In a groundbreaking development for minority business recognition, the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Minority Business Development Agency earlier this week at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C.
This pivotal agreement marks the first time Jewish businesses have been recognized as minority enterprises, paving the way for enhanced access to vital resources, including capital, contracts and global markets.
The MOU represents a strategic alliance designed to rectify a longstanding oversight in federal support for minority enterprises.
Since 1969, the MBDA has provided significant benefits to minority groups such as Hispanics, who make up 19% of the population, African Americans at 15%, and other minority communities, offering access to numerous programs and grants amounting to billions of dollars. However, despite the Jewish community being a smaller minority, representing just 2% of the U.S. population and historically facing discrimination, Jewish businesses were not previously included in these opportunities.
Duvi Honig, founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, said the signing (which took place on Monday) marked a significant step in leveraging the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce’s combined strengths, networks, and resources to make history helping empower the entire Jewish community.
“This historic MOU signing marks a significant achievement for the Jewish community and is a testament to their outstanding leadership,” he said.
“It’s a tremendous honor to work with leaders like Deputy Secretary Don Graves, Deputy Under Secretary Morrissette and Joann Hill from MBDA, whose efforts have led to the U.S. Department of Commerce and MBDA recognizing Jewish businesses as minorities for the first time.”
Graves described the signing as an emotional and significant achievement, expressing his satisfaction in correcting a historical oversight.
“This agreement ensures for the first time in U.S. History that Jewish businesses, receive equal recognition and opportunities through the MBDA and other beneficial programs,” he said.
Joann Hill, who leads the MBDA, played a crucial role in facilitating this agreement. She emphasized that the historic change was the result of years of cultivated relationships and dialogue with the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce.
“This success is built on personal relationships and mutual respect, transcending politics and partisanship,” she said. “It is a testament to our collaborative spirit and shared commitment to empowering minority communities.”
Among the notable attendees were Congressman Jack Bergman, Chairman of both the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee and the House Budget Committee Oversight Task Force.
He was joined by N.J. State Sen. Robert Singer (R-Lakewood) the deputy minority leader, who also serves on the Senate Commerce Committee.
Representing the business community were R. Pini Dunner (chair of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce West Coast Division), Ezra Friedlander (founder of the Friedlander Group), Mark Jaffe (president of the Greater NY Chamber of Commerce), Justin Flancbaum (president of Lakewood NJ Chamber of Commerce and Robert Nicastro (former mayor of Howell and Monmouth County freeholder).