Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


6

Madoff Bust Stokes Anti-Semitism in Palm Beach

Share

(Newser) – Bernard Madoff’s alleged mega-fraud and the large number of Jewish investors he apparently snookered is stoking anti-Semitic feeling in tony Palm Beach, ABC News reports. “It is a terrible thing to say, but some of the WASPs are delighted, they take great pleasure in this,” said an author who has written critically about the socially stratified Florida enclave.

“It's an age-old anti-Semitic claim, that we are in control of all the money in the world," a local rabbi said. "When you have someone with such incredible resources misuse it, it only reinforces that.” Palm Beach, a locus for Madoff’s recruiting efforts, has been extremely hard hit. “Beyond just the hundreds of thousand of people who were impacted financially, this was a blow, a body blow to Judaism,” said the rabbi.

Pawnbroker Levi Touger looks over some jewelry that Marvin and Beverly Hoffman have brought into his Royal Palm Beach shop.
Pawnbroker Levi Touger looks over some jewelry that Marvin and Beverly Hoffman have brought into his Royal Palm Beach shop.   (AP Photo)
The headquarters of the Robert I. Lappin Charitable Foundation. The Jewish charity was shuttered after losing millions to the Madoff fraud.
The headquarters of the Robert I. Lappin Charitable Foundation. The Jewish charity was shuttered after losing millions to the Madoff fraud.   (AP Photo)
Bernard L. Madoff.
Bernard L. Madoff.   (AP Photo)
The Palm Beach Country Club, an overwhelmingly Jewish institution where philanthropy is a prerequisite for membership.
The Palm Beach Country Club, an overwhelmingly Jewish institution where philanthropy is a prerequisite for membership.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

All the changes, all the cultural advances in Palm Beach County overwhelmingly has been Jewish money. Just at a time when the Jews in Palm Beach reached their ascendancy, this disaster happens. - Laurence Leamer, author

By having Bernie Madoff and Judaism so closely linked, it is what we would call a "hillul Hashem," a desecration of God. This was a blow, a body blow to Judaism. - Rabbi Michael Resnick, Temple Emanu-El, Palm Beach

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
OFF THE GRID
11.24.09
Murdoch and Microsoft: The Mice Are Trying to Roar
11.23.09
Books Are Bad for You
6 comments
VIEWING:
 
Collusive
Feb 20, 09 4:12 PM CST
only an idiot cares about what idiots believe. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
bacimom
Feb 20, 09 4:31 PM CST
Nothing worse than a stereotype perpetuating a sterotype. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
piesmusher
Feb 20, 09 4:32 PM CST
This comment has been removed by Newser’s community. You must be logged in to view this comment. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+1
IN RESPONSE:
NutsInNY
Feb 21, 09 1:48 PM CST
Amazing: nearly 24 hrs later and this anti-Semitic comment is still here... WTF, people?
Vote up! Vote down!
-1
pplgoncrazi
Feb 20, 09 5:35 PM CST
I'm totally lost? Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0

View all 6 comments »

LEAVE A
COMMENT Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.

 

Related Newser Stories

81 Stories

Madoff Colleague Found Dead in Swimming Pool

Jeffry Picower faced Ponzi scheme lawsuit

Oct 25, 09 4:07 PM CDT
(Newser) - Philanthropist Jeffry Picower, who allegedly reaped billions of dollars from longtime friend Bernard Madoff's Ponzi schemes, was found dead today at the bottom of his Florida swimming pool. Efforts to revive him failed, and his death was ruled a drowning, police said. Picower, 67, wife Barbara, and their foundation were... More »

MORE ABOUT:
philanthropy • fraud • lawsuit • Ponzi scheme • Bernard Madoff • Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities • Jeffry Picower • Picower Foundation • Barbara Picower

 2 Madoff Victims Sue SEC 

Regulators are responsible for victims' losses, suit claims

Oct 14, 09 3:32 PM CDT
(Newser) - Two investors who lost a combined $2.4 million to Bernie Madoff’s ponzi scheme have sued the SEC for negligence. The lawsuit argues that the commission should reimburse the plaintiffs for their losses because it failed in its duty to protect investors. Regulators had "countless opportunities" to catch... More »

MORE ABOUT:
fraud • SEC • lawsuit • investment • Bernard Madoff • Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities

Madoff Trustee Sues Relatives for Not 'Doing Their Jobs'

$199M suit spreads blame to firm's execs

Oct 2, 09 3:15 PM CDT
(Newser) - The trustee in the Bernie Madoff case, delivering on his threat to sue the imprisoned fraudster's relatives and co-workers, filed a $199 million lawsuit today in bankruptcy court. Rather than alleging that they knew about Bernie's Ponzi scheme, Irving Picard's complaint takes issue with the way brother Peter, sons Mark... More »

MORE ABOUT:
fraud • federal prison • Ponzi scheme • Bernard Madoff • Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities • Irving Picard • Peter Madoff • Andrew Madoff • Mark Madoff • Shana Madoff

81 Stories


Madoff lawyer says his temple thinks no less of him
Village Voice

Early in scandal, Web filled with anti-Semitic posts
Jerusalem Post (Israel)

For some 13 years, Madoff bought no stock for clients
Reuters


Crime & Courts  •  Business  •  US 
TwitterFollow @NewserCrime on Twitter

 
philanthropy • fraud • Judaism • investment • Ponzi scheme • Palm Beach • anti-Semitism • scandal • Bernard Madoff • charitable giving

from our news partners

PopEater.com