Some error occured while loading the Quick View. Please close the Quick View and try reloading the page.
The story of an outsider representing the Hasidic Satmar Jewish community of Kiryas Joel in the Orange County, New York Legislature.
Outside Looking In chronicles the saga of Michael Frank Amo, an Orange County, New York, legislator who has represented the Hasidic Jewish community of Kiryas Joel for three decades. As a political minority member of the legislature, Amo fought to get their voice and points of view heard amid during his unique role as a non-Jew representing a Satmar Hasidic community. It shows how he learned about them, how to best represent them, and why they behave so differently than others, ultimately illuminating the humanity and core values of the Satmar in relationship to the world around them, how they manage conflicts among themselves, and the non-Hasidic or secular world of Orange County. With input from many in and outside the community, Amo proposes approaches to the conflicts caused by theological differences, ignorance, bias, antisemitism, and anti-Hasidim that have fermented for nearly a half-century. For anyone interested in this unique community or the ongoing problems caused by antisemitism in our country, this book is a must read.
"This book provides an important glimpse into the largely closed, and often mysterious, world of the Satmar. By pulling back the curtain and discussing his experiences in an open way, Amo helps anyone trying to understand the Hasidic world (and the thoughts, customs, and practices embedded within) more fully." — Joshua N. Weiss, Author of The Book of Real-World Negotiations: Successful Strategies from Business, Government, and Daily Life
"Michael Amo tells the story of his unique experiences in a way that only he can. Just like the man he is, Michael's story is honest, thoughtful, and pragmatic. The book resonates with me as a long-time fellow outsider in the fascinating world of Kiryas Joel. Most of all, I respect Michael's desire to bring cultures together to find common ground." — Joel Petlin, Superintendent, Kiryas Joel Village School District
"This is a fascinating and enlightening read, about people, process, and politics. If you like politics in the trenches, this book is for you." — James M. Smith, PhD
"Outside Looking In blends a memoir with a powerful exploration of public service across cultural lines. It promises and delivers thought-provoking insight into an ever-growing, culturally diverse community. As a fellow legislator representing the village of Kiryas Joel, I recognized many of the political and cultural tensions described—particularly the challenge of balancing deeply held traditions with meeting the demands of civic governance. Through vivid personal experiences and historic content, Michael Amo challenges the reader to reconsider the approach to cultural differences not with suspicion but with curiosity and respect. Whether in academia, business, or community leadership, Outside Looking In invites meaningful reflection on diversity, human behavior, and the future of an evolving community." — Katie Bonelli, Chairman of the Orange County Legislature, 2021–2024, Orange County Legislator District #5, 2010–2025
Michael Frank Amo is a retired public healthcare administrator who unexpectedly found himself an eight-term elected official representing the community of Kiryas Joel, New York. His background is eclectic, including work in national corporate hospitality, psychiatric hospital administration, nursing home consulting, and politics. He resides in Orange County, New York.
List of Illustrations
Foreword
Gedalye Szegedin
Preface
Introduction
Section One: The Characters
1. Why Do They Hate Us
2. Can You Count to Eleven
3. Getting to Know the Satmar People
4. Cultural Differences
Section Two: The Conflicts
5. Brooklynization of Orange County
6. The Campaigns of Opposition
7. Annexation: A Challenge to Property Rights
8. Water Wars
9. Battle for Palm Tree
Section Three: The Politics
10. Politics and Governance
11. Succession Politics
Section Four: The Future
12. What Happens Next?
Afterthoughts
Notes
Bibliography
Index