Apologizes for remark about 'Jewish people'

The River Reporter, October 17, 1996

York apologizes for remark about "Jewish people"

By TOM RUE

MONTICELLO -- An anti-climactic follow-up to last week's fiery village board meeting came, October 15, as the Monticello Human Rights Commission found itself unable to muster a quorum. On the agenda was alleged excess use of force by a village police officer; as well as a remark made by human rights commissioner Jesse York at the October 7 board of trustees meeting as described in last week's edition of The River Reporter.

The meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday, October 22, at 7:00 P.M.

"This happens when people volunteer. Other things come up," apologized chairman Cliff Moore, of the 10-member body. Present were Moore, York, vice-chair Greg Feicht, and commissioners Marco Bocanumenth and Harvey Weinberg.

Also in attendance were mayor James Kenny, village trustee Gary Sommers, district attorney Steven Lungen, and about 25 residents. Lungen said Moore invited him "to answer any questions regarding the cases that were brought up last week," referring to two alleged beatings of defendants by police, described by York and a group from the Million Man March Community Action Group of Sullivan Co.

York apologized for his remark in an October 11 letter to Dr. Richard Stein, president of Temple Shalom of Monticello. "...it was not my intent to hurt or offend a soul. The meeting was out of control. Even the Chief of Police was cursing aloud and screaming inappropriately. I hardly remember what followed, and sincerely regret any pain or offense which I may have caused any member of the Jewish community by my unfortunate words which, upon reflection, do not, in fact, represent my true attitude.

"It is my hope that my brothers and sisters of Temple Shalom, and of all other local congregations, will continue working toward racial harmony and good will in Sullivan County. If we fail to work in unity, we will all suffer together," York concluded.

York said he met personally met with Stein and Rabbi Irwin Tanenbaum to present his letter. They reportedly voiced intent to publish the apology in a temple newsletter.

Tanenbaum could not be reached by press-time.

York said he met with Tanenbaum, and they talked for about two hours, followed by a tour of the synagogue with Stein. "He showed me the Tree of Life. He showed me everything that goes on in the Jewish faith. I really appreciated it. It was the first time anybody in the Jewish faith did this for me. I was overwhelmed by it all," York said, noting was invited to a temple barbecue next week.

Stein confirmed York's statements. "I feel it's sincere," he said of the apology, "I'll say that as president. I think we had a wonderful learning experience, just sharing."

In the parking lot after the meeting, police detective Frank Armstrong publicly discussed participation in "sensitivity training" conducted last year for village employees. Asked if he got anything out of it, Armstrong replied, "No. It was a waste of time." He voiced the belief that more and better communication between the public and police are needed, calling the $2,000.00 training "a Band-Aid solution."

Related editorial:
Let no one be exempt