Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Oy Vey, Marty, Oy Vey
By
Jen Chung
Published Jan 19, 2004
Modified Mar 6, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Jan 19, 2004
Modified Mar 6, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
You just can't knock Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz down. In a story about the Department of Transportation nixing Markowitz's idea for a sign "Leaving Brooklyn: Oy Vey!", the Post includes on origin story stemming from the "Leaving Brooklyn...Fugheddaboutit" sign:
The "Fuhgeddaboudit" sign angered some motorists, who saw it as an anti-Italian stereotype.
Then one such driver asked the Jewish borough president how he would feel if there were a sign reading, "Leaving Brooklyn: Oy Vey!"
Markowitz said he told the man, "How would I feel? That's the best idea I ever heard!"
The DOT feels that Markowitz's quirky sign program is played out and some Jews agree. Yiddish expert Audrey Kupferberg says, "It just reaffirms that stereotype of Jews as people who fret about everything and say, 'Oy vey! Oy vey!' no matter what happens."
Markowitz and his wife incorporated "Fugheddaboutit" into their holiday card, which featured the blackout. Memorably, Markowitz waited at the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn Bridge, welcoming weary people home that sultry August day when the lights went out.
Tagged
borough president
Borough President Marty Markowitz
brooklyn
brooklyn borough president
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz
brooklyn bridge
department of transportation
dot
holiday
italian
marty markowitz
News: NYC
oy vey
people
The DOT
transportation
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 10:34 a.m. ET
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
News
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD searching for 'person of interest' in fatal Midtown subway platform shooting
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
By
Catalina Gonella
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .