The Citizen Registers

THE CITIZEN REGISTERS Here’s what I think

The citizen registers Here’s what I think Anthology of Letters to the Editor

by

Abraham Cohen

THE CITIZEN REGISTERS Here’s what I think

Anthology of Letters to the Editor of the

The citizen register by

Abraham Cohen of Ossining, New York

THE CITIZEN REGISTERS Here’s what I think

Table of Contents Israel and Zionism Anti-Semitism Replace the Eilat Fund National Affairs Ethical Questions Local Affairs Editor’s Obituary Statistics

190-228 ,162 ,1-68 277-284 ,69-84 85 234-254 ,86-127 229-233 ,128-138 ,139-161,163-189 255-276

THE CITIZEN REGISTERS Here’s what I think

Statistics

THE CITIZEN REGISTERS Here’s what I think Subject

Zionism Anti-Semitism Replace the Eilat Fund National Affairs Ethical Questions Local Affairs Total

Count

108 23 1 63 16 74 285

Percent

38 8 22 5 26

This anthology is a compendium of authentic and original documents authored by Abraham Cohen of Ossining, NY, during the years 1963 - 1987. A study of these documents throws light on the bilateral relationship of a citizen vis-a-vis the Press and give a unique glance into the mentality an eastern European immigrant Jew in American society of the Twentieth Century. The literary form chosen by the author is the “Letter to the Editor”. Abraham Cohen wrote letters in both English, addressed to “The Citizen Register” daily, local newspaper of the Gannett Westchester Newspapers, the Jerusalem Post, and the Bnai Brith Reporter, and in Yiddish, addressed to “Forward” (Forvertz) #67,68. The local paper was the preferred form of communication in the suburban village of Ossining during the period in question. National papers, like the New York Times, were for intellectuals or commuters with City business interests. Internet and cables did not exist yet. Community television and radio broadcasts were still to be developed. The local paper brought the activities of real neighbors and friends into the home. The paperboy was a household utility. In addition, there was a personal friendship between the author and the editor, as witnessed in the special obituary written by the Harry Donsky.

THE CITIZEN REGISTERS Here’s what I think The author utilized the Letters to the Editor column, called “ The Citzen Registers” or “Here’s what I think” for various purposes. The column was an opportunity to express beliefs and feelings, sometimes to convince others, and sometimes evolving from an internal drive to go on record for his own truth. However, Abraham Cohen treated the Press as an interactive system by reacting to news articles or other letters to the editor, by causing others to react to the views he express in his letters, or by generating news articles on subjects that he raised in letters. The author identified himself in varying forms: usually A. Cohen or Abe Cohen, but also Abraham Cohen and even Rae Cohen. Titles also vary: Manager of Cohen’s Kosher Market, Proprietor of Cohens Broadcorner Kosher Market, President of Saul B. Young Zionist District, President Tri-Community Lodge Bnai Brith, Congregation Sons of Israel, or for the Conference of Soviet Jews. Addresses also are varied: usually 23 Forest Avenue, but also 138 Spring Street and just Ossining. Israel and Zionism The subjects with the letters deal can be sorted into the following classifications: Israel and Zionism, Anti-Semitism, Replace the Eilat Fund, National Affairs, Ethical Questions, and Local Affairs. The letters can be divided roughly into one half “Jewish” subjects and one half “American” subjects. Obviously the Jewish identity of the author was very strong, while his interest in the American aspects of his identity was also very active. As far as Israel and Zionism were concerned, the author is a proud defender of the Jewish State. He attacks anti-Israel decisions in the UN, condemns Arab militarism and terror #13, defends annexation of territories #1, denounces cooperation with the Arab states by European powers #4 and the Pope #3, mourns the deaths of Liberty sailors #6, and vehemently deprecates the policies of the Soviet Union #8. The author constantly endeavors to create and change public opinion in order to change US government policies. The Bible is often quoted to strengthen the author’s position #16. His personal experiences in Czarist and Soviet Russia and mentions of his visits to Israel lend believability to his presentation. There is also a use of Russian language to convince his virtual readers #66. Anti-Semitism Apart from the author’s defense of the Jewish State, he stands on record as a defender of the Jewish religion and battled for the continuing existence of the Jewish people. Any hint of Nazism and neo-Nazism in society or government policy, either American or foreign, was strongly condemned. It must be noted that Abraham Cohen recommended psychological counseling for Holocaust survivors and their children #73. The common purpose of the mono-deistic religions was noted in one Christmas-Chanukah letter #75. Of course, any derisive remarks on Jewish ritual slaughter, Shechitah, was sorely rebuked

THE CITIZEN REGISTERS Here’s what I think #78,79, both as a proud Jew and as a Kosher butcher for 45 years. His total support for freedom for Soviet Jewry was a natural outcome of his personal biography. Replace the Eilat Fund #85 The correspondence on the “Replace the Eilat Fund” is a special case, which exhibits how a letter to the editor can blossom into a popular movement. The author donated the office of the fund. Local Jewish organizations, such as Bnai Brith and the Fraternity Lodge of the Masons, headed by the author, backed the appeal. Elected officials such as village mayor, town supervisor, state Senator, state Representative and US Senator all publicly announced their support of the movement. In this case, local press published an opinion in a letter to the editor, and the growing support was published as news. National Affairs The author showed a long-term interest in the mechanism of the price of oil #86,87 and agricultural products #100. OPEC policies were held to task. He also attacked political contributions by interest groups. Foreign policy and Military aid to foreign governments #106,109 were often criticized. Hostage release policy was deemed inefficient #104. In one letter there is an expression of anti Viet Nam War feelings by the author #106,109. Another letter derides traffic accidents. High Taxes were criticized #112. Ethical Questions Industrial safety was a very important problem for the Abraham Cohen. Inter-race relations #129,176, behavior of financiers #131, student affairs #132, price of medicines #133, price fixing and movie morality #136 are also mentioned. Local Affairs The author’s letters give evidence of a close friendly relationship with local government and police. He did not fear to criticize when necessary. The author had very fixed ideas regarding urban development, ecology and road construction which he often expressed. There is one letter in favor of greater participation by women in local government #175. Another letter derides voter apathy #177. On several occasions Abraham Cohen lauds local personalities #167, 182, candidates #181 and officials #173, 174. To this anthology, have been added a special article by the editor of the Citizen Register, a life-long friend, and the obituary published in the Citizen Register. It is obvious that Abraham Cohen, a natural social activist, was very friendly with the media and its opinion makers, especially the local press. Although an immigrant, he achieved competence in the English language to be able to express his views convincingly. Although from personal experience the undersigned bears witness that all the English letters were re-written in cursive script by his wife, Rae. Meanwhile, he kept up his other language skills in Yiddish and Hebrew. He exploited his personal prestige in the Community and positions heading various Jewish organizations to promote his ideologies in diverse Jewish and American subjects. He was definitely a pillar of his community and a fine representative of his people.

THE CITIZEN REGISTERS Here’s what I think Zvi Peretz Cohen May 2005