Baltimore, MD - May 31, 2016 - On Wednesday, May 25, 2016, The Friedlander Group coordinated a Tribute to American Jewry in celebration of Jewish Heritage Month. May has been proclaimed by the United States Congress as Jewish American Heritage Month. President Barack Obama proclaimed, “The Jewish people’s pursuit of freedom brought multitudes to our shores…let us honor their tremendous contributions…And let us all find inspiration in a story that speaks to the universal human experience, with all of its suffering and all of its salvation.”
To celebrate the annual Heritage Month, an impressive roster of elected officials and national Jewish leaders gathered in the ornate Kennedy Caucus Room in the Russell Senate Office Building, located on Capitol Hill in our nation’s Capital.
Among the notable guests, were US Senators, Orin Hatch (R-UT), Al Franken (D-MN), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Maryland’s own Ben Cardin (D-MD).
NY Assembly Member Phil Goldfeder, Co-Chair of the event and friend to the Baltimore Jewish community, was impressed to see such a large turnout of Baltimore community members representing the thriving community. Among the Baltimore leaders present were HaRav Sheftel Neuberger of Yeshivas Ner Yisrael, Rabbi Ariel Sadwin Agudath Israel of Maryland, Director, Commission on Legislation and Civic Action and Nathan Willner, Esq., President of the Cheswolde Neighborhood Association. One Baltimorean that was specifically mentioned during his remarks and the remarks of US Senator Ben Cardin was the current Democratic nominee to the Baltimore City Council, Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer. Both congratulated him on his recent election victory and recognized him for his willingness to take on the challenge of representing his community in an official elected capacity. Senator Cardin, commented on the difficulty of the position and pledged to work closely with Yitzy in his role as the 5th District City Councilman.
Assemblyman Goldfeder, noted after the event, “I am thrilled that the Baltimore Jewish community demonstrated its unity and resolve to elect a member of its community to this very important positon. It is clear from the comments made here today and the national attention the Baltimore City Council race garnered that when our communities put forth the effort we can elect candidates that reflect the values and needs of our communities. Young leaders, like Yitzy, are a critical piece of making sure that our voices are heard and considered on the highest levels. I am so encouraged by the attendance today of Baltimore leaders and askanim, like Nathan Willner. It is their tireless efforts that can really make all the difference.”
Yitzy Schleifer, was surprised by all of the attention, to say the least. “To be publically recognized in a room like this and especially by a senior leader of the US Senate, Ben Cardin, was surreal. It did confirm however the message that we have worked so hard to relay to our community, that when we are properly represented on all levels of government, we can get the attention our communities deserve.”
Ezra Friedlander, renowned political strategist and coordinator of the impressive event, was extremely enthusiastic to see the Baltimore community so well represented. “When a qualified member of our community is elected to public office, it is a game changer. The results can be felt already, the mere fact that established members of the Baltimore community as well as a young leader like Yitzy Schleifer were invited and attended today’s event demonstrates how unity, commitment and leadership can change the perception and public profile of a community.”
Nathan Willner, Esq., Cheswolde Neighborhood Association, President, was impressed by the roster of honorees and elected officials. “It was fantastic to be able to see our good friends, Phil Goldfeder and Ezra Friedlander. I especially, enjoyed having the opportunity to chat with Senator Cory Booker, Senator Jeanne Shaheen and of course our Senator Ben Cardin. I, however, was particularly blown away by the specific mention of Yitzy and his successful campaign on the national stage. It is definitely a sign of the influence our community will have as Yitzy’s political career develops”.
