Gary Torgow: The man who got Washington and Jerusalem to fund Jewish day schools

Gary Torgow, chairman of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), has orchestrated a significant funding initiative for Jewish day schools, securing commitments from both Washington and Jerusalem. Torgow, known for his quiet demeanor and ability to connect with diverse individuals, rarely grants interviews, making his agreement to speak with The Jerusalem Post notable.

His efforts have culminated in a dual-government funding strategy. In the United States, Torgow is leveraging a federal tax credit established by a law signed in July 2025. Starting in January 2027, taxpayers can deduct up to $1,700 in donations to scholarship organizations from their federal tax bill. This mechanism directs funds toward families earning under 300% of their area's median income, a threshold that includes most day school families. JFNA is establishing a national scholarship organization to channel these funds to Jewish schools, with Torgow focusing on opening doors and JFNA President and CEO Eric Fingerhut managing the operational build-out.

Torgow emphasizes that this is not charity but a redirection of taxes already owed to the government. "This should be an easy victory for education," Torgow stated, "by utilizing taxes that are owed directly to the Federal government, and shifting them legally into the coffers of education for all of our children."

Simultaneously, on June 28, the Israeli cabinet unanimously approved a NIS 200 million first-year plan to bolster Jewish education in the Diaspora, in partnership with JFNA. Torgow and Fingerhut attended the cabinet meeting for the vote, marking a significant collaborative achievement between the two nations and the JFNA.

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This should be an easy victory for education, by utilizing taxes that are owed directly to the Federal government, and shifting them legally into the coffers of education for all of our children.