EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH LEE ZELDIN: 'We need to fight back against those who declared war on yeshiva education"

In this powerful interview, Lee Zeldin describes his deep connection with the orthodox Jewish community, which began decades ago with his great-grandfather, an Orthodox Rabbi. 

He defends yeshiva education and blasts those who are waging a war against the yeshivas. He also discusses antisemitism, high crime, and Kathy Hochul's disastrous record. 

Mr. Zeldin blasted Governor Hochul’s failed policies, as well as her throwing the orthodox Jewish community under the bus. He reaffirmed his staunch support of yeshiva education as well as his strong partnership with the orthodox and Chassidic communities.

Regarding the unprecedented support he has received from virtually every segment of the frum community, Zeldin said, “Albany declared a war on yeshiva education, we are seeing higher antisemitism on the streets. And the orthodox community has decided ‘Enough’-- we are not going to take it.”

He continued, “I can't wait to continue this partnership [with orthodox Jews] which started before I was even born. My great-grandfather was an orthodox rabbi in brooklyn, the “Frierdike Rebbe” (Rav Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn of Chabad) sent him a letter in the 1930’s thanking him for his efforts fighting for yeshiva education. My mother was a fourth grade yeshiva teacher, I will be honored to serve as the first republican Jewish governor of New York…I look forward to championing the story of yeshiva education.”

He said, “Kathy Hochul has failed, she said it was getting too hot so she preferred not to comment [on yeshivas], she said this is not within the governor’s purview…I look forward on day one to doing absolutely everything in my power to work with the orthodox jewish community, the Chassidic community…”

“She [Hochul] says our efforts fighting crime is a conspiracy, and that we are ‘data deniers’. She went to CNN and continued that line, but she did not realize that on CNN it was a split-screen, the other half of the screen showing different categories of crime going up, and then she digs the hole even deeper, she goes on MSNBC and the host cuts her off and says ‘people don’t feel safe, I don’t ride the subway, when I go to a pharmacy everything is locked up…’”