As a young voter, living in Sheepshead Bay since I was born in 1996, I often read Kings County Politics and enjoy your coverage of issues that affect me as a Brooklyn resident.
I was really shocked to see your coverage of Chaim Deutsch today, calling him divisive and inflammatory. Over the years, KCP has published hundreds of stories about Chaim Deutsch, often highlighting his work fighting for non-Orthodox communities, particularly Muslims.
Just last year, you lauded his role in electing Farah Louis, by building a Haitian – Jewish coalition.
How can you publish such an irresponsible and divisive article, which – by your own reporting – is not based in fact?
I am not black, but I am the child of a black mother. I went to Lincoln High School, which is 70% black and brown. My girlfriend of three years is black, and our four-month-old son is half-black. I don’t think Chaim Deutsch’s video was racist – it was apocalyptic, sure. It was kind of dark and morbid – yes. It was not racist, unless you believe that the word “looters” refers specifically to black men (in which case I think you’re the racist).
I don’t live in Chaim Deutsch’s district, but I met him three years ago, when his campaign office was right across the street from the building where I live. He engaged with me in such a friendly way, and then offered me his contact email in case I needed anything. When I told him that I don’t live in his district, he brushed it off and told me he was always happy to help. Several months later, I took him up on his offer to help when my mother was evicted from her home. He arranged for me to meet with a lawyer, and then assisted us in finding her a new place to live.
When I was laid off from my job because of coronavirus, I asked him for help because I couldn’t reach the unemployment office to claim benefits. He made a personal phone call for me, and I got my first payment just a few days later. (I happen to know about ten other people who called for the same issue, and he helped all of them – and quickly too.)
Everyone in Sheepshead Bay knows that you call Chaim Deutsch’s office when you need help, because he never turns anyone away.
I’m not someone who gets involved in politics very much. Now that I am raising a son who is black, I feel very passionately about the black lives matter movement, and I have even brought my family to march several times. I am angry at the people who come to these rallies with ulterior motives and fight with police and loot – because they are taking away from the message that we are trying to spread – a message of love and unity. That’s why I don’t disagree with Chaim Deutsch’s video.
I hope that you will consider printing this letter, because I don’t think it’s fair to shame a good man. I knew your article was false because I know him personally, but how many of your readers will believe it? You have a responsibility to publish fair, researched articles that present all the facts, not just jump on a bandwagon of hatred. It might be easier, but it doesn’t make it right.
Thank you for your time.
Editor’s Note: The writer of this letter to the editor requested KCP not use his name and we complied.
