Why Lakewood's Jewish Community Should Vote for Jack Ciattarelli

As New Jersey's gubernatorial race enters its final stretch, the historic unanimous endorsement of Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli by all major Orthodox Jewish councils in Ocean County, including the influential Lakewood Vaad, underscores a pivotal moment for the state's largest Haredi community.

Representing over 65,000 voters across Lakewood, Jackson, Toms River, Howell, and Manchester, this coalition marks the first time these groups have united behind a single candidate, breaking from past Democratic leanings to prioritize education funding, tax relief, infrastructure, and religious freedoms.

For Lakewood families, where yeshiva enrollment has surged amid rapid population growth (from 52,000 voters in 2021 to 64,000 today), Ciattarelli represents not just a vote, but a partner in building a stronger future.

Ciattarelli, a Somerset County businessman, former state assemblyman, and 2021 gubernatorial nominee, has long cultivated deep ties with New Jersey's Orthodox communities. His campaign's "Jewish Voices Back Jack" initiative highlights personal relationships forged through years of advocacy, including a recent visit to Israel where he toured sites devastated by the October 7, 2023, attacks and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"Jack has proven time and again that he is our friend," said one community leader after a September meeting with over 50 Jewish executives, clergy, and activists.

Flanked by advisers Rabbi Avi Richler and Amir Hadar, Ciattarelli pledged to be a "true Ohev Yisrael," a lover of Israel, in an era of rising threats.

Key Reasons Lakewood Should Back Ciattarelli

Unwavering Commitment to Fighting Antisemitism and Supporting Israel

In a time when antisemitic incidents in New Jersey have spiked, up 200% since October 2023, Ciattarelli has outlined bold plans to combat hate.

He vows to enact "first-in-the-nation legislation" defining antisemitism per the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) standards, which include protections against anti-Israel rhetoric disguised as criticism.

As governor, he would appoint an attorney general and state police superintendent attuned to Jewish security needs and create a dedicated advisory council on Jewish relations. His August 2025 Israel trip, focused on economic ties and post-October 7 solidarity, sent a "loud and clear message" of NJ's role as Israel's "sister state."

This aligns with the Vaad's praise for allies like President Trump, whose pro-Israel stance they credit with saving lives.

Contrast this with Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill's "mixed messages" on Israel, which Ciattarelli has called "dangerous" for emboldening threats.

Champion for Yeshiva Education and Religious Freedom

Lakewood's 100+ yeshivas educate over 30,000 students, yet chronic underfunding strains families and institutions. Ciattarelli supports school choice and vouchers to empower parents, a stance he reiterated during a September visit to Yeshiva Tiferes Torah in Lakewood.

The Vaad's endorsement letter explicitly credits him with "care and friendship" on education, vowing to protect religious schools from state overreach.

Under Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, whom the Vaad backed in 2021 despite Ciattarelli's 62% Lakewood win, funding battles have escalated, with proposed cuts to special education aid hitting yeshivas hardest.

Ciattarelli's platform promises to reverse this, ensuring Torah education thrives without taxpayer burdens.

Economic Relief and Infrastructure for Growing Families

Lakewood's population boom demands action on taxes and traffic. Ciattarelli's "America First" economic plan targets property tax caps, rebates for families, and targeted relief for seniors, vital for Lakewood's multigenerational households.

He prioritizes Route 9 upgrades from Toms River to Lakewood, easing commutes for kollel scholars and working parents.

The councils hailed his focus on "economic stability and public safety," warning that Democratic policies under Sherrill would exacerbate NJ's highest-in-nation property taxes.

In 2021, Lakewood delivered Ciattarelli a landslide despite the Vaad's Murphy nod, proof his message resonates.

A Record of Bipartisan Friendship, Not Division

Despite recent noise from a campaign volunteer's off-script remarks – which Ciattarelli swiftly clarified as rooted in his pro-Jewish bridge-building efforts, his track record speaks volumes.

He's hosted interfaith events uniting Muslims and Jews, and his endorsements extend to 14 Democratic mayors and even some mosques.

Critics like Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) have praised his "unwavering support," while the Vaad dismissed attacks as divisive smears.

A Unified Path Forward

"Our voice is only as strong as the number of people who vote," the councils declared, urging turnout for Ciattarelli on November 4.

With polls showing a tightening race, Sherrill's lead narrowed to 5 points, per Politico, Lakewood's bloc could tip the scales, delivering the governorship to a leader who sees the community as partners, not pawns. As one X post from the Orthodox Jewish Chamber put it: "Jews & Muslims unite to endorse Jack Ciattarelli, a leader for unity, growth & faith-based values."

Ciattarelli isn't just campaigning in Lakewood, he's investing in it. From shul visits to policy pledges, he's earned this moment. On Election Day, Lakewood's vote can honor the Vaad's call: Together, for a safer, stronger New Jersey.