A group of 30 community activists gathered in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn, to launch the first ‘Orthodox Jewish Political Club’ in the State of New York.

The inaugural meeting included introductory remarks by community activists and founders Mendy Reiner and Abe Berkowitz. The members voted on a number of logistical matters, including the selection of club President, Chairman, Treasurer and secretary. Some members were appointed to serve on the Press Relations Committee.

After brief introduction by the founding members that attended the meeting, the chairman announced the 3 agreed-upon missions the club will focus on:

1. To give a voice to the individual – the hard-working middle class – who feel forgotten by government and don’t feel represented by the institutional and special interest groups.

2. To educate the general public about the importance of involvement in the political process and government, involving them in activities that will address their needs, as well as benefiting the entire community.

3. Serve as a watchdog to our elected officials, hold them responsible on their record, and have them answer to those who elected them to office, and advance the needs of the community not addressed by the various organizations.

The grassroots, bottom-up political activity that was exercised in last year’s citywide elections empowered the Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn. Through playing a vital role in electing the mayor, electing Chaim Deutsch to serve as the 2nd Orthodox representative in the City Council, and reelecting Borough Park’s councilman David Greenfield with an overwhelming majority, the results signified an unprecedented moment in the history of NYC – one that will ultimately benefit the community at large.

“The formation of this Club is long overdue. I’m excited and honored by the opportunity to serve my community in this capacity. I’m looking forward to working with all Club members for the advancement of our community’s needs regardless of their privileged status,” said Aron Hiley, Club President.

“Our goal is to help the struggling class – the ones who are underrepresented by the special interest groups, understand that their involvement in the political system is crucial to having proper representation for their needs,” said the founder and chairman of the club, Mendy Reiner.

The club members will convene periodically, while our community’s elected officials will be present to hear directly from the community about its pressing needs, and to address the club members.

Councilman David Greenfield – invited to attend the inaugural meeting – briefly addressed the club members, stressing the importance of engaging the public in the political and governmental process.

The club members are currently working on a list of priority issues that are important to the Orthodox Jewish community. At the upcoming meeting the members will vote on which issues to take on first.

(YWN – Shaya Perns)