Signs MOU in Washington to recognize Jewish businesses as a minority for the first time.

(Courtesy of OJCC) In a groundbreaking development for minority business recognition, the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce has made history by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C. on Monday, Jan. 13. This pivotal agreement marks the first time Jewish businesses have been recognized as minority enterprises, paving the way for enhanced access to vital resources, including capital, contracts and global markets.

The signing ceremony was a significant moment, attended by key officials, including Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves, Under Secretary Eric Morissette, and newly appointed Madiha Latif. The MOU represents a strategic alliance designed to rectify a longstanding oversight in federal support for minority enterprises.

Since 1969, the MBDA has provided significant benefits to minority groups such as Hispanics, who make up 19% of the population; African Americans at 15%; and other minority communities, offering access to numerous programs and grants amounting to billions of dollars. However, despite the Jewish community being a smaller minority, representing just 2% of the U.S. population and historically facing discrimination, it is surprising that Jewish businesses were not previously included in these opportunities.

Deputy Secretary Graves described the signing as an emotional and significant achievement, expressing his satisfaction in correcting a historical oversight. “This agreement ensures for the first time in U.S. history that Jewish businesses receive equal recognition and opportunities through the MBDA and other beneficial programs,” he stated.

Joann Hill, who leads the MBDA, played a crucial role in facilitating this agreement. She emphasized that the historic change was the result of years of cultivated relationships and dialogue with the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce. “This success is built on personal relationships and mutual respect, transcending politics and partisanship,” Hill remarked. “It is a testament to our collaborative spirit and shared commitment to empowering minority communities.”

The historic signing event was a remarkable gathering of high-level government officials and influential leaders, marking a significant milestone in U.S. policy.

Among the notable attendees were Congressman Jack Bergman, chairman of both the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee and the House Budget Committee Oversight Task Force. He was joined by Senator Robert Singer, the dean of New Jersey Senate and Deputy Minority Leader, who also serves on the Senate Commerce Committee. The event also welcomed Bradford Slutsky, director of the Cargo Security and Controls Division at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Mark Zeldin, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor. Representing the business community, R. Pini Dunner, chair of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce West Coast Division; Ezra Friedlander, founder of the Friedlander Group; Mark Jaffe, president of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce; Justin Flancbaum, president of Lakewood, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce; Robert Nicastro, former mayor of Howell, New Jersey and Monmouth County freeholder, alongside other dignitaries and business leaders.

Latif expressed her delight to be part of such a historic achievement on her first day in office. As the new undersecretary of commerce, she emphasized her eagerness to collaborate with the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, particularly in revamping the minority-owned business applications. At the request of the Chamber, these applications will be simplified to foster greater accessibility and ease of use.

During the event, Deputy Secretary Don Graves and Undersecretary Eric Morissette received proclamations honoring their efforts in addressing past injustices and making history by formally recognizing Jews as minorities eligible for MBDA programs.

Senator Robert Singer of New Jersey highlighted the broad impact of this initiative, noting that it not only serves as an economic stimulus for the entire United States but offers significant benefits to his district and the state of New Jersey.

R Pini Dunner, the West Coast Chair of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, praised the leadership of the U.S. Department of Commerce for their invaluable support in achieving this significant milestone. He noted, “The need is more pressing than ever, especially as our local community confronts the wildfires in Los Angeles—we’re in greater need of assistance now than ever before.”

Eric Morissette, who is performing the delegated duties of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development, expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration, highlighting its potential to dismantle barriers and enhance prospects for Jewish entrepreneurs. He stated how the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce is recognized as the world’s largest network of Jewish business-related interests, and is poised to expand access to opportunities for Jewish businesses and professionals, as well as contribute to the broader business community.

Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves reiterated how it underscored the pivotal role the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce plays in the nation’s economy and reaffirmed the commitment of the Administration, the Department of Commerce and MBDA to providing the necessary resources and opportunities to match their ambition and drive.

“Acknowledging Jewish businesses as minorities is long overdue. They are certainly marginalized and often encounter considerable discrimination. I applaud the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Commerce for initiating measures to rectify this inequity. As the president of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, I am convinced that this historic move will empower us to assist many more of the 30,000 businesse and civic leaders we represent,” remarked Mark Jaffe, president of the Greater New York Chamber.

“It’s a tremendous honor to work with leaders like Deputy Secretary Don Graves, Deputy Under Secretary Morrissette, and Joann Hill from MBDA, whose efforts have led to the U.S. Department of Commerce and MBDA recognizing Jewish businesses as minorities for the first time.” said Duvi Honig, founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce. “This historic MOU signing marks a significant achievement for the Jewish community and is a testament to their outstanding leadership,”

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding marked a significant step in leveraging the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce’s combined strengths, networks and resources to make history helping empower the entire Jewish community.