This week's Der Yid main headline was about the massive affordable housing plan that Mayor de Blasio unveiled this week. The story appeared on pages 34-35. It closes with the following paragraph:
"The whole city stands to be revitalized and to tremendously benefit from the Mayor's newly-announced plan, especially (will it benefit) New York's densely-populated Jewish quarters that are suffering the most from a shortage in new affordable houses."
Rabbi Niederman Celebrates with President Obama
The UJO Column (pages 16 and 59) reports on President Obama's celebration of the 8 million sign ups on new health plans, under the Affordable Care Act, that was attended by the UJO Executive Director, Rabbi Niederman. He was invited to the event by the White House, in recognition of the UJO's dedicated assistance to the community with with choosing the best plans and signing up on them.
“It was an honor to join the President and the First Lady celebrating the Affordable Health Care Act. The President’s heart-felt remarks showed how personal they felt about making sure health coverage and access to quality health care is attainable to all,” said Rabbi Niederman.
“I’m proud that the UJO is a part of that, enabling so many in the community, on a daily basis, enroll in plans on the exchange. I especially want to thank Mr. Matt Nosanchuk – who may have undertaken a new assignment, but is still there for the Jewish community as much as before – who worked with us to make the ACA a success in the community. In addition, I want to express my appreciation to the NYS Marketplace Exchange – one of the best ACA systems in the nation created by Governor Andrew Cuomo’s administration – that assisted us in getting health coverage to those who need it most” Rabbi Niederman concluded.
Meetings on Behalf of the Ukrainian Jewry
With Senator Gillibrand
The Shaded box on p.16 reports on Rabbi Niederman's meeting Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to discuss measures for the safety and security of Ukrainian Jews.
"I'm astonished by the energy of the New York Senator [Gillibrand]. Despite her leadership on so many international, national and state issues, emerging as one of the most effective Senators in the country, she made time for the meeting that lasted over an hour. She knew in advance all the small details about the topic that we discussed, and exhibited a strong interest to work on those issues, to improve the world and to assist the most helpless wherever they are," Rabbi Niederman said.
"New York is fortunate to have such a dedicated Senator."
With Congressman Jeffries
Then it reports on a meeting that Rabbi Niederman held with Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, who is representing parts of the Williamsburg Hasidic community, on the Ukrainian issue.
"We thank Congressman Jeffries for the courteous reception. Despite being a freshman, he's already highly influential in Washington [DC], and is a dedicated friend to the community on all benevolent issues," Rabbi Niederman said. "We are thankful for his help and look forward to continued with this partnership for many years on international, national and district issues."
With Mr. Matthew Nosenchuck
Rabbi Niederman also discussed the Ukrainian issue with Mr. Matt Nosenchuck, who until recently served as the White House Jewish Liaison and is now handling communications at the National Security Council.
"Mr. Nosenchuck was always a dedicated advocate for issues of interest to the Jewish community. With his rising in the ranks, Kllal Yisroel will now be able to benefit from him even more," Rabbi Niederman said.
With Ms. Lesley Weiss, Chair of the Heritage Commission for the Preservation of the US Heritage Abroad
Also, Rabbi Niederman met Ms. Lesley Weiss, Chair of the US Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad.
"At that meeting we saw first-hand Ms. Weiss' feeling for Jewish graves. With her at the helm of the Commission, we will be able - with Go-d's help - to achieve a lot for the holy places," Rabbi Niederman said.
Further Reading
For further coverage of Rabbi Niederman's meeting the president, check out the following:
Greenpoint Gazette: North Brooklyn Leader Lands Meeting with President Obama
The Yeshiva World: UJO of Williamsburg Joins White House Celebration Marking 8 Million Enrollees in the Affordable Care Act
5 Towns Jewish Times:
