Jewish Groups on Hand for Swearing in New Congress

WASHINGTON, DC — Community leaders, chaplains, activists and representatives from a number of Jewish organizations were on hand for the swearing in of the 113th Congress this past Thursday.

Among the groups participating were Agudath Israel of America, American Friends of Chabad Lubavitch of Washington DC, Orthodox Union, Satmar UTA, and The Friedlander Group.

Rabbi Yechiel Kalish, National Director of Government Affairs for AIA, remarked, “Interacting with key Congressional members and their staff’s make days like today very important.” Kalish continued, and key Askonim and players like Leon Goldenberg, Chaskel Bennett and Ezra Friedlander, and others, who are always out on the front lines, developing and strengthening relationships, is invaluable to the work we are all doing on behalf of the broader Orthodox Jewish community.“

”This is a community effort“ said Chaskel Bennett, Agudath Israel trustee, ”when voters come out on election day, it matters. Doors open, because the Jewish community is making their voices heard and elected officials are taking notice.“

”We are creating and nurturing important relationships that will help us and Eretz Yisroel in many ways,“ said well known community leader, Leon Goldenberg, ”and days like today confirm the progress we are making“.

Goldenberg added, ”elected officials and their staffers genuinely appreciate those who take the time and effort to visit them on the Hill. It really makes a big difference.“

A broad group of leaders and activists met with Members of congress and staffers from the offices of: Hakeem Jeffreys, Chris Smith, Chris Gibson, Yvette Clarke, Peter Roskam, Bill Cassidy, Jeff Fortenberry, Jerry Nadler, Mike Rogers, Tom Reed, Tulsi Gabbard and Robert Pittenger among others.

Ezra Friedlander, CEO of The Friedlander Group, said, ”today in our nation’s capitol, I witnessed an impressive and committed group of Orthodox Jewish advocates from across the religious spectrum including Agudah, OU, Satmar, and Chabad all representing the many important needs of our community with class, grace and professionalism. It is clear to me and all who participated that the future of high level Orthodox Jewish advocacy is indeed in very good hands”.