Ed Koch vs. Woody Allen on Anti-Semitisim

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The truth is much of the world is anti-Semitic and to single France out with a boycott seems wrong to me. Your point about boycotts however is a good one and while I don't generally like the idea of boycotting people I disagree politically with, I do think you are quite correct that in certain extreme cases like the ones you point out it can be a justified tactic. My response was perhaps too general and based on its clear unfairness to the French. I have been called a self hating Jew any number of times over the years, sometimes based on jokes I've made in my cabaret act or films and particularly when I wrote an op-ed piece for the New York Times suggesting that it was not only indecent but not great public relations for Israel to have their soldiers go door to door and preemptively break the hands of Palestinians. Following that piece I was named Pig of the Month by the Jewish Defense League and they descended upon the venue I play jazz at with a live pig to present to me.

These issues are always so sensitive and it's impossible not to offend but be assured that I long for the same peaceful, humanitarian solution that seems so simple and yet remains elusive. Thanks again for the fax. I hope we run into each other at a restaurant one night and perhaps we could continue this discussion or maybe we'll even work together again one day.

Admiringly,

Woody Allen

May 30, 2002

Dear Woody:

Thanks for your response to my letter of May 17.

Even if we are not in agreement on whether or not the French are anti-Semitic, your letter states your position in a very rational and responsible manner. I do hope that we will have an opportunity to pursue the matter, perhaps one night over dinner.

My letter to you was made public. Since it received an enormous amount of attention in the media, I have given a copy of your response to The New York Times.

I know that your latest movie, "Hollywood Ending," was well received in France. While I have been and continue to be an admirer of your work, I must in all candor say that "Hollywood Ending" did not receive accolades from me in my review which appears in local papers. You can be sure that every year I look forward to and see your latest movie.

All the best.

Sincerely,

Edward I. Koch