TABC is honored to have hosted Senator Bob Gordon (D, New Jersey) last Wednesday. The senator, who represents legislative district 38, came with Ariella Noveck, director of field operations at Teach NJS, an arm of the OU Advocacy Center.
Teach NJS is working with government officials to bring greater aid to the non-public schools of New Jersey, which includes yeshivot and day schools. As Novick emphasized, “Every student deserves to be safe and secure. The visit was a great opportunity for the senator to come and see what TABC has to offer and the growth which is occurring within the school. He got to see how they are busting at the seams with lively, engaged learners who require greater funding for technology aid, nursing aid, security aid and textbook aid in order to continue to thrive, learn and grow.”
In coming to see TABC in action, the senator was provided the opportunity to see the true need of this particular non-public school, further encouraging him to continue his unconditional support of all non-public schools, across the state. In turn, Senator Gordon graciously spoke to Rabbi Fridman’s Y8 class, regaling them with how the legislature works and what he does as an New Jersey legislator. He also explained how a bill gets passed into a law, and stressed the importance of voting in smaller, local elections. He explained that it is on the local level that an individual’s voice can truly be heard and make a difference. Mr. Poleyeff, who attended the students’ seminar, commented that “Senator Gordon’s visit to TABC demonstrated his dedication to private, yeshiva school education and the necessary “extra-curricular” needs such as nursing, textbooks, technology and security.”
After a question-answer session with the students, Senator Gordon was led on a tour of TABC with Head of School Rabbi Asher Yablok. Rabbi Yablok later commented, “It was a pleasure and a privilege to spend some time with Senator Gordon and witness first-hand his commitment to our school community as he advocates for us in the New Jersey legislature.” TABC is grateful for Senator Gordon’s efforts on their behalf.
