The recent Yiddish-language interview between Shloime Zionce and lobbyist Ezra Friedlander was as revealing as it was unsettling. Throughout the nearly two-hour conversation, Friedlander offered a glimpse into his political philosophy—one that prioritizes access and relationships over ideological boundaries.
At the 24:34 mark, Zionce asks Friedlander whether he would represent a client whose interests directly oppose those of the Jewish community. Friedlander sidesteps the question entirely, offering no clear answer.
At 29:00, Zionce presses further: has Friedlander ever refused a client for any reason? His response is blunt—“No.”
The most controversial moment comes at 39:00, when Friedlander discusses attending an Iftar dinner alongside Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib—figures widely criticized for their anti-Israel rhetoric. Friedlander defends his presence by saying he’s “always looking for connections,” even suggesting that he would have met with Hitler, were it possible. Notably, he doesn’t claim these meetings are for the benefit of Klal Yisrael, but rather for cultivating influence.
When says that he would meet with Hitler yn"s he is not saying that he would talk to him to promote Jewish interests, no.... he would talk to Hitler ym"s because that would be another connection! Unbelievable!
He adds, “You never know how ultimately those connections benefit Jewish interests.” Yet, Omar and Tlaib continue their public campaigns against Israel with no sign of moderation.
At 50:00, Friedlander speaks warmly of Brad Lander, a progressive politician, accused of being a self-hating Jew, and often criticized for his stance on Jewish issues. He calls Lander a “very good friend” and goes so far as to label him a Zionist—an assertion many find difficult to reconcile with Lander’s record. Friedlander expresses hope that Lander will one day hold a powerful government position.
The interview paints a picture of a man who sees political engagement as a game of access, not advocacy. While Friedlander insists that connections may one day serve Jewish interests, critics argue that his approach risks legitimizing voices that actively undermine those interests.
Towards the end of the interview, Ezra speaks about his Liska Heritage and claims that over "500 Jews" visit the late Liska's grave in Liska every single day, Zionce asks him if there are cameras there so that he can see it for himself.
Just to give you an idea of what Liska really is, His father the present Liska Rav has a shul in Boro-Park, where tens of thousands of frum Jews live, yet every day (according to Ezra) they have a battle trying to get a minyan! In fact Ezra says that he is often stressed over this! I am not going to bring up the Liska Rebbe of Manhattan, we just observed Yom Kippur!
1 comment:
Why would Zionce waste 2 hours of his life with that filthy Kapo? The only reason that greedy Lisker leech wants self-hating sellout Lander in higher office is because the higher the office the more Friedlander can ask $$ for a retainer!
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