U.S. Secretary of Education William Bennett praised the role of religious groups in shaping national educational issues in a speech to the Agudath Israel of America annual dinner at the New York Hilton Sunday night.
Of the 270 organizations representing educational interests, “There is no group more attentive, more intelligent, displaying more probity in the education of our children than Agudath Israel of America,” Bennett told the audience of about 1,700 Orthodox rabbis and lay leaders. He stressed the importance of religion in formation of the society’s values and the right to freedom of choice in education. Aguda presented its Humanitarian Award to Bennett.
President Reagan sent a message saying the educational activities of Agudath Israel have strengthened the moral fabric of this country. “Over the years your members have proven themselves to be pillars of strength in their communities … Their belief in the Almighty, religious freedom, and personal morality enriches all of our lives and our society as well,” the message said.
Orthodox rabbinic speakers expressed concern over what they viewed as escalating attacks on Orthodox Judaism and institutions in Israel and America. Others urged increased outreach to the non-observant.
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