OU’s Michael Cohen takes tuition to forefront

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In response to their leadership making a strategic decision to take on the yeshiva tuition affordability crisis in a major way, the Orthodox Union, as the largest Orthodox umbrella organization in the United States, has appointed Michael Cohen of Englewood, N.J. as its New York State Director of Political Affairs to lead the way ---- and six months into his new gig he’s already making inroads.

The seasoned insider who speaks Albany-ese with a certain finesse, was formerly the Chief of Staff to NYS Senator and Senate Democratic Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson. With a track record of promoting transparency in government and a reputation for uniting people with common goals, Cohen was the natural choice for the newly created position. Prior to his time in Albany, Cohen spent time in D.C. as a staffer with Congressman Ed Towns and served as part of the administrations of Public Advocate Mark Green, and NYC Council member Mathieu Eugene. In addition, he worked on numerous campaigns including that of Assemblyman and now Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, and NYC Public Advocate Bill DeBlasio. The Brooklyn native, who serves as President Pro-Temp of the Englewood City Council, was profiled in the Capital Newspaper’s “Rising Stars - 40 under 40” edition of 2010.

“Michael was the highest ranking Orthodox member in Albany, plus he is a local elected official in Englewood. He satisfied both criteria and we knew that he would hit the ground running,” noted Maury Litwack, OU National Political Director.

With approximately 60% of the Jewish Day school and yeshiva world operating in New York, the OU has identified this very specific issue that the Jewish community can rally around in New York State government. Cohen’s recent appointment runs tandum with the OU’s investment of significant resources and energy into this issue. “Based upon who we are as an organization, this was a way to achieve a value added service to the community,” added Litwack.

“Government advocacy on a state and local basis, resulting in funding and an overall return on our taxes as a community is the long term goal, “ stressed Cohen. “We want to get as many government dollars into our yeshivas and day schools as possible.”

Taking a bottom up, rather than a top down approach, Cohen is spearheading a grassroots effort in our communities while at the same time participating in joint lobbying days with the UJA and Teach NYS. “The distinction is that the OU views its advocacy as less of an insider game,” noted Litwack.

The OU’s recognition, under the direction of Michael Cohen, that they need to build a wider base of support for their overall agenda has led to a productive dialogue with the NYS Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative caucus.

Cohen’s ability to “think out of the box” has won praise from the Chairman of the Caucus, Assemblyman Karim Camara (D-Brooklyn). “Michaels a long time friend and the Orthodox Union could have not found a better person who is both a visionary and a coalition builder. I look forward to finding ways to revive the historic coalition between the Black and Jewish community so that we can fight against poverty and for justice for our respective constituents.”