JTA: The Global News Service of the Jewish People

Talansky tales

By Uriel Heilman · July 15, 2008

We've heard a lot of things about Long Island Jewish businessman Morris Talansky since he was linked two months ago to alleged financial improprieties involving Ehud Olmert. Now comes New York magazine with a piece offering more details about the "Great Neck macher."

A transcript of secret tapes obtained by New York Magazine suggests that Talansky can indeed be willful and determined, and even threatening.

Among the details:

• Talansky suggested that a debtor's car would be bombed if he didn't return money he owed Talansky.
• Talansky sent three "goons" to the home of a debtor to intimidate him and his associates, including rabbis, whom Talansky felt had fleeced him.
And then, of course, there's the stuff we already knew, like that Talansky is under investigation in Nassau County for allegedly assaulting his 84-year-old former dentist over a bill dispute.

Back in Israel, Talasnky, 75, is scheduled to be cross-examined this week by Olmert's lawyers.