The Koch Papers

Description

For more than three decades, Ed Koch has been one of America’s most interesting and outspoken political figures. In this provocative new book, Koch with Rafael Medoff guides readers through the major battles in his life-long fight against anti-Semitism. Interviews, speeches, new essays, never-before published personal correspondence, and more highlight his leadership–on campuses, in the media, on the streets of New York City, and in the halls of power in Washington, DC. The book also features personal letters from Henry Louis Gates, former President George Bush, and other prominent figures. Koch will reveal startling information for the first time here, and his writings are controversial, piercing, teasing, and questioning. This book will ignite discussion for years to come

Edward I. Koch served as Mayor of New York City from 1978-1989 and as a US Representative from 1969-1977. He led the US Delegation to the 2004 Berlin Conference on Anti-Semitism. In 2005, he was appointed by President Bush to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. He is a talk-show host and radio commentator for Ed Koch: The Voice of Reason, and writes weekly commentaries for New York Press. He has written eight books on politics and two children’s books. He lives in New York City.

Dr. Rafael Medoff is Founding Director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies. He is the author of seven books and numerous essays about American Jewish history, Zionism, and the Holocaust. He has taught at Ohio State University, Purchase College of SUNY, and elsewhere.

“This is vintage Koch: provocative, fervent, controversial, opinionated.” —Jewish Book World“Ed Koch’s book on anti-Semitism displays one more time the extraordinary determination of a man who seeks to do something to affect public life. His commitment to fighting anti-Semitism is grounded in obvious and fine instincts. But what he does in this volume is point out instance after instance in which a casual association with anti-Semitism, or failure to prosecute its display, weakens the central animus.” —William F. Buckley, Jr., author of In Search of Anti-Semitism“In his typical style, Ed Koch is both direct and thought provoking. He brings into clear focus the role that anti-Semitism has played in the history of New York City, and the role it now plays across the country and throughout the world. But The Koch Papers goes beyond that: it should be at the top of the list of anyone interested in the broad subjects of race relations, urban populations, government, and local politics.” —Senator Charles E. Schumer“Direct exposure to the inner life of Ed Koch, in all its intricate, appalling, hilarious, entertaining, outrageous self-involvement.” —The New York Times Book Review on I’m Not Done Yet

Confronting Antisemitism in New York City
Confronting Antisemitism in the United States and Abroad
Confronting the Holocaust
Conclusion

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