FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Howie Beigelman
212-613-8311
June 9, 2009
ORTHODOX JEWISH COMMUNITY MEETS NEW JERSEY CONGRESSMAN SCOTT GARRETT
Orthodox Union facilitates key meeting in Northern New Jersey with Congressman’s visit to school in district, Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, and address to students, leaders
U.S. Congressman Scott Garrett (R-NJ-5) recently visited the largest Jewish day school in Northern New Jersey, the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, in River Edge and met with leadership of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (the “Orthodox Union”), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, as well as local day school leaders and many students at the school. The Congressman represents the school in Congress as well as those families from neighboring Bergenfield, who make up an ever increasing number of the school’s parent body.
Congressman Garrett took time from his busy schedule to hear from these Orthodox Union and day school leaders their concerns regarding key issues, including the U.S.-Israel relationship, support of “green” energy efficient funding for non-public school building upgrades, continued support for the federal non-profit homeland security grant program and efforts to enact a federal education investment tax credit program. Additionally, the students of the Yeshiva of North Jersey were allowed a special question and answer session with the Congressman where they similarly stressed the importance the US’s commitment to protect and assist Israel as well as the need for the US government to develop legislation that would help to obtain federal funds to assist day school parents.
Ari Fuchs, the OU regional vice president for New Jersey commented:
We are proud to have facilitated Congressman Garrett’s visit to the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey. The visit provided an opportunity for RYNJ leadership to discuss key issues with the Congressman. As an OU leader, RYNJ parent and a constituent, I was proud to hear of the Congressman’s unwavering support of Israel and his commitment to affordable and quality education for all.
Rabbi Shmuel Goldstein, RYNJ Dean stated:
Congressman Scott Garrett’s visit to our yeshiva was very encouraging. He clearly understood the value of a Jewish day school that transmits a 3500 year religious heritage while producing young men and women who will be very productive members of American society. His support of our educational mission and dedication to our children was clear by his highly responsive interaction with our students. The Congressman demonstrated a wonderful ability to communicate with some of his youngest constituents.
From left to right: Mrs. Sandy Steinberg (YNJ Comptroller); Mr. Howie Beigelman (Deputy Director of Public Policy, Orthodox Union); Mr. Ari Fuchs (Orthodox Union Regional Vice-President); Mrs. Rachelle Mandelbaum (YNJ Board Member); Rabbi Shmuel Goldstein (YNJ Dean); Congressman Garrett (R-NJ-5); Mr. Eli Weber (YNJ President); Mr. Allen Pfeiffer (YNJ Chairman of the Board); Rabbi Yehuda Rosenbaum (YNJ Board Member) Rabbi Steve Burg (International Director of NCSY and Chief Program Officer of the Orthodox Union); Rabbi Saul Zucker (Orthodox Union Director of Day School & Educational Services); Mr. Maury Litwack (Deputy Director of Public Policy, Orthodox Union).
Congressman Scott Garrett (R-NJ-5) speaks to the junior high school students at the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey in River Edge, on June 8, 2009. The meeting was facilitated by the Orthodox Union and included a meeting with local lay and rabbinic leadership.
This meeting is part of a nationwide effort by the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America’s Institute for Public Affairs to facilitate discussion between our community leadership and their elected officials.
—