The Moth Podcast Episode Summary: "Ed Koch: Standing Up"

Episode Information:

• Title: Ed Koch: Standing Up
• Release Date: March 5, 2012
• Host: Dan Kennedy
• Storyteller: Edward Koch

Introduction to the Story

In the episode titled "Ed Koch: Standing Up," former New York City Mayor Edward Koch shares a poignant and personal narrative from his youth during World War II. Recorded live at The Moth, the story delves into themes of courage, prejudice, and the struggle for dignity within the confines of military training.

Drafted into Service

Edward Koch begins his story at [02:50], recounting his experience being drafted at the age of 19. Despite not being particularly athletic, Koch was determined to overcome his physical limitations. "I practiced. I'd go back at night at 5 o'clock and practice so I could get over the obstacle course," he explains ([03:15]). His dedication was fueled by the competitive environment of his platoon, which was divided into two distinct groups.

Diverse Platoon Dynamics

Koch describes the composition of his platoon: 25% Jewish soldiers and 75% of men from Hell's Kitchen and Clinton. This division created a "totally different, divisive environment for us" ([04:00]). While the non-Jewish members excelled physically, the Jewish soldiers shone in intellectual tasks such as map reading and seminars. "The Jewish kids would either raise their hands and ask questions or get up and provide the answers," Koch notes ([04:30]), which caused tension among the physically dominant majority.

Confronting Antisemitism

A turning point in Koch's story occurs when a platoon member named Jack LaRue begins to openly challenge the Jewish soldiers. LaRue would mockingly ask, "Who's the next Yid?" every time a Jewish soldier participated in seminars ([05:45]). This behavior deeply affected Koch, stirring questions about how to address the growing animosity. "It seared my soul. I thought to myself, what can I do?" he reflects ([06:10]).

Determined to take action despite not being strong enough to physically confront LaRue initially, Koch intensified his training. "I said, I'm going to train myself. And I did," he asserts ([06:45]). By the fifteenth week of basic training, Koch felt prepared to stand up against the bullying behavior.

The Climactic Confrontation

During a seminar in the final weeks of training, LaRue once again disparages the Jewish soldiers. After the lecture, Koch approaches LaRue, grabs him by the neck, and confronts him: "When we get back to the battalion, we're going to have this out," he declares ([07:30]). This confrontation escalates into a fight, with Koch ultimately being overpowered by LaRue. Despite losing physically, Koch emphasizes the moral victory: "The moral of the story is...there was never, in the course of those two weeks, any Semitic slur," he concludes ([08:00]).

Reflections and Moral Insight

Edward Koch reflects on the significance of his actions, highlighting the importance of standing up against prejudice even when the odds are against you. "I felt I had done something," he states ([08:10]), underscoring the personal courage it took to confront antisemitism within his own ranks.

Conclusion

In "Ed Koch: Standing Up," listeners are offered a compelling glimpse into the challenges faced by young soldiers during World War II and the enduring impact of standing up for one's principles. Koch's narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of confronting injustice, regardless of personal cost.

This summary captures the essence of Ed Koch's story as presented in The Moth podcast episode "Standing Up," highlighting key moments, dialogues, and the moral lessons conveyed.