IMayor showed sensitivity to the Orthodox Jewish community
Iwas deeply pained to read the allegations in your editorial of Oct. 21, which accused Mayor Jun Choi of racial and religious insensitivity. As a senior official of an Orthodox Jewish congregation in Edison of 250 families, it is our experience that nothing is further from the truth. On numerous occasions, the mayor showed great sensitivity and concern to the needs of the Edison Orthodox Jewish community. Furthermore, themayor invested many hours meeting with Jewish communal leaders to educate himself. He has been thoughtful and responsive to our cultural issues and needs at all times.

The mayor's sensitivity flows from his expressed philosophy of governance. He often speaks of Edison as comprised of a mosaic of different ethnic groups. To serve the people effectively, public officials must understand the unique needs of each ethnicity, and respond with appropriate sensitivity and understanding as the need arises for the respective community. One of the hallmarks of the mayor's tenure in office has been his sensitivity to the diverse religious and ethnic needs of his constituency. Having repeatedly witnessed this firsthand, I find your allegations off the mark.

Rabbi Dr. Israel Rivkin

Edison