FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Howie Beigelman
212-613-8311
February 23, 2009

ORTHODOX JEWISH COMMUNITY MEETS SENATOR CARL LEVIN
Orthodox Union facilitates key meeting in Michigan

U.S. Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) met Tuesday in metro-Detroit with representatives of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (the “Orthodox Union”), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, and local OU synagogue rabbis and community leaders. The meeting took place at the home of longtime community activist Gary Torgow.

Senator Levin, who chairs the Senate’s Armed Services Committee took time from a very busy day to hear from these leaders their concerns regarding key issues, including the U.S.-Israel relationship under the new administration, the Iranian nuclear threat, green and alternative energy projects for non-public schools, homeland security grants for vulnerable non-profits in the metro-Detroit area, and the region’s difficult economic situation.

Rabbi Michael Cohen, rabbi of OU synagogue Young Israel of Oak Park, commented:

“The session with Senator Levin was an opportunity for us to speak with the senator about issues that affect our community. It is important for us to know that we have an advocate in Washington that is willing to take the time to listen to our concerns and to get to know us.”

Additionally, Rabbi Yechiel Morris, rabbi of OU synagogue Young Israel of Southfield stated:

“Senator Levin graciously took time out of his busy schedule to meet with the Orthodox leadership in our community. He was receptive to our concerns and candid in his assessment of the current challenges facing the country. His commitment to proactively follow through on some of the issues that were discussed was genuine and well received. We are most grateful to the Orthodox Union for facilitating this important conversation.”

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 synagogue leadership and their elected officials.

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