Fiorello LaGuardia

Born to an Italian-Catholic father and a Jewish mother (whose family were Italian Jews from Trieste), Fiorello LaGuardia was, by lineage, half-Jewish. However, his upbringing was largely Episcopalian, and he rarely, if ever, identified publicly with his Jewish heritage. He spoke multiple languages, including Yiddish, which probably helped him connect with New York's diverse electorate, but didn't necessarily make him a regular at shul.

Despite his minimal Jewish identity, LaGuardia was a staunch opponent of Nazism and a vocal critic of antisemitism long before many American politicians dared to speak out. His strong moral compass and commitment to justice certainly align with Jewish values, even if his personal practice did not. He often used his Italian heritage as a shield against accusations of being too pro-Jewish, a tactic that worked surprisingly well in the political climate of his era.

As Mayor of New York City during the Great Depression, LaGuardia was a dynamo, bringing sweeping reforms, fighting crime, and launching massive public works projects. He cleaned up Tammany Hall, modernized the city, and was wildly popular, earning him high marks for kvell-worthiness. He proved that a politician could be both effective and ethical, a concept that sometimes feels as foreign as, well, a half-Jewish, Episcopalian mayor of New York.