The Chronicles of the Last Jewish Gangster: Surviving in a Complicated World

TLDRMyron Sugarman, known as the last Jewish gangster, shares his story of growing up in the Jewish underworld and his journey to reclaim Jewish pride. He emphasizes the importance of projecting the right image in a complicated world.

Key insights

🔥Jewish gangsters were tough and proud, representing Jewish pride in a non-religious way.

💡Myron Sugarman used his experience in the gambling machine business to become a central figure in the illegal gambling industry in New York.

✊Myron Sugarman exemplified the importance of projecting the right image of Jewish identity, even in the underworld.

🌍Myron Sugarman witnessed the rise of anti-Semitism in the 1930s in New York and New Jersey.

🙏Myron Sugarman's son became a renowned Jewish scholar, highlighting the importance of education and religious identity.

Q&A

Why did Myron Sugarman go into the illegal gambling machine business?

—Myron Sugarman saw an opportunity for success and used his entrepreneurial skills to establish a prominent position in the industry.

How did Myron Sugarman reconcile his Jewish identity with his involvement in the underworld?

—Myron Sugarman made it his mission to project the right image of what being Jewish means, even in the complicated world of the underworld.

What was the response to the rise of anti-Semitism in the 1930s?

—Jews of that time responded by celebrating Jewish heroics and displaying Jewish pride in the face of growing anti-Semitism.

What did Myron Sugarman learn from his involvement in the mob?

—Myron Sugarman learned the importance of combining right principles with strength, as without might, being right is useless.

What is Myron Sugarman's legacy?

—Myron Sugarman's legacy includes his commitment to the Jewish community and his active role in defending Jewish interests against rising anti-Semitism.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Myron Sugarman shares his desire to project the right image of what being Jewish means in a complicated world.

02:26Myron Sugarman discusses the proud and tough nature of Jewish gangsters from the Jewish underworld.

05:28Myron Sugarman reflects on the rise of anti-Semitism in the 1930s in New York and New Jersey.

09:33Myron Sugarman recounts his involvement in the illegal gambling machine business in New York.

14:57Myron Sugarman describes how he reconciled his Jewish identity with his involvement in the underworld.

19:15Myron Sugarman shares the importance of combining right principles with strength, using the example of the struggle in Gaza.

22:08Myron Sugarman talks about his involvement in the defense organization United Empowered We Stand.

27:03Myron Sugarman reflects on his journey and the legacy he wishes to leave behind for the Jewish community.

Browse more