I read with deep concern the recent letter “United for Our Community’s Future: Endorsement of Stern and Hernandez Carroll for State Assembly” (The Jewish Link, May, 1 2025), which claims to speak in the name of unity (achdut), but in reality, represents the very opposite.
True unity means being at one with someone or something, the opposite of being divided.
True unity means embracing dialogue, diversity of thought and respectful disagreement. Instead, the organizations quoted in this letter appear to weaponize the concept of achdut to push a singular political agenda. Using the word “united” in this context is not only ironic, it’s deeply misleading. This is not a call for achdut, it’s a public declaration endorsing one slate without having given full and proper consideration to other slates and candidates, their qualifications and perspectives.
The endorsement of the organizations noted should prompt us all to ask a number of questions:
Where is the line between a 501(c)(3) like Teach NJ and the political action committee Teach PAC? Was proper due diligence conducted? What process did you follow before issuing this public endorsement?
And who exactly is Bergen County Jewish Action Committee (BCJAC)? What are their individual or collective credentials for leading an action committee? What motivated your endorsement; did you meet with candidates of other slates; what criteria was used; was there a process, and if there was, was the process shared with the letter signers and were they given an opportunity to decide if the process and the ensuing endorsement reflect their values?
The NJ Solidarity Network, another organization cited, was formed only a few weeks ago, seemingly for the sole purpose of issuing “guidance” in this race. Why this race? Why these candidates? What good-faith process (if any) did they use before making their recommendations? Has this new group engaged with all the candidates in District 37 or just the ones already aligned with their perspective?
What is most disheartening is the divisive effect this has on the very community these organizations claim to serve, particularly the Orthodox Jewish community, which holds a multitude of opinions and concerns. A truly united front doesn’t silence voices, it seeks them out.
