We all need to do better

To the editor,

Regarding the Oct. 30 Letter to the Editor titled “Political discourse reaches a new low in Riverdale,” I want to commend Madeline Ritter for her courage in sharing her experience — and the outrageous response from the unnamed elected official. It may have been sarcasm, but it was totally inappropriate.

I was subjected to verbal harassment while sitting at a table on Johnson Avenue with Mamdani campaign literature, having chosen not to go door to door. A woman approached me and harangued me about being brought up in a Communist household, not observing the Jewish High Holidays, and being a disgrace. Others encouraged her to walk away, but she refused.

Later, when I was calmer, I could acknowledge her fear. But I still could not accept her refusal to respect my point of view in supporting a candidate she found objectionable.

It was not a great moment for Jewish safety — nor were the actions of the egg- and rock-throwing Cuomo supporter, which were physically threatening.

The final insult to Ms. Ritter, by someone in a leadership role in our district, shows just how far public discourse has devolved.

The coarseness of our civic dialogue will only continue until each of us makes the effort to do better.

Marcia G. Yerman