Readers Write: Markowitz has shown intolerance

The Island Now

At least a quarter of the 6 million Jews who were exterminated in the Holocaust could be considered as “Orthodox” with the nowadays understanding Orthodox Judaism. Yet, they all were equally victims of prejudice and intolerance.

Did Steven Markowitz, the current chairman of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, fail the “Right Wing Orthodox Jews” who perished in the Holocaust? 

The answer is no.  He failed all the Jews and gentiles who perished during WWII by sending the unjustifiable campaign message on behalf of the incumbents who sought re-election in the Village of Great Neck in 2015.

“I think the callers should tailor the script according to whom they’re talking.  Have no reluctance to tell people that you know that this election is about an attempt by right wing Orthodox groups to take over the village.  Most people are unaware and are generally apathetic but not when you scare them a little.    … Steve,” Markowitz emailed to campaign members.

Thirthy one minutes later, one of the recipients sent a reply to Mr. Markowitz:

“” Define “right wing Orthodox.”  Based on your personal outlook, many of the recipients of this e-mail might be considered “right wing” and I specifically include myself in the group.  How about we stay away from “hate speech” and “scare” tactics – you may scare me out of voting – and talk about the actual issues and the fact that ….”

At the time, Pedram Bral, a traditional Iranian Jew, was running for mayor at that time.  The late Raymond Plakstis II, a Christian, and Anne Mendelson, a member of a modern Orthodox Jewish synagogue were running for the positions of trustee, none of which are considered near “right wing Orthodox.”

Why there is a division in Great Neck between different groups?


Steve Markowitz, an appointee of the incumbent mayor to the Board of Zoning Appeals of the Village, decided to run a campaign against Pedram Bral and his team with the intent of winning the election “at any cost” and used fear commingled with hate slurs:
“tailor the script according to whom they’re talking,” “[h]ave no reluctance to tell people,” “attempt by right wing Orthodox groups to take over the village” and “scare them a little.”

With his campaign message, Markowitz proved that he is not tolerant of other religious points of view.  The end justified the means, the very concept behind the atrocities of the WWII.

Steven Markowitz cannot and should not serve in any capacity for the Holocaust Memorial and  Tolerance Center.

A new chairperson, someone with no history of intolerance, must replace him; otherwise, the message of the Holocaust to the world is lost.

Sara Povic,

Great Neck

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