The Battle for Southern Brooklyn: Joey Cohen Saban and the Pro-Israel Party

The Battle for Southern Brooklyn: Joey Cohen Saban and the Pro-Israel Party

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In the politically charged atmosphere of southern Brooklyn, a new and intriguing development is unfolding as the 2024 state Assembly race heats up. Joey Cohen Saban, a Democrat with deep roots in the community, is mounting a formidable challenge to first-term Republican incumbent Michael Novakhov, according to the information in a recently published report in the New York Post. In an innovative and bold move, Saban is not only running on the Democratic Party ticket but is also seeking to introduce a new ballot line called the “Pro-Israel Party.”

Saban’s decision to file petitions for the Pro-Israel Party is a strategic attempt to capture the significant pro-Israel sentiment within the 45th Assembly District. The district, known for its substantial Jewish population, has demonstrated strong support for Israel. The Post report said that Saban believes this additional ballot line will provide a unique avenue for voters to express their solidarity with Israel while voting for a candidate who aligns with their views on this critical issue.

“The line would provide a way for people to show support for Israel, to get the attention it deserves,” Saban told The Post. “There’s tremendous support for Israel in the district.”

Joey Cohen Saban, 31, is a Brooklyn native and first-generation American Sephardic Jew. He currently works in his family’s real estate firm and has a strong personal and cultural connection to the community he hopes to represent, as per The Post report. His background and identity resonate deeply with many voters in the district, who share similar cultural and religious ties.

Michael Novakhov, on the other hand, has been a polarizing figure. Originally a Democrat, Novakhov switched to the Republican Party and has garnered support by aligning with conservative values. However, The Post report indicated that his past political donations and affiliations, such as contributing to democratic socialist Senator Bernie Sanders, have drawn criticism from Saban and others who view Sanders as a critic of Israel.

Saban has been vocal about his disapproval of Novakhov’s political maneuvers, likening him to the controversial figure George Santos, who infamously switched political allegiances and was expelled from the House over allegations of lying and fraud, The Post report said. Saban’s comparison aims to underscore what he perceives as Novakhov’s political opportunism and inconsistency.

“Novakhov has supported people who are anti-Israel — it crosses the line,” Saban asserted, highlighting his opponent’s contributions to Sanders. By drawing these distinctions, Saban seeks to paint Novakhov as a candidate whose actions are at odds with the pro-Israel values of many district voters.

Saban’s initiative to introduce the Pro-Israel Party has not gone unchallenged. Novakhov and his allies are pushing back against the move, likely viewing it as a significant threat to their electoral prospects, as was indicated in The Post report. The introduction of a new ballot line could potentially siphon votes away from Novakhov, making the race even more competitive.

Despite these challenges, Saban remains steadfast in his belief that the Pro-Israel Party transcends traditional political divisions. He argues that the new ballot line is not merely a political tactic but a genuine effort to give voice to the district’s strong pro-Israel sentiment.

“This Pro-Israel ballot line transcends politics,” Saban added, emphasizing his view that support for Israel should be a unifying factor rather than a divisive one.

The introduction of the Pro-Israel Party could have significant implications for the outcome of the race. If successful, Saban’s strategy might not only bolster his chances of winning but could also set a precedent for future elections in areas with strong cultural or political affinities.

The 45th Assembly District race thus stands as a microcosm of broader political dynamics, where identity, cultural values, and geopolitical issues intersect with local politics. It includes neighborhoods such as Sheepshead Bay, Midwood, Manhattan Beach, Gravesend, and Brighton Beach and is marked by sharp debates and strategic maneuvering, with a significant focus on the candidates’ positions regarding Israel.

Novakhov contends that some of the signatures are invalid, potentially undermining Saban’s effort to create a separate column on the November ballot.

“Some signatures are not kosher,” Novakhov remarked, using a term that resonates with the district’s Jewish community to emphasize the alleged irregularities. This challenge is part of a broader strategy to discredit Saban’s new party and maintain Novakhov’s hold on the Assembly seat.

The  Post also reported that Novakhov has accused Saban of exploiting the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict to garner votes. He argues that the creation of the Pro-Israel Party is a cynical ploy designed to capitalize on the heightened emotions and strong pro-Israel sentiment within the district.

“Saban is using the situation in Israel to get more votes. It’s just a trick,” Novakhov stated. This accusation aims to paint Saban as an opportunist, rather than a genuine advocate for Israel, suggesting that the new party is a strategic maneuver rather than a heartfelt initiative.