For Immediate Release Contact:
July 23, 2014 Roslyn Singer, 212-613-8227
Pictured (l to r): OU Executive Vice President Allen Fagin, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), OU President Martin Nachimson, and OU Executive Director for Public Policy Nathan Diament
Today, top leaders of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America—the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization—met in Washington, DC with leading U.S. Senators and White House officials to urge their ongoing support for Israel and discuss the recent spate of anti-Semitic attacks in Europe.
The delegation consisted of Orthodox Union President Martin Nachimson, Executive Vice President Allen Fagin and Executive Director for Public Policy Nathan Diament. Specifically, the Orthodox Union leaders discussed Israel’s ongoing defensive operation to thwart Hamas and its terror rockets, recent anti-Semitic rallies and attacks against Jews in European capitals, and concern over Iran’s ongoing drive for nuclear weapons, as well as other key issues.
Mssrs. Nachimson, Fagin and Diament first joined fellow leaders of nearly 20 other American Jewish organizations for a group meeting with Democratic members of the United States Senate. More than 20 Senators participated in the meeting chaired by Senator Mark Begich (D-AK), including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV).
The Orthodox Union leaders then proceeded to private meetings with other key U.S. Senators, including Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) and concluded the day with meetings with President Obama’s senior staff at the White House.
“This is a critical time for our brothers and sisters in Israel,” said Diament. “We appreciate that so many Senators and members of the Senate Leadership expressed their unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself and their deep concern about the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe. We found our conversations with the White House senior staff similarly constructive and encouraging.”