A messianic Christian center backed out of hosting a Brooklyn polling place Monday amid an outcry from upset Orthodox Jewish voters.
The Board of Elections had tapped Life in Messiah – an evangelical group to host voting for four election districts in Midwood.
The polling place was switched to the center from a nearby public school that isn’t accessible to the handicapped.
Jewish voters complained to the board, noting their strict faith wouldn’t allow them to vote at the center.
The controversy prompted the Christian group to pull the plug.
“We have a deep love and respect for our Jewish neighbors,” said development officer Marilyn Miller. “We understand that coming into a Messianic Center might be uncomfortable for some. … The right to vote is a valued freedom, one we do not wish to hinder in any way.”
Board attorney Stephen Richmond said there were no rules against having a religious facility serve as a polling site. “We’re now scrambling at this point,” he said. If officials can’t find a substitute spot by Nov. 2, voting will take place at Public School 119.
Community activists credit NYS Assemblywoman Helena Weinstein for this accomplishment.
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(Source: NY Daily News)
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9 Responses
Yasher Koach. We must now be super vigilant these missionaries don’t lure in unsuspecting and unfortunately ignorant yidden all other days of the year as well.
“We have a deep love and respect for our Jewish neighbors”… suuuure. I’d be voting absentee.
“Jewish voters complained to the board, noting their strict faith wouldn’t allow them to vote at the center.”
Most of unzere guys don’t vote anywhere, center or no center.
I live in this district & I personally complained to a local Askan that works for the Agudah. Withing HOURS the problem was resolved. Thank you Agudah for once again being there for the Klal.
What this article omits is the skilled diplomatic and effective efforts of a dedicated Agudah Askan, who wants no credit for his tireless work.
I know the truth! I watched him work behind the scenes & resolve this while others took the credit.
Thank you Mr. Askan and thank you Agudah!
“We have a deep love and respect for our Jewish neighbors,” said development officer Marilyn Miller. “We understand that coming into a Messianic Center might be uncomfortable for some. …”
Oh sure they have a deep love! Far too much of it in fact since they are after us like wolves after sheep!
If the Agudah did it then thank you Agudah. Give credit where credit is due.
I hope that there is now some rabbi in the neighborhood who will open up his handicapped-accesssible synagogue to the Elections Board.
The sad part is that NO ONE was really responsible for achieving this “success”…
The election baord never had a signed lease from the organization, and they sent out notices none-the-less… if the board had a signed lease, they wouldn’t have backed out…. and yeah no one would have voted.