By COLlive reporter
New York Assemblywoman Diana Richardson, who represents the 43rd Assembly District in Brooklyn which includes Crown Heights, was quoted as faulting Jews for gentrifying in her district.
Lew Fidler, an associate of Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, said Richardson made the comment during a meeting of Community Board 17.
But board chair Barrington Barrett, who was also present at the meeting, said he heard the term “Jewish people” uttered during a discussion of gentrification, but not by Richardson.
Richardson has now issued a public statement on the matter:
“Over the past few years, it has been an honor to serve a community which surpasses every creed, color, and religion. As a descendant of immigrant parents, I understand the unique plight minority groups may experience.
“As a public servant to a district that serves as a cultural melting pot, I have had the opportunity to work with an esteemed group of rabbis, pastors and community leaders. It has come to my attention that in a conversation about gentrification, the New York Post stated that I said, “It must be Jewish people.”
“I did not make these remarks; these allegations are false. As a passionate leader who values individuals on a human level, I condemn hate, anti-Semitism and racism.
“I will continue to stand with each and every family, group, and leader that I represent. I am humbled by the support of the following community leaders, who truly understand my heart for tolerance, inclusivity and togetherness.”
2 activists in the Jewish community in Crown Heights seemed to accept her denial, attaching their names to her statement.
“It seemed clear to me from the reports that it was not the assembly member who made the offensive comment. I accept her clear denial,” said Rabbi Eli Cohen, Executive Director of the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council (CHJCC).
Yaacov Behrman, founder of the Jewish Future Alliance, said: “I believe that the New York Post reported #fakenews. Assemblymember Diana Richardson has always been a friend to our community. She has stated publicly on multiple occasions that gentrification is about economics not race.”
can do so completely calm, composed, with a straight face or even a fake smile.
What i cannot stand is the Assembly Richardson’s not being able to say i am sorry for what she said, and STOP HER LYING. She did made the statement according to other people who were there. She asked her crony Chairman Barrington aka chairman Mao to turn the microphone on. This was deliberate, and she knows that she did made the statement. What caught her, was she did not know that Mr. Fidler was there. So she then try to make numerous calls, asking for people to make statement to her character. It is time for her to go and… Read more »
What is the truth she does feel that gentrification is caused by Jews or economics to put this .upon one particular group just bad
Lets say for arguments sake she did say what is being alleged. I am not understanding how it is helpful to keep picking this apart and go on and on. Frankly as a result of several ethnic groups of people from inside and outside this neighborhood,, the houses here and other neighborhoods close by are totally out of reach for everyone except those on the top 10%. That being said, she did say in a statement that she did not say what was alleged and having met her on several occasions I can testify that she is a genuine and… Read more »
Are they saying Lew Fidler lied? Why would he do that especially when he works for Eric Adams??!!
A remark like this, while mentioning Jews, is offensive to more than just the Jewish community.
This representative, or any public official alleged to have talked like this, is answerable to the public in general.
Her district include many righteous gentiles as well, who do not want this kind of “representation.”
Therefore, her response should NOT only be to the Jewish community.
As long as we – as a community – literally give away our political power by not voting we have no right to complain about who represents us. Hundreds of people here (including girls & bochurim who could vote on absentee ballots) are not even registered. Other Jewish communities have voter registration drives & offer transportation to the polling places & it pays off in real influence & wins in elections. Why can’t we get with the program ??
I cannot take her word that she simply did not say those comments. I think someone needs to speak with several of the attendees at the meeting and verify who made the statement. If in fact she did say these comments then she needs to be brought to the Jewish community town hall meeting and explain why she did say it. The Jewish community cannot afford to have their representatives harbor such feelings about its own community, and even worse, the Jewish community cannot be seen allowing such comments go unchecked.
Yes let’s trust the POLOTICIANS and their lackeys e.g. Cohen and behrmam and not the guy who was actually there at the event. And as #7 said we can always trust Jews to mess over other Jews
to 7 Jewish Defenders – nice name
Why does it seem that every time these politicians make remarks and do things that are explicitly anti semitic. The usual Jewish defenders pop up and guard them. Hmmm. Kudos btw for the Jewish Press this week calling for her resignation.
…by scheduling them for Shabbos! I live in her district, and it has happened on numerous occasions that she has scheduled various events for her constituents, including an annual summer family recreational event, on Shabbos. There was another recent event also scheduled by her on Shabbos, that surely her office could have scheduled at a time that could have included her frum constituents. To be fair, SOME (but not all!) other governmental representatives have done this kind of insensitive scheduling as well, from time to time. But not as frequently as Ms. Richardson does. OR they choose to give the… Read more »
As a good politician she is saying: I didn’t say that I said that,I said that I didn’t say that I didn’t say it!
Also #boringnews
The fact that they are denying tells me that in all likelyhood she did say it
So it seems everyone agrees the comments were made. So who actually said it?
No words to describe how much I don’t trust any of the above…