OU’s NJ Institute for Public Affairs Opens Office in Teaneck

25 Jan 2013

OU NEW JERSEY IPA OFFICE NOW OPEN IN TEANECK; TO CONCENTRATE ON DAY SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL AFFORDABILITY INITIATIVE

The Orthodox Union’s Institute of Public Affairs New Jersey State Operations has moved to a new office in Teaneck.

While the OU’s public affairs staff expanded to advocate in New Jersey in June 2011, the staff worked from the OU headquarters in New York City. “The time has come for the office to relocate to the community it serves,” declared Josh Pruzansky, New Jersey State Director.

“The purpose of the creation of the New Jersey office was clear — to find a way to help ease the financial strain on families sending their children to Jewish day schools,” he said. “Our strategy is also clear. In order to obtain what we seek in Trenton we need to increase our voting turnout. That is why we are coming to the community.”

The new office will be located at 696 Palisade Avenue; there will be satellite offices as well. “Offices will be staffed once or twice a month in other communities such as Deal, Lakewood and West Orange, and we hope that more communities will invite us as well.” Mr. Pruzansky commented.

OU President Dr. Simcha Katz, of Teaneck, agreed. “Whether one lives in Lakewood or Englewood or elsewhere in New Jersey, the story is the same,” he said. “Educational affordability is the most talked about issue in our community. We need to do all we can to tackle this issue and that will require the involvement of every member of our community. Being on the ground in New Jersey will make a huge difference.”

Maury Litwack, OU Director of State Political Affairs, sees the move as a natural progression of the activities of the office. “As we increase our New Jersey staff, and grow our partnership with communal leadership from around the state on this issue, we feel confident that by having a presence in these communities the message will resonate with the grassroots and create a dynamic that will accomplish great things,” he said.

“Come visit our office — it’s your office,” said Mr. Pruzansky. “Please join us in this initiative and working together we will succeed.”

If you would like the OU’s IPA to open a satellite office in your community, or if you would like to become involved with the OU’s Educational Affordability initiative, contact our office at 1-855-NJ-VOTES (658-6837) or visit our website at www.njvotes.org.

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