US Senator (REP/UTAH) Mike Lee was a guest in Jerusalem, meeting with prominent officials including Bnei Brak Mayor Rabbi Yaakov Asher. During their meeting the senator spoke of his genuine wish to seek increased cooperation between a number of US public agencies and Bnei Brak City Hall.

The senator is in Israel for a 24-hour visit, a showing of support and solidarity with Jerusalem’s Old City. He is an ardent supporter of Israel and mosdos Torah in the United States, as well as a senior elected Republican official and senior senator of the state of Utah.

In a meeting in Jerusalem’s Mamila Hotel arranged by Rabbi Eliyahu Choder, Mayor Asher expounded on the uniqueness of Bnei Brak and the ongoing connection between yeshivos in the Torah city and mosdos Torah throughout the United States.

(Rabbi Choder was instrumental in formulating the kesher, the twining between Lakewood (New Jersey) and Bnei Brak).

The mayor spoke of the constant efforts towards maintaining financial solvency in the city, the growing business opportunities in the northern area of the city, and City Hall’s ongoing tenacious efforts towards providing comprehensive services for its 171,200 residents, including essential services and quality of life such as gentrifying streets and infrastructure.

The mayor cited many problems including the overcrowding, and just how City Hall addresses these difficult realities. The senator asked to hear the opinion of the chareidi community vis-à-vis items on Israel’s national agenda. He extended an invitation to Rav Asher, to come and meet with him in his Washington, DC office towards enhanced cooperation from relevant US bodies that will permit Bnei Brak to continue serving its residents as it does today.

Senator Lee is a member of the Judiciary Committee, and serves as ranking Member of the Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights Subcommittee protecting business competition and personal freedom.

He also oversees issues critical to Utah as the top Republican on the Water and Power Subcommittee of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. He serves on the Foreign Relations Committee and the Joint Economic Committee, as well.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)