NJ Orthodox: Focus on Similarities, Interdependence in Building Relationships with Non-Orthodox

CBI Senior Mediator and Associate Managing Director Stacie Smith conducted an assessment in Lakewood, NJ, to better understand community perceptions of opportunities and challenges across the Orthodox and non-Orthodox populations. The assessment uncovered various, divergent perceptions of challenges facing the community, but it also revealed significant commonalities. The assessment highlighted how much Lakewood has to gain from improved relationships, reduced tensions and hostilities, and greater cooperation around shared neighborhoods and civic space. Read Stacie’s full op-ed about the process here.