PHOTOS:Several of New Jersey’s most prominent public servants-including Committeeman Menashe Miller-received awards by Agudath Israel of New Jersey in recognition of the work that they do and their support of issues of importance to the Jewish community of New Jersey. (read more in extended article).(Mobile users click here to view photos)
 
Invited leaders who spoke at the event about matters of interest to the Jewish community included:
·       United States Senator Frank Lautenberg
·       United States Senator Robert Menendez
·       State Senate Majority Leader Stephen Sweeney
·       State Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, Jr.
·       Assembly Minority Whip Jon Bramnik
·       District 36 Assemblyman Gary Schaer
·       District 12 Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon
·       Lakewood Committee Member Menashe Miller
Among these speakers, guests heard from U.S. Senator Lautenberg about his personal experiences traveling extensively in Israel.  U.S. Senator Menendez emphasized the importance of supporting Israel as a strategic and moral ally of the United States, and he received a standing ovation from all present in gratitude of his Pro-Israel speech on the Senate floor earlier this summer.
State Senator Kean spoke of his grandfather Congressman Robert Kean, who was a staunch supporter of the State of Israel, and of his own desire to see funding made available for children to attend Non-Public Schools under Senate Bill 1607, of which he is the Co-Prime Sponsor.
Of particular note, state Senator Sweeney addressed the importance of funding for Jewish days schools and yeshivas.  While recognizing and supporting the vital role of strong public schools, he pointed out that it is imperative to fund education for every child, and that he would support legislation such as S-1607 (which would provide tax credits for companies that provide tuition scholarships to children in certain municipalities) and other solutions. 
“Groups like Agudath Israel…help create a strong voice for Jewish residents living in New Jersey,” Senator Sweeney said, “and provide invaluable input in major decisions concerning the direction of the State.” 
Senator Sweeney also extolled the virtues of bipartisan efforts to achieve results that could ease the community’s burden during difficult economic times. 
“Agudah is pleased to have established such strong bonds of friendship with our elected representatives in Washington DC, Trenton and across the state,” said Josh Pruzansky, director of Agudath Israel of New Jersey.  “It is a tribute to their leadership that they recognize the needs of all of the communities they represent.”
Also receiving awards were individuals and organizations who are active leaders in their respective communities: Project Ezrah of Bergen County; Dr. Jonas Waizer and David Waizer of Edison-Highland Park; Boruch and Yaakov Wenger, publishers of the Lakewood Shopper; and Yaacov Brisman of Passaic.
More than 260 community leaders and other officials, including District 18 Assemblyman Peter Barnes, gathered for the event at the Regency Jewish Heritage Home for the Aged in Somerset. 
Agudath Israel of New Jersey is the regional affiliate of Agudath Israel of America.