Governor Andrew Cuomo
Photo: Haim Zach/GPO
NY Gov. Cuomo at Harlem church: Jews have no rhythm
Democrat seeking a third term in office jokes during a speech at a predominantly black New York City church that Catholics like him 'are not as without rhythm as our Jewish brothers and sisters.'
Governor Andrew Cuomo has joked during a speech at a predominantly black New York City church that Jews lack rhythm when dancing.
The Democrat seeking a third term in office made the awkward crack Sunday at Mount Neboh Baptist Church in Harlem.
Cuomo with President Reuven Rivlin during a visit to Israel in 2014 (Photo: AP)
Noting he was Catholic, Cuomo said Catholics and Baptists share many of the same beliefs but Catholics "do it without the rhythm."
He added: "But we try. We are not as without rhythm as our Jewish brothers and sisters."
Cuomo then singled out Hank Sheinkopf, a Jewish Democratic political consultant who was moving to the music in a front pew. Cuomo referred to Sheinkopf's movements as "ugly."
A Cuomo spokeswoman later told the New York Post the governor was poking fun at himself and a longtime friend.
