Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization – commended President Donald Trump for issuing an executive order establishing The White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative.

The executive order signed today at a Rose Garden ceremony creates the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative within the Executive Office of the President.

The executive order includes provisions under which the newly established office will:

• • provide recommendations on the Administration’s policy agenda affecting faith-based and community programs;
  • provide recommendations on programs and policies where faith-based and community organizations may partner and/or deliver more effective solutions to poverty;
  • apprise the Administration of any failures of the executive branch to comply with religious liberty protections under law; and
  • reduce the burdens on the exercise of free religion.

Orthodox Union Executive Director for Public Policy Nathan Diament, who attended the Rose Garden ceremony, stated:

“As a minority faith community in America, the Orthodox Jewish community depends upon robust legal protections for religious exercise.  It is also important – as a matter of constitutional law and basic fairness – that we ensure that faith-based organizations are able to be full partners with the government in its many programs.  That is why the Orthodox Union proudly worked with the Bush and Obama Administrations on their “faith-based initiatives” and that is why we are pleased President Trump is launching his.  This bipartisan continuity is an important statement of principle and rebuttal to those who would seek to have government policy discriminate against faith-based entities.”

Orthodox Union President Moshe Bane stated:

“Today, President Trump spoke of the United States as “a nation of faith and tolerance.”  These are fundamental elements that have enabled the Orthodox Jewish community to flourish in this country. We applaud the president for his firm commitment to these principles.”