(Courtesy of Anshe Chesed) Anshe Chesed of Linden recently hosted a roundtable with local rabbis from the MetroWest area and Rep. LaMonica McIver to discuss issues impacting the community. Topics included the urgent need to continue and increase security funding, especially to help cover the cost of armed guards, as well as the importance of supporting Israel. McIver, elected in a special election last September, opened the meeting by saying, “It has been 232 days since I was elected. I am counting because it has been difficult.” She went on to express her joy that Edan Alexander, the last remaining American hostage, has returned home.

Anshe Chesed’s Rabbi Yosef Katz responded, “While you are on day 232, we are on day 583.” He added, “We are overjoyed that Edan is free, but for us, that takes the count from 59 to 58.” It was a meaningful and productive meeting and marks the beginning of what Anshe Chesed hopes will be a strong and lasting relationship with McIver.