Reaching Out to All Races, Jackson Says : ‘No One Can Miss’ Message to Jewish Voters, He Declares

Jesse Jackson said today that he has “sent a message no one can miss” to Jewish voters troubled by his past actions while a New York Democratic official said he sees “a clear sense of some movement” by the state’s party hierarchy toward Michael S. Dukakis.

Jackson, Dukakis and Sen. Albert Gore Jr. canvassed New York City in search of votes in the April 19 primary, which will decide the breakdown of 255 delegates.

In Manhattan, Jackson would not say whether he has agreed to meet with Jewish leaders to talk over his 1984 reference to New York City as “Hymietown” or his call for a Palestinian homeland but he said, “We continue to build relationships, we continue to heal relationships.”

‘End Any Vestiges’

He said he has reached out to all ethnic groups, including Jews. “Our own commitment is to end any vestiges of racism, of anti-Semitism, or sexism. . . . We’ve sent a message no one can miss,” he said.

In a speech Thursday to New York State Democratic Committee members, Jackson sought to alleviate Jewish fears over his policies by offering strong assurances for Israel’s security. (Story on page 14.)

New York Gov. Mario M. Cuomo and state party Chairman Laurence Kirwan sent a signal to other Democratic officials to line up behind one of the three Democrats in the race, and not await an endorsement from the governor. Gore and Jackson picked up some support, but party Executive Director John Marino said he thinks that the Massachusetts governor was the chief beneficiary.

“After yesterday, I got a clear sense of some movement to Dukakis,” Marino said today.

Poll Favors Dukakis

A poll released today said Dukakis is the choice of 47% of likely Democratic voters, while 31% backed Jackson. Gore was the choice of 6%.

New York Mayor Edward I. Koch said earlier this week that Jews would have to be “crazy” to vote for Jackson because of his views on Israel. Jackson brushed aside the remark, saying, “Let us keep this campaign above any form of racial or religious bigotry.”

Jackson came under strong criticism in 1984 for his relationship with Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam, who once described Judaism as a “gutter religion.”

Asked recently what his relationship now is with Farrakhan, Jackson said, “We do not have one. It is precisely that.”