I’ve been asked about my decision to endorse candidates in the State Assembly race for District 37. Like many of the other signatories on the letter I signed, I have never made such an endorsement before. So, why now?

I speak only for myself in two ways. First, I will explain my own reasons for making this endorsement and do not speak for any other signatories. Second, I speak in my individual capacity—not on behalf of any institution or group.

The Jewish community has always been politically engaged at the national level. Organizations like AIPAC, NORPAC and the Orthodox Union have served as our voices, advocating for our values and needs in Washington. Many devoted individuals from our community have also run for office and served in local government. We have supported these organizations financially, recognizing the importance of their work.

But our community experienced a rude awakening on Oct. 7, 2023. The antisemitism that erupted in our own country following the Hamas massacre of approximately 1,200 civilians was shocking. Even more disheartening was the response from institutions we once venerated—government, academia and media—which ranged from tepid at best to hostile at worst. Since Oct. 7, the world has changed for Jews. The need to stand up and fight for our values has never been more urgent. The current environment demands deeper political engagement—even if it means doing things we’ve never done before. Saying “We’ve never done it before” is a weak argument against endorsing candidates who support our values.

There are many ways to frame this issue, and I’ll offer both a narrower and a broader perspective.

From a narrow perspective: There are key issues currently top of mind for many of us in the Jewish community. Chief among them are the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism and the funding of Jewish day schools. A candidate who will actively champion these issues is one that I will choose to endorse. A candidate who does not, is not. Even candidates who support these issues but choose to align themselves with others who oppose or undermine them are difficult to support—especially when there are better alternatives.

How effective can such a candidate be in advancing these issues while simultaneously supporting those who may at worst stymie any progress, and at best, remain somewhere between neutrality and negativity?

Fortunately we have models of representatives who have championed our causes. Consider Assemblyman Gary Schaer, a strong advocate of school choice whose work, in collaboration with community organizations, has led to numerous successes. In District 38, Assemblywoman Lisa Swain and Assemblyman Chris Tully have shown real leadership by sponsoring the Student Support Act, increasing day school funding, and sponsoring the IHRA bill. They have consistently shown up for our community and I am proud to strongly endorse both of them. Imagine what we could achieve with more candidates who share their passion and commitment.

From a broader perspective: One silver lining of our current challenges is that our community has become more politically engaged. That’s a positive development. A good example is the race for District 37, where two members of our religious community have stepped forward to run for office. I’ve spoken with both of them. They are intelligent, capable individuals who are motivated by the right reasons: to positively impact our community and improve our neighborhoods—for both Jews and non-Jews.

So why endorse anyone when both are impressive? The answer is simple: Politics is not just about intention, intellect or background. It’s not an individual sport—it’s a team sport. Political success comes when communities of like-minded individuals band together to advocate for shared priorities. They either elect people who will deliver results or collectively communicate their values to those in office.

In this case, both District 37 candidates from our religious community understood this basic political principle and each chose an intelligent way to get a community collective to support them. One chose to run on a slate with Mayor Steven Fulop, a gubernatorial candidate, gaining backing from his base and additional funding. The other aligned with Jewish community organizations and voters focused on Jewish communal priorities.

If the candidate endorsed by our Jewish political organizations wins—or even performs strongly—it sends a clear message to future candidates: “If you support our causes and values, you’ll earn our votes. Meet with our community leaders. Understand why state funding for Jewish day schools matters. Understand why adopting the IHRA definition is essential to fighting the new iteration of antisemitism which hides behind anti-Zionism. Understand why standing with Israel is a moral imperative.” The only way we will better achieve our goals is if we send a strong message to all politicians that we stand behind those who lead on issues that matter to the vast majority of our community. This is what political organizing is all about.

On the other hand, if a candidate who supports our values still chooses to align with, and campaign for, a gubernatorial candidate who opposes our core issues—like funding for Jewish day schools and the IHRA definition—then, even if that Assembly candidate personally supports these priorities, the message to other politicians is that the Jewish community does not really care enough about those things and you can still get our vote even if you are not passionate about many of our agenda items.

One reason I’ve written this explanation is to show that we can have political discussions centered on values and ideas. My explanation includes no personal or ad hominem attacks, no vitriol against candidates, no deliberate exaggeration or painting of one side as evil or having bad intent. In an age where political discourse is too often driven by hostility, personal attacks and painting the other side as bad or evil, our community has an opportunity to debate and discuss real issues and values respectfully and constructively.

I recognize that this is an intensely personal issue, especially for the candidates and those supporting them. These individuals are investing enormous time and effort to bring positive change. I also recognize that some will disagree with my reasoning, and I welcome that debate.

I look forward to seeing more discussion, participation and debate within our community. This is how we build a healthy civic culture. Let’s show how difficult political conversations can take place with decency and thoughtfulness so that our community becomes a model.

And most importantly—go out and vote.

Rabbi Daniel Alter lives in Bergen County and has spent his adult life in leadership positions in the Jewish community.