A newly launched commission announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo during his recent solidarity trip to Israel will be comprised of a 22 member panel representing the many different facets of the Jewish community. Among those named to the commission was Shlomo Werdiger, chairman of Agudath Israel of America.
The New York-Israel Commission will dedicate itself to strengthening ties between New York and Israel by cementing the state’s relationship with the Jewish community while simultaneously demonstrating its unwavering support to the State of Israel.
“New York and Israel have always shared a deep cultural, social and economic bond and I am proud that we are working to make our partnership stronger than ever before,” said Governor Cuomo.
The committee will be co-chaired by Allen Faigin, executive vice president of the Orthodox Union, Malcolm Hoenlein, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations, and Linda Mirels, former chair of the UJA Federation of New York. Mort Zuckerman, owner and publisher of the Daily News and U.S News and World Report will serve as the committee’s honorary chairman. Other members of the committee include Richard Joel, president of Yeshiva University, Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive vice president of the New York Board of Rabbis and Rabbi Michael Miller, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York.
The New York-Israel Commission is intended to further partnerships between New York and Israel in areas including economy, trade, security, education and culture and will build on the state’s Global NY initiative which encourages business relationships between the state and foreign countries, including Israel. Members of the commission will create programs and initiatives that will forge even stronger bonds between New York and Israel.
Mr. Werdiger’s inclusion in the commission is yet another link in the solid chain of commitment between Governor Cuomo and Agudath Israel of America.
“Mr. Shlomo Werdiger is one of our community’s most respected and beloved leaders and a perfect choice to represent the New York Jewish community in the governor’s new endeavor,” said Chaskel Bennett, a member of the Agudah’s board of trustees. “Agudath Israel’s chairman of the board knows the Israeli business scene very well and is always an asset in any project that he undertakes. I am personally grateful to the governor for his leadership on this important issue.”
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Do we really need to spend even a single tax dollar for a new Commission that “will dedicate itself to strengthening ties between New York and Israel by cementing the state’s relationship with the Jewish community”…what bureaucratic gibberish..as if NYS does not already have strong ties with EY with the Governor, mayor of NYC, members of the Assembly, Senate and City Council making frequent trips to EY, showing up for every pro-EY demonstration etc. Its great that we have such support but at a time that taxpayers are in revolt and want LESS GOVERNMENT, why do we need such a new commission to achieve what is already a reality.
Why are they copying something that was just done recently by the OJC chamber of commerce
If we’re not making a statement supporting Israel, others will make statements against, and we will have a lot of damage control to do. Kudos to the governor, and whoever is behind this.
And while choosing someone for the team, Mr. Werdiger is perfect for this, as he is a tremendous example of Kiddush Hashem in the workplace (see earlier article with one of his employees who is the daughter of an ambassador).