UOJCA Facilitates U.S. Senate Candidate (New Jersey) Tom Kean Meeting With Orthodox Community Leaders & Members

Yesterday, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America’s Institute for Public Affairs facilitated an opportunity for leading rabbis and other members of New Jersey’s Orthodox Jewish community to meet with Tom Kean, Jr. – a sitting state senator and the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate. The meeting took place at Congregation Rinat Yisrael – a UOJCA member synagogue in Teaneck, NJ.

In opening comments to the nearly 100 leaders, Mr. Kean spoke of his strong support for Israel and his full support for Israel’s right to confront Hezbollah in its self defense with “no ifs ands or buts.” Mr. Kean also spoke of his great concern for the threat that Iran poses to the region and his opposition to “an artificial timeline for withdrawal from Iraq.” Mr. Kean closed his opening comments by stating his commitment to pursuing federal tax policies which help New Jersey residents with their costs of living.

In a question & answer session with the attendees, additional issues of interest to the community were discussed. In response to questions, Mr. Kean stated his support for finding greater federal support for higher education as well as fully funding federal K-12 programs in ways which will benefit public and nonpublic schools alike; Mr. Kean also expressed strong support for “risk based” allocations for homeland security funds – including ensuring greater protection for Jewish institutions such as synagogues and schools.

Following the meeting, UOJCA public policy director Nathan Diament stated:

The Orthodox Union and the Orthodox community leaders present greatly appreciate Tom Kean taking the time to meet with us and discuss his views on the issues our community cares about. Meetings such as these are critical opportunities for candidates for us to get to know them and for the candidates to learn about the interests and values of the Orthodox Jewish community.

Note: The UOJCA is a nonpartisan organization that does not endorse candidates for office. The UOJCA will be sponsoring a similar forum for incumbent Senator Robert Menendez, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat.