Democratic mayoral hopeful Sal Albanese has so far sided with some of his rivals on the issue of Metzitzah B’peh, expressing willingness to sit down and reopen negotiations on this issue but not committed in overturning the law or defending the practice. However, in an interview with YWN, Mr. Albanese acknowledged that after sitting down with some rabbis and mohalim his mindset has changed.

“I want to sit down and figure some thing out. I have set down with a number of Rabbis, Jewish leaders across the city. I have also talked to mohels as well,” Mr. Albanese, who toured the street of Borough Park last week Friday, told YWN. “They make a pretty compelling argument, I have to say. This is not a scenario that causes dangers that the city is highlighting. But, I want to have further discussions with them.”

YWN: Would you reserve the right to overturn the regulation if you come to the conclusion that this was done irrationally, or at least pledge to modify the law?

SA: “As I said, I want to have further discussions with the rabbis and mohels. I do want to talk to the health care professionals, as well, and listen to their viewpoint on it. Certainly, I think this is something we can resolve.”

Mr. Albanese also promised to engage the public with the discussion about Metzitzah B’peh, as well as other issues that are on the City’s agenda.

Just recently, Republican mayoral hopeful Joe Lhota told the Jewish Week he had evolved on his previous position and is now fully supportive of the Metzitzah B’peh traditional practice.

The full interview with Sal Albanese will be published towards the weekend.

(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)