The Rabbinical Alliance of America — Igud HaRabbonim, representing over 950 American rabbis — commends New York City Councilman Chaim Deutsch for standing up against bigotry and hate. At last month’s Community Education Council 22, Councilman Deutsch demanded punishment for Dr. Jackie Cody, a member of the Education Council 22 who referred to Asian Americans as “yellow folks” and “yellow children” in a group email string for members of parental boards across New York City. At the meeting, Councilman Deutsch argued that Dr. Cody’s language was unacceptable and sparred with several members of the panel.
Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, stated, “The Rabbinical Alliance of America fully supports the corrective actions taken by Councilman Chaim Deutsch. As Jews and Americans, we have a long history of suffering from discrimination and have faced institutional anti-Semitism and bigotry. The Education Council’s primary agenda is the education of all of our children. What makes America special is our diversity and respect for other cultures and communities. Children are young and impressionable, and as rabbis and educators we expect that our youth will be inculcated with the American values of respect, civility and understanding of all ethnic groups that comprise the diverse society in which we live. There should be a zero-tolerance policy for hate and bigotry. The comments made by Dr. Cody in the email thread in a group email string for members of parental boards across New York City is unacceptable, shocking, disappointing and painful to say the least. This type of speech should be condemned and those who make this type of speech should face the consequences as provided by law. We call upon New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson to take note of the situation and to commend Councilman Deutsch for taking swift and appropriate steps to weed out hate in our City. As hate crimes sadly grow, as a community we must thank Councilman Deutsch for taking the lead in fighting back with a no zero tolerance for such shameful conduct.”
May He who makes peace in Heaven make Peace on this earth. It is our fervent prayer that all those who profess hate should be influenced by the good people and change their evil ways to channel their energy into building a better world.