FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2010
Contact: Maury Litwack
202-513-6484
CONGRESSMAN FRANK PALLONE MEETS ORTHODOX JEWISH LEADERS
Orthodox Union facilitates key meeting in Middlesex County
Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) met yesterday with local Orthodox Jewish rabbis, day school and community leaders from Highland Park/Edison. 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 Congregation Ohav Emeth.
The Congressman discussed at length his support for Israel including his continuing work to investigate the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation and U.S. recognized terrorist organizations as well as his belief that the most damaging sanctions must be implemented on Iran as soon as possible. When asked his thoughts on direct talks, the Congressman was skeptical that there was any negotiating when Hamas held such a huge majority but that he was hopeful it would succeed.
Regarding domestic policy, the community shared with the Congressman their disappointment and frustration that federal homeland security dollars weren’t awarded this year and their ongoing battle within the State to receive education funding for our schools. Congressman Pallone pledged to investigate the lack of homeland security funding and expressed grave concern at our community’s tuition crisis. The Congressman stated his desire to work with the Orthodox Union to identify creative and impactful federal funding solutions which could bring a measure of institutional and individual relief.
Congressman Frank Pallone later said, “I thoroughly enjoyed hearing from local Orthodox Jewish leaders and community members. It is important that we continue to maintain a two way dialogue and cooperate in a way that benefits the Orthodox community. I look forward to continuing my work on the issues we discussed; including protecting Israel’s security whether in defending its citizens from attacks or the threat of nuclear Iran. We must also make certain that synagogues and community centers in the U.S. receive federal assistance to ensure their safety and security.”
Maury Litwack, Deputy Director of Public Policy stated:
“It was a pleasure to sit down with Congressman Pallone because he listens and doesn’t use talking points to respond to our community’s concerns. In addition to his strong record on Israel, the Congressman understands our domestic policy issues and wants to use his position in Congress to find ways to help our synagogues and day schools. We look forward to returning to Washington to work with Congressman Pallone on the array of Orthodox issues to which he pledged his support.