Koch Threw Orthodox Under the Bus

Just two weeks after campaigning in Jewish and Orthodox circles for Bob Turner, Ed Koch jumped buses, declaring to the NY Times that he is “now on board the Obama Re-election Express.” He didn’t only switch buses; to paraphrase him he threw the Orthodox under the bus, by ridiculing and distorting their faith, and dismissing their significance, by telling the president that, “Jews will never vote for anyone who doesn’t believe in evolution.”

Ex-Mayor Koch was never especially liked by the Orthodox community, in large parts because his blatant disregard to religion. They played major role in his humiliating defeat in a democratic primary to David Dinkins, something that is almost unheard of for an incumbent mayor. It’s a travesty that some joined forces with him now, using morality as a lure, only to later paint a picture that Orthodox Jews heeded Koch’s endorsement.

Even after rising to glory thanks to their vote, he is still as insensitive to religious Jews.   

Koch made the above-quoted remark to the president in the same week when a group of Orthodox Jews, including Assemblyman Dov Hikind, together with Bob Turner joined Rick Perry in a highly publicized news conference. Worse, he related the conversation to the press two days before Jews of all stripes will observe Rosh Hashanah – translated in English: Beginning of New Year. Tonight will start year 5772 since the creation.

To say that Jews believe in evolution is very distorting, offensive and insulting.

A Ksiva Va’Chasima Tova. Hashem should help that year 5772 shall be a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Year.