New York, NY – Prominent Jewish leaders spoke out against Republican gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino for his divisive remarks at an 11 AM rally on the steps of City Hall this morning. Assemblyman Dov Hikind blasted Paladino, calling his characterizations of City Council President Sheldon Silver as “a Hitler” and “anti-christ”, calling his remarks unacceptable.
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Hikind was uncharacteristically vociferous in his condemnation of Paladino saying “What the hell is wrong with him? Is he out of his freaking mind? What is this going to accomplish? Is this how he wants to be successful? By getting anger of people through hate?”
Hikind questioned Paladino’s logic in calling a Jewish leader “a Hitler” asking if Paladino had any clue what Hitler represented, further suggesting that historically, referring to a Jew as “an anti Christ” has in the past led to pogroms and anti Semitism all over Eastern Europe.
“This man is running for governor, the highest position in the State of New York?” said Hikind incredulously. “It is unconscionable. It is degrading. It is insulting.”
Hikind further condemned Paladino for making racist remarks about President Obama and the first lady, saying that while he himself is no fan of the President, racism of any kind is unacceptable and serves to do nothing more than divide the people of New York.
“I understand the frustration of people”, concluded Hikind. “You can be upset but you can’t cross the line. It is unacceptable.”
Brad Lander, New York City Council member from Brooklyn’s 39th District, was the first speaker at this morning’s rally, criticizing Paladino for his comments, saying, “In times of economic crisis it matters a great deal what political leaders and candidates say. In the name of populism they exploit fear, not only economic and political fears but also racial and religious fears. They suggest either explicitly or implicitly that the problems that society is facing are caused by Jews or African Americans or by Muslims. As Jews we have too often seen the very dangerous outcomes of this so-called populist leadership. We have seen angry rhetoric spill over into racism and anti – Semitism. When we hear politicians use coded religious and racial language in an angry political attacked couched in economic populism we know we must speak up.”
Steve Levin, New York City Council member, Brooklyn’s 33rd District, spoke after Hikind, saying that Paladino that as a candidate for Governor, Paladino must be responsible for his words and actions, instead of appealing to racism, anti Semitism, prejudice and hatred and that Paladino should be ashamed of himself.
No longer just a private citizen. Paladino as a candidate for Gov, bears responsibility to be a leader responsible in his word and actions. Instead he has appealed to racism anti Semitism, prejudice and hatred. He should be ashamed of himself.
Watch for-yourself the event. below Video credit Shimon Gifter
Sorry, corny. Paladino has my vote, Coumo is NOT entitled to anything!
OK I hope this doesn’t go down as one of the dumbest moves the leadership of the Frum community has ever done I mean theres is more then a small chance that this man my be our next GOV and regardless of his comments which he may or may not of said he stands with us frum yidden on many issues and wouldn’t be such a bad idea to have as GOV
…who stood as props around these low life politicians. When Lander referred to Shelly as “orthodox” I almost gagged.
It truly hurts me that I know many of those props personally and they are all Torah Yiddin. What is wrong with you people?? When will you remove the shackles that bind you to these low individuals? I don’t know what’s gotten into Dov’s head lately. I appreciate his support for Eretz Yisroel, but please,. L’Maan HaShem, it’s time we dumped the democrat party and stood for some morals. Shelly is as “orthodox” as Shimon Peres.
I don’t care how much money these politicians send our yeshivos, we *must* do what’s right and separate ourselves from these “friends” of our community. We must send a message that our souls are not for sale.
i agree with number 1 i dont buy any of this and besides ny seriously needs economic recovery and freedom from the shackles of corruption that cuomo has been doing
Crazy people! We need a pro school voucher candidate!
I love Dov. I think hes wrong on this one. Most of the frum world is going to vote for Paladino and I wont be shocked if its close.
So DON’T vote for him in November! He is the Republican nominee & as much as we would have liked someone more conservative, its either him or general cuomo & more taxes.
listen in america i would rather have a anti-semite who is straight because our anti-discimination mechanism is soo strong we can afford it but we cannot afford erosion of family values
so yes to me it does make sense
Go! Carl Go!
These 20-30 Rab-by leaders do not represent us!
The majority of the Jewish community do support you.
Startling is that Gedalia Weinberger, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Agudath Israel of America, was present, and spoke. Carl Paladino is the legitimate Republican candidate for Governor. He won the primary fair and square. A nonprofit group like Aguda, intervening in the electoral process, and swaying votes no doubt, seems very inappropriate.
It seems apparent to me that Paladino was being combination facetious, bombastic, and even comical, and intentionally so. Paladino is no anti-Semite. Nobody in their right mind should think that, literally, he was equating Sheldon Silver with Hitler or the “anti-Christ”. It is even absurd to think that way. These Jewish leaders are more than smart enough to know that. In truth, they are the ones who are at fault. They are trying to deceive the public into thinking that Paladino is anti-Jewish, and that is untrue. What a farce!
We have an Enemy who was out demise in the white house, and this what you guys are worried about??
Paladino has no chance!!!
Carl, please remember those of us that voted for you after your victory over the liberal. Liberals never support our community because they won’t support our values!
Cuomo will win in a landslide!
I hope this doesn’t back fire. I’m voting for Republican. I same so sick of liberals democrats.
what a bunch of clowns!
Paladino will win in a landslide!
#12 . You Have No Clue!!!
I recall some of the “leaders” of the Jewish community in New Jersey,specifically Lakewood, coming out for Corzine, the liberal Democrat. Surprise, Christie won decisively. Those of us who work hard for our money, are tired of giving it to a government that wastes it , and thinks it’s a bottomless well of largesse. Well , here we go again. There’s the liberal Democrat, Cuomo who is supportive of many issues that the Orthodox community is against, and there’s the conservative Paladino, whose policies are more attuned to the Orthodox community. Granted Paladino has some negatives, but a thorough housecleaning is in order. All the chometz has to cleaned out. My feeling is , if a candidate supports Obama and his policies, it’s a no vote. If he supports the mosque at ground zero, vote him out. If he refuses to take a stand, like Chuck Schumer, vote him out.
Interesting!
They all take their time and energy, go down to city hall, and try to convince and scare the Jewish community that Paladino is a anti semite, by accusing him with saying quotes which he never said, and other straight flat lies.
But……….
It’s no secret to anyone, that the majority of the Jewish community hates the current establishment in Albany and would be more than happy to see Silver and Co. fly out of the window, by voting for Paladino.
That’s why when we go to shul and speak about the upcoming elections. Everyone is for Paladino!
That’s why when you read the comments that the people of our community leave here, they all oppose what these radical leaders(?) did, and everyone promises to vote Paladino!
That’s why when we were all told by the leaders(?) to vote Lasar, because it worked out better for them. Still we all voted Greenfeld, because it worked out better for us. And now again, because it works out better for us we’re all voting, Paladino!
Finally, how will these leaders(?) show they’re faces in public the day after the elections, when the results will show 60-90% of our votes went for Paladino? What will they say next time they go down to Albany, and ask for a favor from the governor, which will then be Paladino?
I think that the two words, fools and losers, was never interpreted better, then on these so called leaders.
Carl Paladino never hurt, or so much as inconvenienced, a Jew in his entire life. To call him an anti-Semite is a terrible chillul Hashem. Hikind’s JDL garbage has now really gone too far. Hikind is scared, and he’s scared most of all that Paladino is calling out the career politicians, like Hikind, who have made Albany a total, absolute laughing stock. Paladino is a simple Catholic man, a good man who has given tremendous tzeddaka to inner city people in Buffalo. Hikind is a hack. Silver is a dictator, and anyone who knows anything about Albany knows that. The system is gamed, so that the career hacks are almost guaranteed to win. The Soviet Politburo had a greater turnover rate than the NYS Senate and Assembly. Paladino says he will put an end to the “friends and family” plan in Albany, and that is what Hikind really fears. Some of the others at this conference fear perhaps some cuts in social welfare spending for their organizations. But to call Mr. Paladino an anti-Semite for these reasons is truly sad, pathetic, and shameful. Above all, Shame on You Hikind, for your phony emotion and your cheapening of anti-Semitism. Step down Dov. Paladino for the People!!!
The only thing more embarrassing than Paladino’s stupid comments are the even dumber yidden who mumble about electing a “pro-voucher” governor as if that should be a priority for the heimeshe community or New Yorkers generally. If we decide not to send our kids to the public schools that is our free choice but we shouldn’t expect that decision to be subsidized by taxpayers. Public funding for public schools is a constitutional mandate in NY and most other states. The law does not say that tax money should pay for beis yaakov or yeshivot. I worked hard to pay my kids tuition bills for yeshiva and so do most frumme yidden. Paying your bills should be a consideration when you plan your parnassah (or lack thereof) and how big a family you decide to have. Don’t ask the rest of us to subsidize your mistakes.
Whom are they trying to fool “HALCHO BEYIDA SHAISOV SONEH LAYAKOV” Paladino says what’s on his mind, the fakers/politicians smile and make nice to us because they need our votes.
This press conference was pure chanifa to Cuomo who they think is going to be the next governor
Sometimes some of the comments here sound like they are coming out of space. After Yom Kippur, let go of the hate and anger, take a few steps back without the same old knee jerk reactions to some of the issues.
If a Democrat made the same anti semitic statements and sent out pornography like Paladino did, all his supporters here would then be calling Paladino a “liberal” and “anti Jewish family values.” Last week former Republican Senator D’Amato signed a letter saying that Paladino is “unfit” to be Governor.
None of us wants to pay taxes… yet we blame taxes and government programs all on “liberals”. Our fellow “frum” Jews benefit from our paying taxes and the so- called liberal programs. Frum communities like Borough Park, Williamsburg, Crown Heights, New Square and Monsey are not sustainable without these “liberal” government welfare programs. Kiryas Joel is the poorest place in the USA, with the largest percentage of residents in the country who receive food stamps.
I too would like to have vouchers to help me pay the yeshiva tuition for my children- in this bad economy how would government pay for this- they would have to raise taxes.
All those people in the picture “NEED” Shelly silver , some for chesed etc… Some for other unholy reasons. They do not represent the majority of orthodox jews who are fed up with the way things are going. Carl we are with you !
#22 your as dumb as a doorknob:
show the clause where it says that we have an obligation to pay for public school with our Tax dollars!!!
read the constitution carefully….. its we the people who decide and if we decide that our taxes should as well go to pay for what the majority of our community do “send their kids to private school and of course you have plenty of non Jewish if they had the option would also send to private school…
Yes we the people will decide, the same goes for Health Care and Welfare…. does it say in the constitution that we must provide perhaps we as citizens can decide were the money should be spend.
enough said
Cant wait for the day Paladino enters the governors mansion:
all those who stood at city hall today will be embarrassed and I hope they also get thrown off the boards.
Its a shame that Jewish leaders of such would come out with slander on Paladino….
Paladino, is a man who doesn’t and wont owe anyone favors who unlike Cuomo or Bloomberg we already know their policies are such that we don’t agree with.
Hes conservative and will give the community exactly what is needed.
Vouchers, tax deductions for Tuition….etc
think for yourselves, ppl!
#26 wrote:
“show the clause where it says that we have an obligation to pay for public school with our Tax dollars!!!”
It is in the New York State Constitution, Article XI, Section 1: “The legislature shall provide for the maintenance and support of a system of free common schools, wherein all the children of this state may be educated.””
“does it say in the constitution that we must provide perhaps we as citizens can decide were the money should be spend.”
No, the New York State Constitution does not give citizens that right. Article XI, Section 3: “Neither the state nor any subdivision thereof, shall use its property or credit or any public money, or authorize or permit either to be used, directly or indirectly, in aid or maintenance, other than for examination or inspection, of any school or institution of learning wholly or in part under the control or direction of any religious denomination, or in which any denominational tenet or doctrine is taught”
Paladino is clearly a successful charlatan. He has most of the commenters here thinking he can provide school vouchers. As the above constitutional reference shows, he can do no such thing.
#8 ,
Distributing pornographic emails is a family value????
#21,
Calling a Jewish leader the  220;AntiChrist 221; is anti-Semitic. In the past that would be a dog whistle for a pogrom.
No one there represented Torah Jews they represented themselves only people who are power hungry come election day they will be in for a shock as all the Bnei torah vote for Paladino together with all the people of nys who do not live in the hood. we will have a governor that will bring down taxes and cut programs not needed and tzadaka will go much higher as we will have money to give
Family values, huh? I’ll give you a family values. What about the family values of remembering all the tragedies that have occurred to the Jewish people over the centuries? What are all those fast days about if not what happened to the Jews or what could have happened to the Jews as a result of the actions and intentions of our enemies? What about Ta’anit Bechorim, Tzom Tammuz, Tishah B’Av, Tzom Gedaliah, Asarah B’Tevet, Ta’anit Esther?
I’m sure that there were Jews living in Germany during 1932 who voted for Hitler because he was more the populist figure, the one who would change things in favor of the Jews. So what if he said bad things about the Jews? We shouldn’t take him seriously, he’s only saying that so as to get elected, but once he’s in office he’ll make things better for the Jews, you wait and see! He’s really a nice guy. He’s no Jew-hater, he’s a nice socialist, and everyone knows that socialism is good for the Jews. He’s better than that stodgy old von Hindenburg, who never did a damn thing for the Jews.
Mr. Paladino don’t get scared from our so called “leaders”. We are all with you! We are all for a candidate that supports school vouchers!
#33 ,
While Paladino is a racist bigot and ignoramus whose policies would be devastating to the frum community and to the state as a whole, I reject a comparison to Hitler yemach shmo. (Hitler BTW was no Socialist. The Social Democratic Party unanimously voted against giving him dictatorial powers and as a result its leaders were killed, exiled or detained in concentration camps until 1945. Every other political party in Germany voted unanimously to give Hitler dictatorial powers. One of the few conservative politicians to oppose Hitler was Konrad Adenauer, later Chancellor of the German Federal Republic, who spent much of the Nazi era either in jail or in hiding. Hindenburg was no hero but he did hate Hitler.)
BTW Sheldon Silver is the Speaker of the New York State Assembly, not the City Council President.
#35 , you’ve got the wrong “socialist” party in 1932 [Reply feature not working]. I was referring to the National Socalist German Workers Party (NSDAP), not the Social Democratic Party. (SDP). Here are the results of the elections in Germany leading up to the election of March, 1933, courtesy of spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk. The point that I was trying to make was that the word “socialist”, when used to describe Hitler’s party, was a misnomer.
’20 ’24 ’24 ’28 ’30 ’32 ’32 ’33
Communist Party (KPD) 4 62 45 54 77 89 100 81
Social Democratic Party (SDP)
102 100 131 153 143 133 121 120
Catholic Centre Party (BVP) 65 81 88 78 87 97 90 93
Nationalist Party (DNVP) 71 95 103 73 41 37 52 52
Nazi Party (NSDAP) – – 12 107 230 196 288
Other Parties 98 92 73 121 122 22 35 23
The Social Democratic Party continued to be the largest party in the Weimar Republic until July 1932 when the National Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP) won 230 seats to the SDP’s 133.