NJDC Denounces anti-Semitic Comments Made Against Rahm Emanuel
Listed in: Other Domestic Policy, NJDC News, Press Releases
The National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) today condemned Chicago Polish-American leader Ed Moskal for anti-Semitic comments made against Rahm Emanuel, the former Clinton White House advisor who is currently running for the U.S. House in his native Illinois. Before an audience at a Polish American celebration, Moskal claimed that Emanuel is an Israeli citizen who served two years in the Israeli army; in fact, Emanuel was born in Chicago and never served in the Israeli army. Moskal also denigrated Israel as a country that "defiles the Polish homeland and continues to hurl insults at the Polish people."
Moskal had endorsed Emanuel's primary opponent, ex-state Rep. Nancy Kaszak, who is of Polish ancestry. Kaszak, who was present when Moskal made the comments, initially only tried to distance herself from Moskal, though she later denounced Moskal and rejected his endorsement, according to The New York Times.
"Mr. Moskal's diatribes were among the most outrageous, bigoted campaign rhetoric voiced in public in recent years," said NJDC Executive Director Ira N. Forman. "No Jewish American, especially a celebrated and respected public servant such as Rahm Emanuel, deserves such treatment. These comments are especially galling given the fact that Rahm Emanuel has actively engaged the Chicago Polish-American community, his campaign co-chair is Polish-American, and he has been endorsed by a local Polish-American magazine. Ed Moskal has revived one of the classic anti-Semitic canards-that Jews cannot be loyal Americans."
Forman also objected to the comments of T. Ron Jasinski-Herbert, a spokesman for the Polish National Alliance. Jasinski-Herbert told the Chicago Tribune that Moskal's comments were not hateful, but rather "born of frustration with Jews."
"We call on all the candidates in this race to vigorously and unequivocally denounce bigoted statements against any ethnic group," Forman stated. "We are glad that Rep. Kaszak eventually denounced Mr. Moskal and pledged to end her association with him. The only acceptable response to bigotry is immediate condemnation. Chicago has a proud tradition of tolerance and cooperation between ethnic groups; it is incumbent upon all candidates for elected office to adhere to this tradition and firmly reject the political legitimacy of individuals like Mr. Moskal and Mr. Jasinski-Herbert."
