Midwood, NY – A messianic Christian center backed out of hosting a Brooklyn polling place Monday amid an outcry from upset Orthodox Jewish voters.
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The Board of Elections had tapped Life in Messiah – an evangelical group to host voting for four election districts in Midwood.
The polling place was switched to the center from a nearby public school that isn’t accessible to the handicapped.
Jewish voters complained to the board, noting their strict faith wouldn’t allow them to vote at the center.
The controversy prompted the Christian group to pull the plug.
“We have a deep love and respect for our Jewish neighbors,” said development officer Marilyn Miller. “We understand that coming into a Messianic Center might be uncomfortable for some. … The right to vote is a valued freedom, one we do not wish to hinder in any way.”
“I’m relieved,” said Moshe Klass, 40, of Midwood. “I’ve voted for 22 years, but I might have [had] to break my streak.”
Board attorney Stephen Richmond said there were no rules against having a religious facility serve as a polling site. “We’re now scrambling at this point,” he said. If officials can’t find a substitute spot by Nov. 2, voting will take place at Public School 119.
Local politicians had pushed the board not to use the Christian center. “It’s really crazy that the people [at Life in Messiah] understood, but the Board of Elections, they didn’t have a clue,” said Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Borough Park).
Below YouTube clip
HELENE WEINSTEIN, AND DOV HIKIND COMMENT
What ever happened to “Separation of Church & State”?
Separation of church and state does not mean voting cannot be in a religious place. Learn the laws.
I live in this district & I personally complained to a local Askan that works for the Agudah. Withing HOURS the problem was resolved. Thank you Agudah for once again being there for the Klal.
To number three, now tell your local “Askan” to bring back cut services from the MTA to our neighborhood.