Summary of "Eric Konigsberg: Crying Uncle" – The Moth Podcast Episode
Podcast Title: The Moth
Episode: Eric Konigsberg: Crying Uncle
Release Date: June 21, 2010
Introduction
In the gripping episode titled "Crying Uncle," storyteller Eric Konigsberg delves into a deeply personal and harrowing family history intertwined with organized crime. Recorded live at The Moth main stage in 2006, Eric shares his journey of uncovering his great uncle's dark legacy and its profound impact on his family.
The Assignment: Unveiling a Mafia Legacy
At 26, Eric was tasked with writing a magazine story about a Mafia murder case. In his quest for information, he reached out to a former detective, who surprisingly inquired about Eric's last name, suspecting a familial connection to the infamous Harold Konigsberg, a renowned Mafia hitman. This unexpected revelation sparked Eric's curiosity, leading him to consult his father.
Eric Konigsberg [05:15]: "I thought he meant Woody Allen, whose real name is Allen Konigsberg, and he's no relation to me."
Discovering the Family Connection
Upon discussing the matter with his father, Eric learned that Harold Konigsberg was indeed his great uncle, known within the family as Uncle Heschi. His father's immediate reaction was one of concern, urging Eric to abandon the assignment and sever any association with the Mafia-affiliated family name.
Eric Konigsberg [06:42]: "He said, why would you want your name, our family name, attached to someone like that?"
Digging Deeper: The Notorious Harold Konigsberg
Driven by curiosity, Eric conducted extensive research at the library, uncovering Harold Konigsberg's notorious reputation. Harold, also known as "Ko Ko Konigsberg," was a feared Mafia hitman involved with multiple Mafia families across New York and New Jersey. His criminal prowess extended beyond murder to extensive loan sharking operations, and he was infamous for his ability to manipulate the legal system, even overturning his own murder conviction.
Eric Konigsberg [10:30]: "He was kind of a freelance independent contractor, working for four of the five mafia families in New York, plus the one in New Jersey."
The Threatening Voicemail
In 1997, Eric received a chilling voicemail from Harold, introducing himself and hinting at a significant conversation. This unsolicited contact intensified Eric's determination to explore his great uncle's legacy, despite his father's warnings.
Harold Konigsberg's Voicemail [12:50]: "Mr. Konigsberg. That's your name, ain't it? Eric Konigsberg? ... It's a very, very interesting conversation."
The First Visit: A Frightening Encounter
In the summer of 1998, Eric visited Harold at the Auburn Correctional Facility. The initial meeting was unsettling; Harold displayed a duality of charm and menace, reminiscing about family while simultaneously making aggressive threats.
Eric Konigsberg [14:20]: "He said, the day an article comes out that has your name on it and my name in it, I'm going to kill you."
Harold's unpredictable behavior culminated in graphic threats, forcing Eric to confront the perilous reality of his great uncle's nature.
Harold Konigsberg [16:45]: "I'm gonna shove this up your ass and light a firecracker in it."
The Aftermath: Family and Editorial Pressure
Returning to New York, Eric faced mounting pressure from both his editor at The New Yorker and his distressed family. His father adamantly opposed continuing the story, fearing for Eric's safety against Harold's lethal threats.
Eric Konigsberg's Father [19:10]: "I didn't raise my son to be a writer so he could let some villain tell him what to do."
Resolving the Conflict: Family Intervention
In a desperate bid to protect Eric, his grandmother intervened by involving Harold's adult daughter. This familial intervention momentarily quelled Harold's aggressive stance, but the underlying tensions remained unresolved.
Eric Konigsberg [20:30]: "She said, well, my sister and I are all he has right now. He does whatever we tell him."
Conclusion: Lingering Shadows and Unanswered Questions
Despite the interventions, Eric's exploration of Harold's life did not lead to a newfound openness within his family. When his book was published, reactions were mixed, with lingering disbelief and denial overshadowing any potential reconciliation.
Eric Konigsberg's Grandmother [21:05]: "Why would you write a story about someone and only mention the bad things?"
Eric concludes his story reflecting on the complexities of family legacy, the pursuit of truth, and the enduring impact of confronting one's own history intertwined with darkness and danger.
Notable Quotes
- Eric Konigsberg: "He'd never leave you alone. What good could possibly come of it?" [07:15]
- Harold Konigsberg: "I can rip your fucking brain out of your head before the guards get here." [17:50]
- Eric Konigsberg's Father: "I couldn't call him Uncle Heschi, and I couldn't even call him Heschi." [18:30]
- Eric Konigsberg: "I was really frightened." [19:50]
Final Thoughts
Eric Konigsberg's "Crying Uncle" is a compelling narrative that weaves personal memoir with the harrowing realities of organized crime. Through his candid storytelling, Eric invites listeners into a world where family ties and dark legacies collide, offering profound insights into the complexities of identity, loyalty, and the quest for understanding one's past.