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October 31, 2003/Cheshvan 5 5764, Vol. 56, No. 6
GOP reaches out to Orthodox
MATTHEW E. BERGER
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
NEW YORK - Aliza Bloom has changed since her days working for Charles Schumer, one of New York's top Democrats.
Her hair is longer, she has traded in the long hours for stay-at-home motherhood, she's more religious - and she's voting Republican.
She's not alone. Increasing numbers of young Orthodox men and women are reaching out to the Republican Party, which is enthusiastically grasping their hands for support and fund-raising dollars.
More than 400 supporters, many of them under 40 and wearing yarmulkes, gave Vice President Dick Cheney a standing ovation when he spoke at a Bush/Cheney re-election fund-raiser in New York City on Oct. 24. The $2,000-a-plate lunch was geared toward devout Jews: "Dietary laws observed," the invitation noted.
The event points to an emerging convergence of a more active Orthodox Jewish community and a Republican presidential ticket they believe merits their vote.
President Bush's support for Israel and his war against terrorism help explain his support among those attending.
"What Bush is committed to is the safety and security of Israel, and he understands that Israel has a right to defend itself," said Mordy Rothberg, 29, who attended the dinner on behalf of his company, IDT Telecomm.
Orthodox Jews generally are not as conflicted in their support as are many other Jews, some of whom support Bush because of his Middle East policies but worry about his domestic agenda.
Most Orthodox views on gay rights and abortion are closer to the Christian beliefs that drive the GOP agenda, and Orthodox leaders embrace charitable choice and school vouchers, believing such Republican policies can aid Jewish education.
Still, the devout Jewish community until now has been quiet on national politics, at least compared with the activism of non-Orthodox Jews. Some say the new enthusiasm comes from young leaders.
Jeffrey Ballabon, a 40-year-old leader in the Orthodox community who sponsored several tables at the Cheney event, said young Orthodox Jews are more comfortable in politics than are their elders, and do not have the same fears about speaking out.
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