Haredi Rabbis Come Out Against Casinos

Despite heavy Satmar lobbying against open opposition to proposed casinos in the Catskills, a group of haredi rabbis – including one Satmar rabbinic judge – have issued a public call to vote against them.

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Related Post: Cuomo Allegedly Threatens Satmar Over Casino Opposition.

Comments

[RWisler]

A very honorable and meritorious position for these rabbis to take. Kudos to them for this.

[yehudis]

I hope it passes. The Catskills need a shot in the arm. It will bring jobs to the area and NYS could use the revenue that it would generate. Maybe it would lower our school taxes. I wonder what % of NYS eligible voters are Satmars. I doubt they have much influence in a vote that encompasses all of NY state.

[Bas Melech]

Maybe they think that a Catskills casino is too close to home and the many men who visit the casinos elsewhere will be tempted to frequent the closer one. The frumma won't hide their vices so easily.

[David Foreman]

They are afraid that the Casinos may revitalize UpState New York and block the way for the creation of more of their Sovereign Villages. For that reason alone I am voting yes

[RWisler]

I have lived in two cities where the casinos promised instant prosperity, lowering of taxes, and bringing in top-name entertainment to these cities. These were Detroit and Cincinnati. They have done neither and neither city is better off for having them.

In this case, the hareidim are correctly and righteously supporting a position that they feel will protect them from a vice that all men and women (Jewish, hareidi, or not) could be subject to abusing. This is a legitimate (for once) form of campaigning for a cause that they believe in.

Now they should campaign for stronger child protection and anti-abuse laws for New York State, vices that they're demonstratably subject to abusing.

[(The other) Eli]

Maybe they think that gambling is a little bit like work, which is one of their cardinal sins

[WoolSilkCotton; I must be seen to be believed]

I agree with RWisler that casino gambling is destructive to whatever society it's in, but I'm sure if the Satmar could profit from it, they would have no objection.

[WoolSilkCotton; I must be seen to be believed]

And a Happy 5th Anniversary of the Mountain Dew Party to all!

[WoolSilkCotton; I must be seen to be believed]

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