National reporters who do not live in Orthodox Jewish neighborhood don’t understand the signification of the Jewish Holiday Purim, Assemblyman Dov Hikind charged today, after being caught into a controversial costume story. Appearing on the Zev Brenner show Monday evening, Hikind slammed the reaction and some comments made within the Jewish community as a ‘jerk reaction’.
“One of the most disappointing things to me is to have certain people in the Orthodox community, who know what Purim is all about, to lower themselves into the mud.. when there are certain Jews who go into the mud just to curry favor with certain segments out there that’s pretty pathetic,” Hikind said. Asked if he could point out to certain names he was referring to, Hikind said he will not name anyone specifically, adding “I think people know if you look at all the comments and the things.”
Parts of the Interview on the Zev Brenner Show:
Asked again and again whether he would do it all again given the uproar it has created, Hikind responded: “Look being where I am today, and that are those.. again, I don’t know how many people were offended, you know, we haven’t done a poll. I don’t want to hurt anyone. So I think if I had to do it all over again, I would look at other possibilities. maybe do something similar but do it in a way that ‘mayyybe’ more acceptable, I’m not sure” he said.
“It’s all in the spirit of this very special holiday,” Hikind continued his defense. “But in the bottom line, would I do it all over again? I would look at additional alternatives. Because it’s not about being a black person or Indian, or maybe I would be a gay person on Purim.”
“Would that be OK, Zev, if I played a gay person next year?” Hikind asked the show host, who quickly responded saying it would create even a bigger storm. In which Hikind responded: “So, you think I am in trouble if I do that. You know what,” he added, “I have to look. Indians would be upset, gays would be upset. Maybe I would emulate with what Mr. Greenfield (Councilman David Greenfield) is doing, and we will bring a committee together of leaders to make sure I do next year what is most appropriate,” Hikind, sounding sarcastic and divisive in one breath, promised..
In a final note, Hikind said that part of the controversy is to educate the public about purim. “I’m very proud that I will contribute towards getting a better understanding what Purim is all about,” Hikind said.