From the slums of the Jewish ghetto in New York City rose the most powerful underworld mob figures that America had ever Seen. Men like Meyer Lansky, Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, Arnold Rothstein and Louis Buchalter — to name a very few — honed their criminal skills in the back alleys, gambling dens and crowded, vice-ridden streets of the Lower East Side.
This one-of-kind walking tour traces the very steps of these notorious gangsters from childhood, as well as the men (and women) who came before them, paving the way for a National Crime Syndicate.
Visited on the Jewish Mob Walking Tour:
- Former homes and haunts of infamous gangsters
- Locations of shootouts and rubouts
- Sites of brothels, club houses, jails, and gambling parlors
- Prohibition-era warehouses, speakeasies and trading markets
- Much more!
Discussed on the Jewish Mob Walking Tour:
- The rise of the Jewish gangster in America
- How crime was organized in the slums of New York City
- Efforts to curb gangsterism from within the Jewish community
- The Jewish mob’s interaction with the Italian Mafia and other ethnic gangs
- The immigrant experience, and life in America’s first and foremost ghetto
- Much more!
Schedule:
Available as a private tour ($150 per group)
Reviews:
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Fabulous Tour - If you're looking for a unique experience of New York City, I highly recommend Eric Ferrara's Jewish Mob of the Lower East Side walking tour. Eric's depth of knowledge is... read more truly impressive as he brings history to life with engaging storytelling. He expertly weaves together the rich tapestry of Italia mob history with intriguing insights into the Jewish mob, offering a well-rounded view of the neighborhood's complex past.
Eric not only has a wealth of information but is also a genuinely nice guy who clearly cares about his guests' experience. Throughout the tour, he answered all our questions with patience and expertise, making it clear that he is a true authority on the subject. His deep connection to the area, having been born and raised there, adds an authentic layer to the tour that you won't find elsewhere. He pointed out numerous important locations, each one tied to a story that left us eager to learn more. Later, he even followed up with an email packed with recommended books, movies, and podcasts to continue our exploration of the topic.
Whether you're a history buff or just curious about the city's past, Eric Ferrara's tour is a must-do. You’ll walk away not only with a greater understanding of the Lower East Side's criminal history but also with a deeper appreciation for the vibrant culture that shaped it.
Wendy C
August 27, 2024
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Meets:
Location: No. 72 Second Avenue, corner of E. 4th Street (outside Bank of America)
Directions: F train to “2nd Ave/Lower East Side” stop, walk 4 short blocks up 2nd Avenue to E. 4th Street
View Google map/get directions
Your Guide:
Eric Ferrara is founder of the Lower East Side History Project, a published author and fourth-generation, native New Yorker whose family goes back four generations on the Lower East Side. He has consulted several movie & tv projects including History Channel, HBO’s Boardwalk Empire and Warner Brothers’ new Great Gatsby. His books include Manhattan Mafia Guide.
Ferrara has consulted several law enforcement agencies and crime victims as well as families and estates of many of the underworld figures discussed on the tour. These unique first-hand accounts, combined with 130 years of community insight and over a decade of active research, makes this excursion a one-of-a-kind experience for fans and aficionados alike.
Eric with Meyer Lansky II and Phil Genovese (grandson of Vito Genovese)
Eric Ferrara on tour in Little Italy
Eric Ferrara at Great Gatsby premier, Lincoln Center
Eric Ferrara interviewed for documentary about John Gotti
Eric Ferrara interviewed for documentary about "Iceman" Richard Kuklinski
Eric Ferrara and friends at Goodfellas 20th Anniversary
Eric Ferrara with director Baz Luhrman
Eric Ferrara with the real Henry Hill
Eric Ferrara with cast of "Making of the Mob: New York"
Eric Ferrara with the Lansky family
Eric Ferrara signing books at the Tenement Museum
Eric Ferrara lecturing at the New York Historical Society
Eric Ferrara with Tony Danza in Little Italy
Book this tour:
You can book now and pay by Zelle, Venmo, or in cash on day of the tour.