Public servants have a big job cut out for them. It is their task and responsibility to ensure that all groups under their jurisdiction find an ear to listen, a willingness to help, guidance to lead, and respect for diversity. The American Bukharian community in Forest Hills has found all of these things and more under the leadership of Council Member Karen Koslowitz. It is therefore my pleasure to interview her regarding the recent state of affairs in the community. Karen has served the community for nearly 3 decades and has been the Council Woman of Forest Hills for many of those years.
Please tell our readers a little about yourself
KK: I grew up and was born in the Bronx, lived there for the first 20 years of my life and moved to Forest Hills when I got married. My mother came from Poland, but my father was born here. My mother made her way to the U.S. after my grandfather was murdered for being Jewish in 1923.
You have a very impressive past helping so many communities. What has been your defining creed as a civil servant?
KK: I view fighting for the people at city hall as the most important responsibility I have. I have made it my career to bring back the resources which my constituents need and deserve. I view this as the most important battle, because it affects the day to day lives of all my constituents in my district.
The community is reeling from anti-Semitism, how does it make you feel and what do you think can be done to counter-act the situation?
I think we need tougher laws for hate crimes. A few months ago I got a very hateful, clearly anti-Semitic letter delivered to me. I went to the police, who were very nice and helpful; both the local precinct and in the City. However, this occurrence was not deemed a hate crime. Does that make sense? The facts are that I’m Jewish and the letters’ author is condemning all Jews. This was deemed insufficient to classify the letter as a hate crime. This demonstrates to me that the current law is too narrow in scope and needs to be modified.
The person who wrote this letter was condemning me and my relationship with the Bukharian community. I have given much support and assistance to the Bukharian community. It is truly appalling that someone would take the time to handwrite such a detestable piece of mail. This letter unnerves me and makes me extremely uncomfortable. Shouldn’t that be the essence of what a hate crime is? I want people of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds to not fear being who they are. And that requires that we successfully hold accountable those who want otherwise.
Anti-Semitism is global, and underlies the importance of having a Jewish state. Can you please tell our readers about your feelings and thoughts for Israel?
KK: Israel is an astounding place. It is amazing that the country was put together in such a short time, and so successfully. When you think about it, this was a desert which literally bloomed within a relatively tiny amount of time! Add to that that the country is surrounded by so many hostile neighbors and yet they continue to persevere and move forward. I believe every Jew can find comfort in the fact that if living where they are becomes unbearable due to anti-Semitism, there will always be a place for them and their family in Israel.
So often you hear about another attack by an aggravator or terrorist. Years ago I introduced legislation with a colleague to help the situation. The bill would prevent America from dealing with Hamas or Hezbollah in any way shape or form. Anyone bent on changing that region through violence and threats should not receive any help from the United States.
What message do you have for our readers at this time?
KK: We need to work together to solve things. We live in an era of extremes again, whether they are to the left or to the right. We need to reexamine the middle ground and focus on what is truly important for the welfare of every citizen, on a local level and on a national scale as well. The Bukharian Community is also growing and needs to take the next step for its welfare and vote. Taking the initiative will help ensure that everything I fought for over the years will not go to waste.
By Adam Suionov
Featured Interview: Catching Up With Council Member Karen Koslowitz
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