US Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on Wednesday met with leaders of Agudath Israel of America and praised their “leadership and commitment” in promoting voucher programs across America, helping communities establish schools that “meet the academic and religious needs of their families.”
The Agudath Israel of America annual Leadership Mission to Washington included the group’s Board of Trustees, Executive Staff, Regional Directors and senior activists. The meeting with DeVos included Sol Werdiger, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Rabbi David Zwiebel, Executive Vice President, Rabbi Abba Cohen, Vice President for Federal Affairs, Washington Director and Counsel, Rabbi A. D. Motzen, National Director of State Relations, and Agudah members.
A truly historic meeting today at U.S. Dept of Education with the Secretary and Agudath Israel representatives. @BetsyDeVosED pic.twitter.com/YfBbDZh14I
— Agudath Israel News (@AgudahNews) March 8, 2017
The Education Department issued the following press release after DeVos meeting with the Agudath leaders:
“This morning, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos met with leaders of Agudath Israel of America about her commitment to supporting all educational opportunities, the importance of IDEA and higher education.
“Agudath leaders thanked the Secretary for her leadership and expressed their desire to work closely with her to ensure their schools and community members have access to quality educational opportunities that respect their religion.”
Secretary DeVos said in a statement following her the meeting with the Agudath Israel leaders:
“I applaud Agudath Israel for their leadership and commitment to providing their community with access to educational options that meet the academic and religious needs of their families. Agudath is a terrific partner and advocate for their families, and I welcomed today’s discussion.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Agudath Israel of America, the Orthodox Jewish community and all who believe that every child, regardless of where they live or their family’s income, should have an equal opportunity to a quality education.”
Agudath Israel of America endorsed President Trump’s choice for Education Secretary, and urged its members to lobby the Senate in favor of her confirmation. DeVos has worked for years on school-choice, which is why Agudah’s website displayed the following message ahead of her confirmation hearing:
“Shlomo Werdiger, chairman of Agudath Israel’s board of trustees, expressed his enthusiastic support for Mrs. DeVos’s nomination. ‘I have had some excellent discussions with Betsy DeVos,’ Mr. Werdiger said. ‘She is intelligent, compassionate and effective. President-elect Trump has chosen wisely.'”