Representatives from yeshiva day schools across New Jersey recently united behind the issue of state funding for non-public schools. The meeting was the first of its kind, led by the combined efforts of the newly formed Community Federation of New Jersey, in partnership with the Orthodox Union and its Institute for Public Affairs (IPA) | Jewish Political Affairs.

More than 70 New Jersey Jewish day school leaders, who combined were responsible for more than 20,000 Jewish school children across the State, attended from Bergenfield, Clifton, Deal, East Brunswick, Edison, Elizabeth, Englewood, Highland Park, Lakewood, Livingston, Paramus, Passaic, Teaneck, and West Orange.

Rabbi Steven Burg, Managing Director of the Orthodox Union, said, “the only way to succeed in getting more support for our schools is if we all work together as a united group so that we can replicate the success we have been able to achieve thus far.”

Representing the Community Federations, Michael Arking of Ocean delivered a detailed presentation highlighting methods used in conjunction with the OU that ultimately translated into more than $600,000 in technology funding for Jewish day schools in the state.

Sammy Saka, Chairman of the Community Federations, addressed steps for those present; and plans of the Community Federations for a major event that will highlight the unity of all of New Jersey’s Jewish communities in support of our children’s future.

Josh Pruzansky, New Jersey Political Director for the OU, hosted a detailed question and answer session, concluding the event by reminding everyone that the key to success in this arena is to vote. He emphasized, “New Jersey is one of many states where the OU has placed serious resources and staff on the ground and is, in effect, changing legislators’ perception of our schools in a way that brings dollars to parents and Jewish day schools.”

(YWN Desk – NYC)