Poor Purim Taste

Young or old, Purim generally ranks up there as a favorite holiday for the Jewish. With the fun festivities and parade of costumes, it is a time for people to change their appearance, have fun and celebrate the miracle of their faith. Many take costume preparation very seriously and some aim for pure shock value. In nine cases out of ten, the festivities are enjoyed by all.

This, however, was not the case after Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind dressed as a black basketball player at the Purim party in his home. Hikind hired a professional makeup artist to come to his home and transform him into a black man, complete with an afro. He then wore an orange sports jersey and called his basketball player outfit complete.

The night did not go as planned. A mere few hours later, Hikind was issuing an apology that was strange, to say the least. In the latest piece of local Brooklyn news, his apology is now be called offensive to gays. After explaining that he had no intention of offending anyone, he then went on to say that perhaps next year he will dress as a “gay person.”

Out came critics from every corner. Brooklyn newspapers had a field day with commentary. And, we hope, Hikind has learned his lesson and will think before he acts next time.