Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) addressed members of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) March 5 to discuss national and international issues related to Jewish-Americans, including terrorism and threats of terror, Iran and foreign affairs, as well as human trafficking, Alzheimer's, autism, Lyme disease and other legislative and human rights issues for which Smith is a leader in Congress.
AJC Executive Director David Harris ran the event and praised Smith's tireless work on anti-Semitism issues dating back to the 1980s, at one point reading a letter written by former Soviet-prisoner Natan Sharansky, honoring Smith for his efforts.
The Congressman spoke to about 35 leaders of the group, including AJC of New Jersey Acting Director Joanna Leiberman, and Lori Feldstein, Central New Jersey president.
Smith recounted his trips to Russia on behalf of Jews suffering religious persecution and his work with Rabbi Andrew Baker, Director of AJC International Jewish Affairs, on anti- Semitism in Europe and on the challenges facing the Jewish communities on the continent. Since 2009 Baker has been the Personal Representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on anti-Semitism, a group Smith works closely with as chairman of the U.S. Commission for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Smith also spoke with Richard Foltin, Director, National and Legislative Affairs, who has been coordinating AJC’s national policy activities and legislative advocacy since 2009. Richard has testified before Congressional committees and the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
PHOTO ONE- After his speech, Congressman Smith chats with AJC Central New Jersey President Lori Feldstein and Richard Foltin, AJC Director of National and Legislative Affairs.
PHOTO TWO: Pictured from the left are AJC Executive Director David Harris; AJC of New Jersey Acting Director Joanna Leiberman; Central New Jersey President Lori Feldstein; Congressman Smith; and AJC Director of National and Legislative Affairs Richard Foltin.
