F. Scott Fitzgerald’s often used quote, “There are no second acts in American lives,” which has more staying power as a benchmark than an American truth, is once again being put to the test with Assemblymember Dov Hikind (D-Borough Park).
That after Hikind, who is retiring from the assembly after 35 years at the end of this month, recently visited President Donald Trump at the White House.
Hikind brought a group of Holocaust survivors to the White House Chanukah Reception at the personal invitation of President Trump. The survivors—many in their 90s—personally thanked the President for removing Nazi guard Jakiw Palij, who had been living in Queens, from the United States.
Palij served as an armed guard at the Trawniki forced-labor camp under the direction of the then German government, and participated in the extermination of some 6,000 Jews. Following Palij’s deportation to Germany in August—for which Trump recognized Hikind’s years of effort—Hikind has continued to beseech Chancellor Merkel to try Palij for his war crimes.
“On behalf of the thousands of survivors who still remain alive, and the many children and grandchildren of survivors like myself, we want to thank you Mr. President for your leadership. These Holocaust survivors know that we have a President who cares about them, cares about justice, and who will continue to fight for justice and against anti-Semitism,” Hikind told Trump.
Joining Hikind at the White House were several staff members as well as Rizy Horowitz of Nachas Health Organization in Brooklyn, who arranged transportation for the Holocaust survivors to Washington and who has, for decades, been dedicated to the well-being of survivors.
Hikind also confirmed rumors he is looking at running for a higher office that isn’t so local and that he is spearheading a new national political organization called, Coalition for a Positive America, that will deal with issues like racism and anti-Semitism.
“Things are out of control. These are national issues that involve not just our community, but other communities,” said Hikind. “A lot of prominent people from Los Angeles to Florida and all over the country will be involved.”
Hikind said he is looking at several other opportunities as well, but has told his staff that they still have a few more weeks before he leaves office, and until then they will be doing what they have always done for the past 35 years – helping constituents.
