LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Rename the co-ops

Posted

To the editor:

As we approach the 70th anniversary of the execution of the Atomic spies Julius and Ethel Rosenberg on June 19, it is noteworthy to remember the Bronx connection to the case.

Their co-defendant was Morton Sobell — Bronx born. The trial Judge was Irving Kaufman, a DeWitt Clinton High School graduate. And the adopted father of the orphaned sons the Rosenbergs left behind was a Clinton English teacher named Abe Meeropol.

Four of the 12 jurors were also from the Bronx. Sadly, young people today have little or no knowledge of this case where this couple was convicted of stealing the secrets of the atom bomb and giving it to Russia. Rather than give up their co-conspirators, they were loyal to their progressive socialist roots and went to the electric chair.

I would like to acknowledge two heroes from that case — David Greenglass and Roy Cohn, also Bronx-born, who respectively played roles as a witness and prosecutor. Without their active and heroic participation, who knows what our lives would be like today.

One only has to look at Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to understand they were never our friend, but rather an enemy. I would like to see their names — Greenglass and Cohn — individually placed at the Allerton Co-ops or Amalgamated Houses in the Bronx, which also has progressive, socialist roots.

Have these buildings renamed in their honor!

Richard Marias

Richard Marias, co-ops, David Greenglass, Roy Cohn

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