Tom Suozzi condemns anti-Italian slurs by Maji Pilip campaign

Tom Suozzi condemns anti-Italian slurs by Maji Pilip campaign

Former U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) and Italian American advocacy groups have criticized Nassau County Assemblyman Maji Pilip, who called Suozzi the “godfather of the border crisis” in a New York Post article. criticized the camp.

The phrase “Godfather”, especially when used against Italian Americans, carries negative stereotypes of ties to the mafia, influenced by Francis Ford Coppola’s film “The Godfather.” godfather movie.

“As Italian Americans and an organization of Italian Americans, we condemn this anti-Italian attack and demand that Congressman Pilip apologize and refrain from uttering any anti-Italian stereotypes in the future.” Suozzi joint statement of the Presidential Council announced. The groups, Italian American Action Committee, Italian American PAC of New York, and Sons of Italy, said in a statement.

Robert Fonti of the Italian American Action Committee said Pilip will feel the effects on Election Day.

“When you insult one of us, you insult all of us,” Fonti said. “There is no time or space in this world to denigrate Italian-Americans or Americans. But this campaign appears to have stalled. Words matter. And let me tell you this: Votes matter, too. . The largest voting demographic in New York state is Italian-Americans, and we’re going to vote for our candidates.”

Suozzi, whose father was born in Italy, said he is especially sensitive to these types of comments.

“My father was dealing with these attacks,” Suozzi said. “He served in World War II as a B-24 navigator. He then returned home and attended Harvard Law School under the GI Bill; I couldn’t get a job at a law firm because people wouldn’t hire Italians – Italians united because of the Germans and the Mafia during World War II.”

Suozzi cited his history of defending Italian Americans, including calling for the U.S. government to formally apologize for the internment of Italian Americans during World War II.

Pillip refused to apologize for using the word “godfather” in reference to Suozzi, instead doubling down on his views on Suozzi’s role in the border crisis.

“Tom Suozzi will do anything to divert attention from his disastrous record of teaming up with Joe Biden to open the border to illegal and unvetted immigrants,” Pillip said in a statement. I intend to do so.” “Tom Suozzi voted against a bill in Congress that would make it easier to deport and deny entry to immigrants suspected of being dangerous gang members. He also boasted that he expelled ICE agents from Nassau County. As mayor of Glen Cove, he established one of the first immigration centers on the East Coast. That means Tom Suozzi and Joe Biden are responsible for the immigration crisis and risking the safety of their families. This is causing budget confusion for local governments across the country.”