OU Hires Estee Goldschmidt To Train Communities in Advocacy

09 Aug 2012

OU HIRES NEW STAFF MEMBER, ESTEE GOLDSCHMIDT, TO TRAIN COMMUNITIES IN EFFECTIVE ADVOCACY

Today, the Orthodox Union announced the appointment of Estee Goldschmidt as Director of Advocacy Training for the Orthodox Union. Ms. Goldschmidt will develop and deliver political training seminars for communal leaders involved in tuition affordability advocacy, support for Israel and other communal advocacy efforts. She will help launch specific training programs for lay leaders, rabbis, college students and youth; and build upon the OU’s existing networks of synagogues, day schools, JLIC campuses, and NCSY chapters.

Prior to joining the OU, Estee Goldschmidt served as Director of Marketing and Special Projects at Russian Television International (RTVi), the only politically independent Russian TV network in the world. She was responsible for developing creative marketing campaigns for clients interested in reaching Russian-American consumers.

A passionate community activist, Ms. Goldschmidt has volunteered and interned with numerous organizations, including the World Jewish Congress, the American Jewish Committee, and the United Jewish Communities.

Estee Goldschmidt graduated with honors from Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Medieval Jewish history at the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies of YU.

OU President Dr. Simcha Katz is excited about the contributions Ms. Goldschmidt will make to the OU’s communal advocacy and tuition reduction efforts.

“Communal advocacy is the crux of our advocacy efforts. Training communal leaders on how to engage legislators and build lasting relationships is the best way to bring government funding to our schools and build support for a strong pro-Israel agenda. Estee is an excellent candidate for producing communal advocates who are civically engaged,” said President Katz.

Rabbi Steven Burg, OU Managing Director, agreed.

“The Orthodox Union is committed to offering tools to our community to advocate. Estee will make sure that our grassroots advocacy efforts are as coherent and effective as possible,” said Rabbi Burg.

Rabbi Judah Isaacs, OU Director of Community Engagement emphasized the importance of having Estee Goldschmidt on board to expand legislative training opportunities for community leaders.

“Rabbis and community leaders want to get involved in addressing tuition affordability and pursuing a strong pro-Israel agenda. Estee will provide them with the training they need to make a big difference at the legislative level,” said Rabbi Isaacs.

Maury Litwack, OU Director of Political Affairs, put the hire in context of the OU’s existing state and local policy efforts.

“The OU is working hard to raise the bar in Orthodox Jewish advocacy in legislatures around the country. Estee joins a stellar team of professionals who were instrumental this past year in helping our community secure millions of dollars in aid to families and Jewish education,” he noted.

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