Lubavitch Republican Stands Out

By COLlive reporter

An unlikely star at the Republican National Convention last week was a Chassidic Jew from a heavily Democratic bastion: Brooklyn, NY.

Mendy Raitport, a business owner in Crown Heights and a State Senator candidate, was part of the New York delegation to the convention held last week in Cleveland, Ohio.

The convention, which nominated New Yorker businessman Donald Trump and Indiana Governor Mike Pence as presidential and vice presidential running mates, was described by pundits as unimpactful.

But a new CNN/ORC poll finds that Trump came out especially strong from the convention. He has risen 6 points to his highest support in a national poll since September 2015.

He’s currently polling at 48% compared to 45% by his rival, Hillary Clinton, who will be nominated this week as the Democratic presidential nominee in Philadelphia.

Back in New York, Raitport spoke to COLlive.com about his experience at the Republican convention and becoming the center of attention for politicians and TV cameras.

1. How did you get to become a delegate?

I was elected County Committee member over 12 years ago. Delegates are selected from county committee members. County committee members are those who represent different counties.

2. You were with the New York delegation which got a front-row seat. Can you describe your experience?

It was very exciting and exhilarating to be part of the process that makes this country great. I was less than 20 feet from Donald Trump and rest of the speakers. It was a great experience, and I felt lucky to be there.

3. You showed up with the Chassidic fedora and beard. What reaction did you get?

Very positive and respected. I was the only frum yid out of the over 2,700 delegates, and I made sure to look and behave the part. Lots of important political figures searched me out to meet with me because of my Chassidic look. I was happy to be able to make a Kiddush Hashem.

4. You met with Israel friends such as Sheldon Edelson and Trump’s adviser Jason Greenblatt. What did you hear from them?

Trump and his organization are very pro-Israel and the Jewish people, and realize Israel is or only true ally in the Middle East. Sheldon Edelson is very happy with Trump and his attitude toward Israel and is looking to do what he can to get Trump elected.

5. What is your opinion about the speeches at the convention? Did you hear a clear plan for a different administration?

I saw a very positive outlook for the future. The energy in the room was powerful and palpable. Everyone was very excited to be there. We heard from his children lots of anecdotes about how Donald has been helping the little guy, the down-trodden and the guy down on his luck, since they were little.

It was very inspiring. It was a great feeling to be part of it and I felt patriotic and proud to be an American. Trump laid out a 10 point plan to save America.

6. What are the issues you are most concerned about?

Economy and job creation, America’s safety, illegal immigration, education, Israel, protecting our borders, restoring our constitutional rights, appointing the right Supreme court justices that will ensure our constitutional rights are not taken away. Let’s make American great again!