Analysis Of The Jews Of Sing Sing

J’van Maharaj

Arons, Ron. The Jews of Sing Sing. New Jersey: Barricade Books Inc. June 1st, 2008 Aron’s, Ron mission behind this literature was to give insight on the Jewish individuals’ committing criminal activity, “The Jews of Sing Sing” represents Jewish crime in New York City, and also in deeper detail crimes that were committed by the Jews. In addition it shows how the criminals contradicted what Jewish people are taught in their belief. Arons took a step further by gathering facts on the Jews that were incarcerated in Sing Sing, which is a prison located in upstate New York. Arons research focused on a time period during the late 19th century to mid-20th century, precisely starting from records of 1880-1950. Locations where these organized crimes took place in New York City were more specifically on the lower East

These crimes were committed to acquire more money the illegal way. Jewish culture was and is not known for such organized crimes. In fact, most of the descendants were embarrassed and ashamed to talk about such acts that their ancestors committed. As Arons digs deeper, it was in comparison to opening “Pandora’s Box” metaphorically speaking. All crimes that are committed were very taboo within the Jewish culture. Jewish criminals at one point had their own gang who would shake down blocks for protection and have “territories”. In example of this chapter 3 Arons goes into detail about the first true Jewish gangster who goes by the name “Monk” Eastman. Monk Eastman did what most gangsters do such as helping rig elections. In example of this Kelly, like Eastman, helped bring in votes for Tammy Hall politician “Big Tim” Sullivan and his cronies, it is because of this Eastman’s helping hands in politics, he use to get away with such criminal activity. This is one of the examples of Jewish gangsters roaming the streets of East New