Jewish Poverty in New York Re "With Orthodox Growth, City's Jewish Population Is Climbing Again" (news article, June 12): The poverty among Jews in New York City may be shocking to many, but it confirms what we at the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty witness every day: there are more poor and near-poor Jewish families living in the city than at any time in recent memory. Thanks to UJA-Federation's study, we know that there are 333,000 people living in poor Jewish homes, and 174,000 in "near poor" Jewish homes, throughout New York City, an almost 50 percent increase over the last decade. Our challenge is to strengthen the safety net for the most vulnerable. Government, philanthropy and communities must band together to help the needy become independent, especially those struggling with New York's high cost of living. In urgent cases in which the disabled and frail elderly are involved, we must improve their quality of life in any way we can. We urge all those who can help to join us as we redouble our efforts to aid, sustain and empower all New Yorkers who seek our help. Director Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty New York, June 13, 2012