Union facilitates key meeting at Torah Academy in Wynnewood, PA

Congressman Jim Gerlach (R-PA-6) met last Wednesday with local Orthodox Jewish rabbis, day school and community leaders from greater Philadelphia. The meeting was facilitated by the Orthodox Union (Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization and was hosted by the Torah Academy of Wynnewood, PA and its leadership.

At the meeting the Congressman stressed the importance of Iran not being able to acquire nuclear weapons and expressed his support for the safety and security of Israel. The community leaders and the Congressman also discussed energy and education. Regarding energy, Rep. Gerlach committed to looking into nonprofit inclusion in energy retrofit initiatives. When discussing education, the Congressman pledged to formulate tax credit legislation similar to what has been done in Pennsylvania already with the Educational Improvement Tax Credit.

Following the meeting Rabbi Shmuel Jablon from the Torah Academy stated:

“It was an honor and pleasure to meet Congressman Gerlach. We were able not only to hear his views, but also to share with him some of the important issues in our community. I appreciate the OU arranging for this important opportunity.”

Maury Litwack, Deputy Director of Public affairs commented:

“We thank the Congressman for engaging with us in a thoughtful discussion regarding Israel, education and energy policy. Our community was pleased by his love and support for the State of Israel and glad to hear that he is supportive of finding federal solutions to provide relief to our community’s tuition crisis.”