ORTHODOX JEWISH LEADERSHIP MEETS RICK LAZIO
Orthodox Union facilitates key leadership meeting with gubernatorial candidate

Today, the Orthodox Union (Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, hosted former U.S. Representative Rick Lazio. who is seeking the Republican nomination for governor. at their New York headquarters. Synagogue rabbis. day school leadership and community leaders had the opportunity to dialogue with Mr. Lazio on key issues facing the community.

Mr. Lazio was introduced by the OU Director of Public Policy, Nathan J. Diament, who worked with Mr. Lazio in his time in the House of Representatives on issues ranging from education to housing. Referring to the current crisis in the U.S.-Israel relationship, Mr. Lazio stated, ” can’t believe how bad things are … the relationship with Israel is critical and is at risk right now.” Mr. Lazio further said, “Israel is among the U.S.’ most important bilateral relationships.”

Then, Mr. Lazio and the community leaders discussed a range of topics: aid to nonpublic schools and families, including those in yeshivot or Jewish day schools; defending religious liberty; ensuring the safety and security of Jewish institutions in the face of terrorist threats; and increasing energy efficiency efforts, especially those aimed at nonprofits, such as schools and synagogues.

Howie Beigelman, OU Deputy Director of Public Policy stated:

“As a community with real needs and concerns we look to engage our elected officials and candidates in substantive discussions. We appreciate Mr. Lazio’s time and his candor. We look forward to continuing the conversation with him as well as with Democratic candidates for governor.”

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The Orthodox Union is a nonpartisan organization and neither endorses candidates or contributes to campaigns. The OU has a long history of elected officials. candidates for public office and other notables speaking to their leadership, including Samuel Alito, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Chris Christie, Alberto Gonzalez, Al Gore, Tom Kean, Jr., Robert Menendez, George Pataki, Dean Skelos, Bill Thompson and numerous members of Congress in recent years as well as surrogates of both McCain-Palin and Obama-Biden during the 2008 presidential election.