Apology of the day

[yankeedoodle]

Roald Dahl museum to place apology plaque marking his antisemitism       
The author said that Jews had switched 'from victims to barbarous murderers'
https://www.thejc.com/news/news/roald-dahl-museum-to-place-apology-plaque-marking-his-antisemitism-5NYrrTZOchYJ033S2HQy09

The Roald Dahl museum has said the author's racism was "undeniable and indelible" in an anti-racism statement published on their website.

In the statement, issued online and to be displayed on a panel in the museum's entryway, the charity said that they "deeply apologise" for the impact of his antisemitism.

The author of Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was a "contradictory person," they said. "He could be kind...however, there are also recorded impacts of him being very unkind and worse, including writing and saying antisemitic things about Jewish people".

They maintain that Dahl's "creative legacy is an important part of the heritage of English literature, but importantly does not mean flawless".

Roald Dahl admitted in 1990 that he had "become antisemitic". In an interview with the New Statesman in 1983, he said: "There is a trait in the Jewish character that does provoke animosity". "Even a stinker like Hitler didn't pick on them for no reason," he continued.

Dahl also said that Jews had "switched so rapidly from victims to barbarous murderers," and that the US was "so utterly dominated by the great Jewish financial institutions" that the country "dare not defy Israel".

The Roald Dahl museum worked on its apology with Jewish organisations, including the Board of Deputies, the Antisemitism Policy Trust, and the Communities Securities Trust. Danny Stone, chief executive of the Antisemitism Policy Trust, said that the museum engaged with them "in good faith". He said "the desire of staff to educate themselves on antisemitism" was clear.

Two years ago, the author's family apologised for his antisemitism. The apology, which the museum has endorsed, said that the "prejudiced remarks... stand in marked contrast to the man we knew and to the values at the heart of Roald Dahl's stories".

Roald Dahl's work has been criticised since his death. In 2018, plans to celebrate his work with a commemorative coin were dropped because of concerns at the Royal Mint over his antisemitism. They said he was "not regarded as an author of the highest reputation".

This February, the Telegraph reported that Dahl's books had been altered by "sensitivity readings". Dahl also changed his books himself. In the first edition of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the Oompa-Loompas were enslaved by Willy Wonka from the "deepest and darkest parts of the African jungle". By 1973, they were "little fantasy creatures".

The Roald Dahl museum was founded in 2001 by the author's widow, Liccy. Their objective as a charity is to "further the education of the public in the art of literature and creativity".

[yankeedoodle]

'It's out there on the box score': Johnny Bench doubles down on apology after making antisemitic joke
https://www.wcpo.com/sports/baseball/reds/its-out-there-on-the-box-score-johnny-bench-doubles-down-on-apology-after-making-antisemitic-joke
https://www.wcpo.com/sports/baseball/reds/its-out-there-on-the-box-score-johnny-bench-doubles-down-on-apology-after-making-antisemitic-joke

At a ceremony honoring the 2023 Johnny Bench Awards winners, the World Series champion once again spoke about the antisemitic joke he made during a Reds Hall of Fame press conference over the weekend.

Danny Graves, Bronson Arroyo and the late Gabe Paul were selected to be inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame this year. During their press conference Saturday, Paul's daughter Jennie spoke about her father's time as Cincinnati's general manager and his dedication to helping minority players.

"He was a minority himself — I don't know if many of you know that he was Jewish," Jennie Paul said. "He was a very big proponent for the underdog because he was an underdog himself. He went into the Latin leagues and the Negro leagues and he signed as many minority players as he could. Which strengthened the Reds. You have a team in Cincinnati today because of Gabe Paul, I'm so proud to be representing him so thank you so much."

Later on, Reds great Pete Rose spoke about signing a contract out of high school "for $400 a month."

"That's cheap!" Jennie Paul interrupted.

After a few laughs, Johnny Bench chimed in.

"He was Jewish!" Bench said across the stage.

Bench later apologized, saying in a statement: "I recognize my comment was insensitive. I apologized to Jennie for taking away from her father the full attention he deserves. Gabe Paul earned his place in the Reds Hall of Fame, same as the others who stood on that stage, I am sorry that some of the focus is on my inappropriate remark instead of solely on Gabe's achievement."

On Tuesday, Bench said he wanted to stand by his statement.

"It's out there on the box score," Bench said. "People know I misstepped and I apologized for it and that's where it will stay from now on. I've got too many people that I respect and love to offend at any point anyone at any time."



See video here: 
http://theinfounderground.com/smf/index.php?topic=31220.0

[yankeedoodle]

Former Mexican President Vicente Fox apologized to the Jewish community after dismissing political opponent Claudia Sheinbaum, a frontrunner in the developing 2024 presidential race, as a "Bulgarian Jew." 

Former Mexican president calls leading Jewish Mexican politician a 'Bulgarian Jew'
https://www.jta.org/2023/07/27/global/former-mexican-president-calls-leading-jewish-mexican-politician-a-bulgarian-jew
Former Mexican President Vicente Fox apologized to the Jewish community after dismissing political opponent Claudia Sheinbaum, a frontrunner in the developing 2024 presidential race, as a "Bulgarian Jew."

Fox, a right-wing populist and former Coca-Cola executive who was president of Mexico from 2000 to 2006, frequently critiques the country's current left-wing president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, in public appearances. Last week, he complained in an interview about López Obrador's move to stop monthly pension payments for retired presidents by using a derogatory slur to call out "lazy" people who "don't belong in the government or in the country," the Los Angeles Times reported.

Sheinbaum and other leaders of López Obrador's Morena party condemned Fox's comments. Fox then tweeted out rebuttals, calling Sheinbaum a "Bulgarian Jew" and Marcelo Ebrard, a former foreign minister also in the Morena party, a "French snob."

Fox is a frequent provocateur whose National Action Party is conservative and has strong ties to the Catholic Church. "The only Mexican is Xóchitl!" Fox added, referring to his preferred presidential candidate Xóchitl Gálvez, a National Action senator.

Sheinbaum's father's family immigrated from Lithuania and her mother's family immigrated from Bulgaria. Ebrard is a descendant of French immigrants.

Fox later apologized, writing, "I have a profound respect for the Jewish community."

The episode highlighted how Sheinbaum, who rarely discusses her Jewish heritage, is already dealing with questions about her identity at the start of what will be an intense fight for her party's presidential nomination. The L.A. Times reported that she has been derided as a "foreigner" in political discourse and that she recently tweeted out her birth certificate in response.

https://twitter.com/Claudiashein/status/1674129481827581952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1674129481827581952%7Ctwgr%5E47487b23db36f989067de5dffddfc88d4d171507%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jta.org%2F2023%2F07%2F27%2Fglobal%2Fformer-mexican-president-calls-leading-jewish-mexican-politician-a-bulgarian-jew

Sheinbaum became Mexico City's first Jewish mayor when elected in 2018. Her popularity has soared since then, and she decided to leave the post to run for a presidential nomination against the incumbent in her party. She has emerged as the main competition for López Obrador in Morena, which is expected to name a nominee in September for next year's election.

If elected, Sheinbaum would be Mexico's first Jewish and first woman president.

Sheinbaum, 60, was also previously a well-respected physics and engineering professor who helped the United Nations research climate change.

[yankeedoodle]

An Argentine restaurant has apologised after launching an 'Anne Frank burger' and 'Adolf fries' on their menu.

Outrage as Argentine restaurant launches 'Anne Frank burger' and 'Adolf fries'     
Jewish community leaders said the actions of Honky Donky restaurant were 'offensive'
https://www.thejc.com/news/world/outrage-as-argentine-restaurant-launches-anne-frank-burger-and-adolf-fries-7wWra6zK5MybPFTW1FyvCI

An Argentine restaurant has apologised after launching an 'Anne Frank burger' and 'Adolf fries' on their menu.

The Honky Donky restaurant in Rafaela, Santa Fe Province launched the products named after Holocaust victim Anne Frank and German dictator Adolf Hitler.

The 'Anne Frank burger' which is on sale for £9.90 (3,500 Argentine pesos) consists of a beef patty, tomato, pickles, lettuce and mayonnaise.

The 'Adolf fries' are made with cheddar, bacon and green onion.

Unsurprisingly, neither products are kosher.

Local Jewish community leaders have condemned the restaurant and threatened legal action against the Honky Donky.

In a statement on Facebook, the Rafaela Jewish Community said: "In light of the fact that a fast-food place in our city has trivially used the names of Anne Frank and Adolf to identify their products, the Jewish Community of Rafaela expresses it's repulsion and indignation."

The statement went on to say that "legal action would be taken" over the matter. "We appreciate the great support received," they concluded.

The Israelite Cultural and Sports Association 'IL Peretz', also sent a letter to the restaurant.

According to several Argentinian media outlets, it said naming the products after Anne Frank and Adolf Hitler was "offensive, insulting and disgusting".

It adds: "It is not only offensive to the victims of racist genocide, but also offends human dignity."

Following the backlash, the restaurant issued an apology and agreed to rename the items.

In a statement on social media, they said: "We apologise for the offence caused." They noted that the Anne Frank burger was now named after Anne Boleyn, one of the wives of Henry VIII.

It also agreed to name products after figures who promoted peace and stood up for human rights including Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela.

Note:  This is also Picture of the Day.  See  http://theinfounderground.com/smf/index.php?topic=29481.msg99637#msg99637 

[yankeedoodle]

Actor Jamie Foxx has issued an apology to "the Jewish community and everyone who was offended" by a social media post that appeared to suggest Jews were responsible for killing Jesus and are therefore inherently untrustworthy.

Jamie Foxx 'sorry for causing offence' to Jewish community with 'they killed Jesus' post   
In a now-deleted Instagram post Foxx appeared to endorse the myth of Jewish deicide, but later denied this was his intention
https://www.thejc.com/news/news/jamie-foxx-sorry-for-causing-offense-to-jewish-community-with-they-killed-jesus-post-78WrxKAY5VhW8bVgCkpaEp

Actor Jamie Foxx has issued an apology to "the Jewish community and everyone who was offended" by a social media post that appeared to suggest Jews were responsible for killing Jesus and are therefore inherently untrustworthy.

In a now-deleted Instagram post published on Saturday, the Django Unchained actor, 55, wrote: "They killed this dude name Jesus...What do you think they'll do to you? [sic]" The message was accompanied by the cryptic hashtags #fakefriends and #fakelove.

While the post did not specifically mention Jews, the "they" alluded to was widely interpreted by social media users to be referring to the Jewish people, and to be endorsing the false, antisemitic claim that Jews are collectively responsible for the death of Jesus – a Jew killed by the ruling Roman authorities of the time.

The false accusation of Jewish deicide has been levelled against the Jewish people for millennia and has persisted despite declarations from Christian leaders there is no evidence to support this claim.

In his 2011 book Jesus of Nazareth, Part II, Pope Benedict XVI said: "There is no basis in the scripture for the argument that the Jewish people were responsible for the death of Jesus Christ."

Foxx's post continued to garner attention on Saturday after actress Jennifer Aniston, who rose to prominence playing a Jewish character, Rachel Green, in the US sitcom Friends, appeared to "like" the message.

Aniston later published a statement on her own account claiming she had liked Foxx's post neither "on purpose [nor] by accident".

The statement, which did not specify what she had intended, read: "This really makes me sick. I did not 'like' this post on purpose or by accident. And more importantly, I want to be clear to my friends and anyone hurt by this showing up in their feed - I do not support any type of antisemitism. And I truly don't tolerate hate of any kind. Period."

After deleting his original post, Foxx published an apology for his "choice of words" in which he insisted it was "never [his] intent" to cause "offence".

Foxx, whose real name is Eric Marlon Bishop, said: "I want to apologize to the Jewish community and everyone who was offended by my post. I now know my choice of words have caused offense and I'm sorry. That was never my intent."

He continued: "To clarify, I was betrayed by a fake friend and that's what I meant with 'they' not anything more.

"I only have love in my heart for everyone. I love and support the Jewish community."

Foxx signed off by offering his "deepest apologies to anyone who was offended", and a series of heart emoji, adding "nothing but love always".

[yankeedoodle]

Arrogant kikes demand that a Christian delete a tweet they don't like, but she, and other Christians, force a kike to apologize.   

A few hours after their initial condemnations, in the face of a wave of disapproval from Christian Twitter accounts, both Miller and Weinstein recanted their criticism of Marbach with Miller tweeting: "I posted something earlier that conveyed a message I did not intend... I sincerely apologize to Lizzie and to everyone who read my post."

https://twitter.com/MaxMillerOH/status/1691617105924272208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1691617105924272208%7Ctwgr%5E279994c09e651f0abe668dbada7d0f86d8d0bccc%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thejc.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fjewish-congressmen-attack-former-trump-staffer-over-controversial-jesus-tweet-2zgW64C18BTl7R2IOybhQ5

Jewish congressmen attack former Trump staffer over controversial Jesus tweet
The politicians called on Lizzie Marbach to apologise after saying 'all knees must bend to Jesus'
https://www.thejc.com/news/world/jewish-congressmen-attack-former-trump-staffer-over-controversial-jesus-tweet-2zgW64C18BTl7R2IOybhQ5

Republican politicians in the state of Ohio have become embroiled in a fiery political spat after criticising a political operative for saying that "every knee will bow to Jesus."

Lizzie Marbach, the director of communications for the Ohio Right to Life anti-abortion group, initially tweeted that "there's no hope for any of us outside of having faith in Jesus Christ alone."

She initially faced criticism from Max Miller, a Jewish Congressman from Ohio's 7th district and former Trump White House aide, who was endorsed by Donald Trump when he ran for the seat in 2022.

Miller, who was appointed to the Trump administration's Holocaust Memorial council, sarcastically replied to Marbach, saying: "God says that Jewish people are the chosen ones, but yet you say we have no hope. Thanks for your pearl of wisdom today."

Marbach then replied to Miller saying: "Sorry, Congressman, but these are the words of Jesus himself.

"'Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

"No one has hope outside of Jesus Christ and every knee will bow one day declaring that Jesus Chris is Lord."

Miller then escalated the broiges, calling her post "One of the most bigoted tweets I have ever seen" and urging her to delete it saying: "religious freedom in the United States applies to every religion."

Miller was joined by another prominent Ohio politician from across the aisle, Democratic Representative Casey Weinstein. Weinstein, who is also Jewish, said in a now-deleted tweet: "We may be on opposite sides of the aisle, but I stand with Max on this. Delete it, Lizzie."

A few hours after their initial condemnations, in the face of a wave of disapproval from Christian Twitter accounts, both Miller and Weinstein recanted their criticism of Marbach with Miller tweeting: "I posted something earlier that conveyed a message I did not intend... I sincerely apologize to Lizzie and to everyone who read my post."

Many figures in the far-right wing of the Republican party supported Marbach, telling her that she had "unified Christian Twitter."




UPDATE - AUGUST 17, 2023

The jews have gotten revenge for the new Miller having been forced to apologize.  Which means, of course, you never can trust - and must never accept - an apology from a jew.   

Christian Woman Gets FIRED After Jewish Ohio Congressmen Accuse Her of 'Bigotry' For Sharing Gospel
https://www.informationliberation.com/?id=63917

[yankeedoodle]

A Conservative MP has apologised for failing to do due diligence in hiring a disgraced councillor who had shared posts about "Nazi-Zionists" and "British MPs working for Israel" — but has insisted that he will not give him the sack.

Tory MP hires councillor suspended by Labour after posting about 'Zionist lobby'
Backbencher Paul Bristow apologises for the move but insists he won't sack the ex-Labour official
https://www.thejc.com/news/politics/tory-mp-hires-councillor-suspended-by-labour-after-posting-about-'zionist-lobby'-XOCDkMRAfTh53KwEYhfpQ

A Conservative MP has apologised for failing to do due diligence in hiring a disgraced councillor who had shared posts about "Nazi-Zionists" and "British MPs working for Israel" — but has insisted that he will not give him the sack.

Peterborough MP Paul Bristow said he knew Ansar Ali had been suspended by Labour in 2021 for alleged antisemitism but had not "closely checked" the reasons for the disciplinary action. He had not seen a JC article revealing further controversial posts by Ali, he added.

The MP is continuing to employ Ali, a former Labour councillor, as a caseworker and translator in his constituency office.

Bristow said he wanted to give the former councillor the chance to "make amends". Ali "regrets deeply this social media activity and now sees clearly why it is antisemitic", he added.

Ali served as a Labour representative on Peterborough council from 2015 until May this year. He was suspended by Sir Keir Starmer's party in 2021 after posting that he was "boycotting the biased BBC" because it "didn't want to upset the Zionist Israeli government lobby".

He was reinstated in July 2022 after a party investigation. But last year, the JC revealed that he had also shared a post asking, "How many British MPs are working for Israel?" He had also posted a claim that a Nazi-era medal, struck for propaganda purposes, with a Star of David on one side and a swastika on the other, was evidence of "Nazi-Zionist collaboration".

Bristow acknowledged that he had been aware of Ali's suspension when he gave him his job, and that although he had been a magistrate, community activist and councillor for many years, "this does not give him a free pass".

However, in an article for the JC, Bristow admitted: "I should have checked closely the reasons for his suspension back in 2021."

And he recognised that "many would be astonished to see me welcome one of these former Labour councillors into my office".

The MP said that on being made aware of the inflammatory posts, he had discussed the issue with Ali. "He regrets deeply this social media activity and now sees clearly why it is antisemitic," Bristow wrote for the JC. "In an environment where material such as this (and worse) is being shared openly, he should have known much better.

"I know some will disagree with my decision to give Ansar a chance to make amends. People may be disappointed. I understand this. But I am convinced that Ansar will stand with me in the fight against hatred and antisemitism. He will use his experience and mistakes as lessons for others.

"Ultimately the proof will be in actions, not words, and I look forward to this being demonstrated. By having his support, I will make a bigger difference than asking him to walk away."

He also said that antisemitism was "a stain on my city", and that the time had come to "lift this shadow" with antisemitism training for all elected officials.

Ali told the JC: "In the past I have commented and shared social media posts that I now fully understand would have caused hurt and distress to members of the Jewish faith. This was wrong, and I deeply regret any hurt I have caused to the Jewish community and others.

"I have always considered myself someone who works to bring diverse communities in Peterborough and beyond together. These specific examples of social media activity fell well short of this aspiration.

"I shall work to ensure all community leaders strive to eliminate antisemitism and all forms of racial hatred and division wherever it is expressed. I aspire for a just and peaceful world where humanity comes first. Justice for All. Love for all, hate for none."

A further 13 Labour councillors were suspended by Labour at the same time as Ali in 2021, along with a Conservative, Ishfaq Hussein, who had shared posts accusing Israel of "genocide" and a claim that "Zionism is one of the worst afflictions in the world."   

He was reinstated last year and said then that he "deeply regretted" the posts and that he accepted he had "acted irresponsibly".

Bristow claimed that although social media posts hostile to Jews sometimes stemmed from criticism of Israel's government, this this "all too easily leads to holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel", while "you may often see people demanding Israel act to a set of standards not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation".

Such statements, says Bristow, clearly meet the International Holocaust Memorial Association's definition of antisemitism.

"We need to go much further than simply apologising and moving on," Bristow writes. "I think all councillors in Peterborough need to go through antisemitism training as a matter of course.  We have a deserved reputational issue.  We owe it to Peterborough to address it."

[yankeedoodle]

In response, Robinson did not publicly apologize for the posts but he said he would no longer make them. He met with a group of local Jewish leaders in 2021 and says he privately apologized to them.   

Meet Mark Robinson, the Republican frontrunner in the North Carolina governor's race accused of antisemitism
https://www.jta.org/2023/09/06/politics/meet-mark-robinson-the-republican-frontrunner-in-the-north-carolina-governors-race-accused-of-antisemitism

The Facebook post in early August condemning antisemitic flyers left around Raleigh might not have been surprising, coming from North Carolina's lieutenant governor.

But for Lieutenant Gov. Mark Robinson, the statement marked something of a change in tone. After the Republican was elected to the state's second-highest office in 2020, revelations emerged that he was the prolific author of Facebook posts downplaying the threat of Nazism, invoking antisemitic stereotypes and targeting other minority groups.

At the time, Robinson's track record earned him criticism from local Jewish leaders and national commentators; the Republican Jewish Coalition called his comments "clearly antisemitic." In response, Robinson did not publicly apologize for the posts but he said he would no longer make them. He met with a group of local Jewish leaders in 2021 and says he privately apologized to them.

Now, as Robinson runs for governor — and increasingly appears on track to become the Republican nominee next year — North Carolinians must decide whether Robinson has earned their trust. For some local Jews, that means taking him more seriously.

"Most of us find it hard to believe that he will be the candidate," said Randall Kaplan, a board member of the Jewish Democratic Council of America who is also married to Rep. Kathy Manning, a Jewish Democrat who represents North Carolina in Congress. "I think most of us are in denial."

Here's what you need to know about Robinson, his contentious social media presence and his campaign to lead North Carolina.

He's a political newcomer whose star is rising.
Robinson has risen rapidly in state politics in recent years after a life spent out of the spotlight. A native of Greensboro, his campaign website says he was the ninth of 10 children and that his alcoholic father abused his mother. He studied at the University of North Carolina Greensboro with hopes of becoming a history professor, has worked in furniture factories and also opened a daycare center with his wife. He filed for bankruptcy in 1998, 1999 and 2003.

Robinson's improbable rise in the GOP began in early April 2018, when he spoke before the Greensboro City Council about preserving gun owners' rights following the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, two months earlier in which 17 students and teachers were killed.

"I'm a law-abiding citizen who's never shot anybody," he said in the four-minute speech. "Every time we have one of these shootings, nobody wants to put the blame where it goes, which is at the shooter's feet. You want to put it at my feet."

The appearance went viral. Robinson went on in 2020 to win the lieutenant governor's job with 51.6% of the vote against his Democratic opponent. He is also a National Rifle Association board member and speaker at events calling for gun rights, including the NRA's annual meeting this past April.

Now, Robinson is the Republican frontrunner in the high-profile contest for governor. At a June rally in Greensboro, former President Donald Trump pledged to endorse Robinson, calling him "one of the great stars of the party."

Other candidates on the Republican side include State Treasurer Dale Folwell, former Rep. Mark Walker, former State Senator Andy Wells and former healthcare executive Jesse Thomas.

Whoever wins the March 2024 primary will likely face the state's Jewish attorney general, Josh Stein, who is so far running unopposed for the Democratic nomination.

Robinson would be North Carolina's first Black governor, Stein its first Jewish one. Polls show them running a close race, though the election is more than a year away. Stein is winning the campaign funds battle to date: His campaign raised about $6 million this year through June, while Robinson's campaign raised $2.2 million during the same period.

Stein has also seized upon some of Robinson's comments. Robinson's "brand of extremism is off the charts," Stein told Charlotte radio station WFAE.

Robinson has a history of inflammatory comments referencing Jews and other groups.
Before his first political campaign in 2020, Robinson was an active and controversial Facebook user whose posts downplayed the need to discuss the Nazis' evil.

"I am so sick of seeing and hearing people STILL talk about Nazis and Hitler and how evil and manipulative they were. NEWS FLASH PEOPLE, THE NAZIS (National Socialist) ARE GONE! We did away with them," he declared in a 2017 post first uncovered by Jewish Insider, which has tracked Robinson's comments since he took office.

"Marxist Socialist(s)" and communism pose the bigger threat and control the media, he maintained. "After all, who do you think has been pushing this Nazi boogeyman narrative all these years?"

Later that year, in another post, Robinson wrote, "Please STOP wasting my time, your time, and the time of your fellow conservatives talking about, and making mention of, the NAZIS who have been DEAD since 1945."

He has also targeted other groups, including LGBTQ people, Muslims and others. "Note to liberals; I'll accept 'Gay Pride' when you accept 'White Pride,'" he wrote in 2014, according to screenshots posted by the liberal news site Talking Points Memo. Another post read, "I believe that homosexuality is a sin and that those people who are 'proudly coming out of the closet' are standing in open rebellion against God."

In 2018, he railed on Facebook that the hit superhero movie "Black Panther" was "created by an agnostic Jew and put to film by satanic marxist." Invoking an antisemitic trope about Jewish pursuit of money and using a Yiddish slur for Black people, Robinson, who is Black, wrote that the film was "only created to pull the shekels out of your Schvartze pockets." The following year, the News and Observer in Raleigh reported that he responded affirmatively to a far-right religious leader who invoked an antisemitic conspiracy theory.

After national news organizations called attention to Robinson's posts after his election, he said they would not continue.

"When I made those posts as a private citizen, I was speaking directly to issues that I'm passionate about," he said upon taking office. "As a public servant, I have to put those opinions behind me and do what's right for everyone in North Carolina."

The CEO of the Republican Jewish Coalition, Matt Brooks, said at the time he was not satisfied with Robinson's response. "His refusal to apologize is troubling and unacceptable to us," Brooks said.

As lieutenant governor, Robinson has tried to play it straighter.
While Robinson has not issued a public apology, he met with Jewish leaders from Greensboro shortly after taking office to discuss their concerns about his posts. Marilyn Chandler, CEO of the Greensboro Jewish Federation, helped to organize and participated in the virtual meeting, which included Jewish participants as well as Robinson and members of his staff.

During the meeting, Chandler and other Jewish leaders expressed their deep concerns about antisemitic remarks Robinson had made on social media prior to becoming lieutenant governor. He shared a press statement addressing these issues, though it is unclear if the statement has been released publicly.

Mike Lonergan, communications director for Robinson's campaign for governor, told JTA that Robinson "met with dozens of rabbis and Jewish leaders from across NC" after taking office, and that he "expressed remorse, and communicated a desire to learn more about the Jewish community in an effort to understand how he can better serve them as an elected official."

After speaking with several rabbis across the state, JTA was unable to independently confirm additional meetings Robinson had with Jewish leaders beyond the one in Greensboro.

Robinson also addressed his contentious Facebook posts and said he apologized for them in his memoir. The book, titled "We Are The Majority: The Life and Passions of a Patriot," was published in September 2022.

"It came off the wrong way," he wrote, according to a photo of the book's text shared by Lonergan. "When people called me and asked about it, that's what I told them. And I apologized to them. It's the only time I've ever apologized for anything I put on Facebook. It did come out wrong. I knew the truth of what I was trying to say, but I should have chosen different words."

His social media presence of late has taken on a different character. Recently, on his official page as lieutenant governor, Robinson has appeared to make a point of condemning antisemitism publicly — including the flyers in Raleigh. Adopting a pro-Israel outlook that is de rigueur among Republicans, he has also called out recent criticism of Israel by Democrats.

"Democrat Congresswoman Jayapal labeling Israel a 'racist state' is unjust and plain wrong," he wrote on Facebook in response to comments made in July by Rep. Pramila Jayapal, an influential Democrat from Washington who later walked the statement back. "These harmful antisemitic comments are not representative of our nation's values. We stand firmly with Israel, our steadfast ally."

But Robinson has not entirely avoided hot-button issues or the controversy that can accompany them. His tenure as second-in-command has included a campaign against what he sees as left-wing political indoctrination in schools. In March 2021, he formed the Fairness and Accountability in the Classroom for Teachers and Students, or FACTS, task force, and in an August press conference, he said he was combating teachers who put "undue pressure on young minds to accept their way of thinking."

Earlier this summer, he went viral after speaking at a conference held by Moms for Liberty, the conservative group that is fueling book bans in school districts across the United States.

"Whether you're talking about Adolf Hitler, whether you're talking about Chairman Mao, whether you're talking about Stalin, whether you're talking about Pol Pot, whether you're talking about [Fidel] Castro in Cuba, or whether you're talking about a dozen other despots all around the globe, it is time for us to get back and start reading some of those quotes. It's time for us to start teaching our children some of those quotes," he said. "It's time for us to start teaching our children about the dirty, despicable, awful things that those communist and socialist despots did in our history."

People who viewed a clip of the speech without the condemnatory final sentence blasted Robinson for endorsing the views of history's worst dictators. Stein's campaign said in a press release that Robinson "promotes reading of quotes from global dictators." The full video of the speech, however, showed that Robinson was not endorsing the dictators' views.

Jewish groups are voicing concern — though Robinson has Jewish supporters, too.
In July, the North Carolina Jewish Clergy Association, the Democratic Majority for Israel and six North Carolina Democratic members of Congress sent a letter to state Republican leaders asking them to strongly condemn Robinson's remarks.

"His inflammatory statements invoke harmful stereotypes and conspiracy theories, downplay the Holocaust, and denigrate entire groups of human beings," the letter said. "They are not just deeply troubling, but downright dangerous."

To date, none of the people who received the letter have publicly responded to it. Manning, a signatory on the letter, said she remained concerned about Robinson.

"The fact that we have a gubernatorial candidate in the state of North Carolina who makes antisemitic comments, who veers on Holocaust denial, is very frightening," Manning, co-chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, told JTA.

For Rabbi Barbara Thiede, assistant professor of religious studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the danger of Robinson's rise comes from his potential to inspire extremists to take action. She said she thought some of her fellow Jews may not be adequately concerned by the possibility that he could become governor.

"They may not appreciate the danger that Robinson and others like him pose to their safety," Thiede said. "Speech is not unrelated to action, even if one person is doing the speaking and the next is taking up the weapon — whatever that may be."

Not all North Carolina Jews oppose Robinson's candidacy. Jeremy Stephenson, a Charlotte attorney who previously ran as a Republican for local school board and served for two years as general counsel of the Mecklenburg County Republican Party, said he plans to vote for Robinson in the primary.

Stephenson dismisses the "hyperventilation from the left" about the candidate and told JTA that he isn't worried about "isolated Facebook posts which are then blasted in paid social media from the Dems."

"The Jewish Republicans I know are strongly in favor of Robinson, particularly in contrast with Stein," Stephenson said. "I think Josh Stein has far more antisemitic friends on the left who he has been unwilling to distance himself from, and will accept donations from, in running for governor."

Stephenson said he believes Robinson's embrace of religion in the public sphere would have benefits for Jews in the state. "I think that Robinson in many ways will embolden more people to be more comfortable expressing their religious beliefs," he said. "And that includes Jews."

While it's clear that Robinson's past comments will draw more attention in the coming months, as the primary season heats up, it's unclear how much North Carolina Jews will hear that chatter in their synagogues.

At Temple of Israel in Wilmington, the oldest Jewish congregation in the state, Rabbi Emily Losben-Ostrov said she's keenly aware of the diverse viewpoints in her congregation, which she characterizes as "purple."

Losben-Ostrov serves on the steering committee of the Jewish Clergy Association, which authorized the letter about Robinson. At the same time, she said she talks about Jewish values but not about any single politician or political party from the bimah.

"I want the synagogue to be a place for unity and for escaping some of the difficulties of the things that divide us," she said, adding, "It's a dual job I need to do. One is to stand up to hate and two is to also keep our community connected."

[yankeedoodle]

Ohio school board member apologizes for giving Nazi salute at public meeting
https://www.jta.org/2023/09/07/united-states/ohio-school-board-member-apologizes-for-giving-nazi-salute-at-public-meeting

A school board member outside Dayton, Ohio, has apologized after delivering a Nazi salute and uttering "Sieg heil" at the board's president during a public meeting this week.

Anne Zakkour was initially defiant when fellow board members and local Jewish groups denounced her after she made the gesture, during a meeting Tuesday of the Tipp City Board of Education. The gesture came after the board president chastised her for trying to interrupt him.

The board president, Simon Patry, "does have a dictator mentality," Zakkour told the Dayton Jewish Observer. She said she was making a "sarcastic gesture" of "submission to a board member trying to act like a dictator" and did not intend it as alarming to Jews.

"That was in no way meant to be anything towards the Jewish people," Zakkour told the Jewish newspaper. "If we don't identify, even at a local level, if we don't call out suppression and oppression, I'm not an expert at this, but isn't that how some of this snowballed with Hitler and Nazism?"

But Zakkour expressed a more regretful tone after two other board members; the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton; Ohio's regional Anti-Defamation League office; and Ohio Jewish Communities, the umbrella organization of Ohio's eight Jewish federations, all denounced her actions. (A third board member, who was out of town during the incident, declined to comment.)

"Invoking Nazism with a 'Sieg heil' salute during a school board meeting, a place meant to support and guide our youth, is outrageous, offensive, and potentially dangerous," Kelly Fishman, regional director of the ADL based in Cleveland, told the Dayton Jewish Observer. "Hateful gestures and words cannot be normalized by local officials who are tasked with representing everyone in their communities."

Tipp City, located about 16 miles north of Dayton, is home to about 10,000 people. It does not have a large Jewish population; a synagogue in a nearby town that counts Tipp City among the populations served describes itself as "a very small Reform congregation."

The local federation CEO, Cathy Gardner, said she did not believe Zakkour "had antisemitic intent" but said the board member's actions "highlight the need for education and a deeper understanding for all."

Ohio does not currently have a law requiring Holocaust education in schools; last year, a Republican lawmaker on the other side of the state made headlines by suggesting that a law he sponsored about instruction on "divisive concepts" would call for schools to teach from the Nazi perspective in addition to their victims' perspective when presenting about the Holocaust.

"Flippant, casual references to Hitler, the Nazi regime, or the Holocaust grossly diminish the tragedy that still affects so many," Gardner said. "Seeing this image splashed in the news in reference to a disagreement at a board meeting desensitizes people to the terror that ensued at the command of Hitler."

And Howie Beigelman, president of Ohio Jewish Communities, said, "It's never acceptable to use a Nazi salute in debating and discussing policy or political differences."

Following the criticism, Zakkour told the Dayton Jewish Observer in an email, "In hindsight, I regret having done this."

She added, "After four years of attacks by a board member that I believe has been acting as a dictator spreading lies and division, my action was spur of the moment and I'm very sorry for that. My heart is open to all religions, and it was never my intent to offend anyone of the Jewish community."

Zakkour's current term on the board expires in December, and she has previously said she isn't running for reelection. Patry shocked locals by announcing at the Tuesday meeting that he would be resigning from the board, effective immediately, for unrelated reasons; he has since called on Zakkour to resign over her conduct.

Zakkour has faced previous calls to step down. A concerned citizens' group sought to force Zakkour off the board over what their complaint alleged was a flagrant misuse of authority and power. A local court dismissed the challenge earlier this year, and the citizens' group opted not to advance their claim.

[yankeedoodle]

From Information Liberation
Adidas CEO Apologizes to ADL's Greenblatt for Saying He Doesn't Think Kanye West is a 'Bad Person'
https://www.informationliberation.com/?id=63985

Adidas Chief Executive Bjorn Gulden issued an apology to Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt for saying on a podcast earlier this week that he doesn't think Kanye "Ye" West is a "bad person" despite his "unfortunate" statements.

"Good to speak with @Adidas CEO Bjorn Gulden this morning. Bjorn apologized for his misstatement & reiterated that Adidas is committed to fighting #antisemitism & is completely opposed to the ugly hate expressed by @kanyewest," Greenblatt announced Thursday on Twitter. "Glad Adidas, @ADL & @FCASorg are working together to #FightHateForGood."

https://twitter.com/JGreenblattADL/status/1704899472654819635?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1704899472654819635%7Ctwgr%5E8bc97375c8393f6e4a1ae4406ccac4db0d804e8b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.informationliberation.com%2F%3Fid%3D63985

Gulden said in a podcast that Ye made some statements that weren't "good" and he found the situation "very unfortunate because I don't think he meant what he said and I don't think he's a bad person -- it just came across that way."

https://twitter.com/TheStockroomUK/status/1704831864211468666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1704831864211468666%7Ctwgr%5E8bc97375c8393f6e4a1ae4406ccac4db0d804e8b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.informationliberation.com%2F%3Fid%3D63985

Adidas further apologized in a statement to Bloomberg, writing: "Our decision to end our partnership with Ye because of his unacceptable comments and behavior was absolutely the right one. Our stance has not changed: Hate of any kind has no place in sports or society, and we remain committed to fighting it."

Twitter/X owner Elon Musk revealed earlier this month that the "extremely powerful" ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt -- who was "instrumental" in getting President Trump banned from social media -- also sought to shake him down for donations just like he did to Adidas, the Brooklyn Nets and Kyrie Irving.

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1699512845413556316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1699512845413556316%7Ctwgr%5Ea1457e824a5ff2753a045f63b80f803c5feddb3d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.informationliberation.com%2F%3Fid%3D63985

Greenblatt told The Breakfast Club last year that he organized the cancelation of Ye because "if we don't get him" then the "myth" of Jewish power will spread.

https://twitter.com/LegendaryEnergy/status/1600641745644974080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1600641745644974080%7Ctwgr%5Ea1457e824a5ff2753a045f63b80f803c5feddb3d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.informationliberation.com%2F%3Fid%3D63985

[yankeedoodle]

According to Hardis, during halftime, "Brooklyn's coach acknowledged using this word as the play call, apologized, and agreed to change it when the teams returned for the second half." Beachwood school leaders told the game officials that should the use of "Nazi" continue, they would pull their players off the field.

Cleveland Area High School Football Team Under Fire for 'Nazi' Play
https://www.stopantisemitism.org/antisemitic-incidents-159/cleveland-area-high-school-football-team-under-fire-for-nazi-play

On Friday night, Beachwood hosted Brooklyn in a Chagrin Valley Conference high school football clash. However, words that were spoken on the playing field overshadowed the performances of the players.

In a letter to the Beachwood Schools community on Saturday, Superintendent Dr. Robert Hardis announced that a number of antisemitic incidents took place on the field.

Hardis stated that he learned late in the first half of the game that Brooklyn's team was repeatedly using the word "Nazi" to call out a play. Game officials were notified, as were Brooklyn's athletic director and head coach.

The Jewish advocacy group StopAntisemitism called for the Brooklyn School District Superintendent to hold his coaching staff accountable.



According to Hardis, during halftime, "Brooklyn's coach acknowledged using this word as the play call, apologized, and agreed to change it when the teams returned for the second half." Beachwood school leaders told the game officials that should the use of "Nazi" continue, they would pull their players off the field.

But while Hardis says that to his knowledge, "Nazi" was not used during the second half, members of Beachwood's team said that several Brooklyn players were using "a racial slur freely throughout the night."

Superintendent Dr. Ted Caleris released the following statement:

"On behalf of everyone in the Brooklyn City Schools family, we offer our sincerest apologies to the members of the Beachwood football family and school community for the hurtful, insensitive, and entirely inappropriate choice of language used during the first half of this past Friday night's football game. Our football coaching staff expressed their regret to the Beachwood football family immediately during the contest, and took corrective measures in the second half, in finishing the contest. While to the knowledge of the Brooklyn City Schools, this language was not directed to any single individual, the choice in using it at all, was utterly and absolutely wrong. Brooklyn City Schools officials are looking more closely into this matter in order to determine what steps, if any, will be emerge as a result of this incident. The isolated incident does not represent the Brooklyn schools family on the whole, in our efforts to uphold tradition and pride of our diverse school community."

[yankeedoodle]

A leading Canadian lawmaker apologized, and then resigned from his leadership role, after inviting a former Nazi soldier to attend Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Parliament last week.

Top Canadian lawmaker resigns after inviting former Nazi soldier to Zelensky speech 
https://www.jta.org/2023/09/26/global/top-canadian-lawmaker-apologizes-after-inviting-former-nazi-soldier-to-zelensky-speech

A leading Canadian lawmaker apologized, and then resigned from his leadership role, after inviting a former Nazi soldier to attend Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Parliament last week.

Speaker of the House of Commons Anthony Rota said he had not known that 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka had volunteered with the Waffen SS Galicia Division in Ukraine during World War II when he invited Hunka to be his guest for Zelensky's speech. The combat division was part of the Nazi army.

"I subsequently became aware of more information which causes me to regret the decision to do so," Rota said.

Rota drew attention to Hunka's presence before Zelensky's speech, saying that the resident of his Ontario district was "a Ukrainian hero, a Canadian hero, and we thank him for all his service." Zelensky joined the assembly in applauding Hunka, pumping his fist in the air in acknowledgment.

Jewish advocacy groups were quick to condemn the ovation, including B'nai Brith Canada, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, and the Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies. The statements followed a report from the Forward about Hunka's background.

"Canada's Jewish community stands firmly with Ukraine in its war against Russian aggression," the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs said in a statement. "But we can't stay silent when crimes committed by Ukrainians during the Holocaust are whitewashed."

Hunka's Waffen-SS division "was responsible for the mass murder of innocent civilians with a level of brutality and malice that is unimaginable," the Simon Wiesenthal Center said in a statement Sunday.

Canada's prime minister, Justin Trudeau, said he was distressed by Rota's oversight but did not join in calls for Rota's resignation coming from some advocates and lawmakers, including in his own party.

"It's extremely upsetting that this happened. The speaker has acknowledged his mistake and has apologized," Trudeau said. "But this is something that is deeply embarrassing to the Parliament of Canada and by extension to all Canadians."

A day later, Rota stepped down as the House of Commons' presiding officer, effective Wednesday. He will remain in the lawmaking body.

In his first apology, Rota emphasized that his office alone was responsible for not vetting Hunka adequately. "I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world," he said. "I accept full responsibility for my actions."

In his second, issued in the Parliament and accompanying his resignation, Rota said, "I reiterate my profound regret for my error in recognizing an individual in the House. That public recognition has caused pain to individuals and communities, including the Jewish community in Canada and around the world, in addition to survivors of Nazi atrocities in Poland, among other nations."

The episode drew notice from the Kremlin, which cited the presence of Nazis in Ukraine as a pretense for its invasion of the country in February 2022. "Such sloppiness of memory is outrageous," a Kremlin spokesman said in response to Hunka's recognition.

Prior to the Russian invasion, a tide of rising nationalism within Ukraine had included rallies in honor of the Waffen SS unit, which unlike the majority of Ukrainian volunteers during World War II fought against the Communist forces that would ultimately prevail. Zelensky denounced the rallies at the time.

More recently, the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Philadelphia temporarily covered a local monument to the Waffen SS division after drawing criticism for honoring it. That criticism was also spurred by reporting in the Forward, which has been covering Nazi and Nazi collaborator monuments across North America.

[yankeedoodle]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxiyVqjYeUY&t=1s

CANADA'S NAZI CELEBRATION GOES VIRAL   
https://sonar21.com/canadas-nazi-celebration-goes-viral/

[yankeedoodle]

Green Party apologises after tweet wishing 'happy Yom Kippur' to Jews   
The party used an illustration of a Chanukiah for the High Holy Days post
https://www.thejc.com/news/politics/green-party-apologises-after-tweet-wishing-happy-yom-kippur-to-jews-2CNJVSIsEuIhQLM8QSUMC7

The Green Party of England and Wales has apologised after one of their branches wished the Jewish community a "happy Yom Kippur."

A social media post appeared on the Twitter/X page of the Brighton and Hove Green Party, which read: "Happy Yom Kippur to all those who celebrate! We wish everyone observing this Jewish holiday a very happy and holy celebration." The illustration also used the standard year, rather than the Jewish year, 5784 as is customary.

The post on the Brighton and Hove Green Party account

Users on social media pointed out that the post was illustrated with a nine-branched Chanukiah, used to celebrate Chanukah rather than Yom Kippur.

In a statement, a spokesman for the Green Party said: "Many volunteers help run the local party and sometimes we have the best of intentions but simply get things wrong. That is what has happened on this occasion.

"We are very sorry for the offence that will have been caused. We are removing the post and will be sharing an apology on our Brighton and Hove Twitter feed."

There are multiple synagogues in the Brighton area as well as a new Jewish community hub.

Across the pond, Republican member of Congress Marjorie Taylor Green was mocked for her own similar post, in which she misspelled the customary greeting for Yom Kippur. Green deleted the post, before resharing without the menorah image.

https://twitter.com/JaredEMoskowitz/status/1705988281928651257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1705988281928651257%7Ctwgr%5E807abfc2ddfe71b788f7fda0fbcacd73955a5480%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thejc.com%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fgreen-party-apologises-after-tweet-wishing-happy-yom-kippur-to-jews-2CNJVSIsEuIhQLM8QSUMC7

https://twitter.com/JaredEMoskowitz/status/1705988281928651257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1705988281928651257%7Ctwgr%5E807abfc2ddfe71b788f7fda0fbcacd73955a5480%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thejc.com%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fgreen-party-apologises-after-tweet-wishing-happy-yom-kippur-to-jews-2CNJVSIsEuIhQLM8QSUMC7

https://twitter.com/DrewSav/status/1706023032672616649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1706023032672616649%7Ctwgr%5E807abfc2ddfe71b788f7fda0fbcacd73955a5480%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thejc.com%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fgreen-party-apologises-after-tweet-wishing-happy-yom-kippur-to-jews-2CNJVSIsEuIhQLM8QSUMC7

[abduLMaria]

Green Party apologises after tweet wishing 'happy Yom Kippur' to Jews   
The party used an illustration of a Chanukiah for the High Holy Days post

Is it true that Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are when the most Jews go to a Synagogue ?

Read that once.

[yankeedoodle]

Tim McFarland, the coach of Brooklyn High School in Brooklyn, Ohio, submitted his resignation Monday and apologized via a statement written by the district, the Cleveland Jewish News reported. Local Jewish groups have also reached out to district officials, who have indicated a willingness to work with them.

Ohio high school football coach resigns after players use 'Nazi' in play calls
https://www.jta.org/2023/09/26/united-states/ohio-high-school-football-coach-resigns-after-players-use-nazi-in-play-calls

A high school football coach in suburban Cleveland has resigned after his team used the word "Nazi" in addition to racial slurs in its play calling during a game on Friday against a team in a heavily Jewish town.

Tim McFarland, the coach of Brooklyn High School in Brooklyn, Ohio, submitted his resignation Monday and apologized via a statement written by the district, the Cleveland Jewish News reported. Local Jewish groups have also reached out to district officials, who have indicated a willingness to work with them.

Brooklyn was playing the team from Beachwood, a suburb with the second-highest rate of Jewish residents in the country.

The offensive play calls were first flagged by Beachwood's head coach, Scott Fischer, at halftime, the school's athletic director told parents in an email after the game.

"During my discussion with Coach Fischer at halftime, we agreed that if these actions continued we would pull our team off the field," wrote the school's athletic director, Ryan Peters, as reported by the Cleveland Jewish News. Peters said that McFarland admitted to using the "Nazi" play and agreed to change the name of the play for the game's second half. The mother of a Beachwood cheerleader told the Cleveland Jewish News they couldn't hear the offensive language in the stands.

The language was also condemned by the mayor and city council of Beachwood.

It was not the first time in recent memory a high school football team employed antisemitic language in its play calling. In 2021 a Boston-area school was found to have used terms including "Auschwitz," "yarmulke" and "rabbi" in its own plays for at least a decade, part of what an investigation revealed was a long history of antisemitic and homophobic behavior. That school's football coach was also fired, and the state of Massachusetts soon passed new laws to require genocide education in high schools in response to that and other antisemitic school sports incidents in the state.

In recent months, Jewish high school sporting events in Miami and Los Angeles were home to alleged antisemitic taunts. Both were alleged to have come in response to antagonistic or even racist behavior by Jewish students, according to local reports. Another high school in the Sacramento area is investigating reports that four students made Nazi salutes on social media earlier this month.

[yankeedoodle]

US college apologizes for displaying photo of Hitler before football game
https://www.snapbard.com/us-college-apologizes-for-displaying-photo-of-hitler-before-football-game-129800.html

The image of the Nazi leader was part of a trivia quiz displayed on a scoreboard

Michigan State University (MSU) has apologized after a photo of Adolf Hitler appeared on a stadium scoreboard before a football game.

The image of the Nazi leader was displayed as part of a trivia quiz preceding the school's match against the University of Michigan at the Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. The photo, reportedly taken from a quiz on YouTube, was used to illustrate a question about Hitler's birthplace.

"MSU is aware that inappropriate content by a third-party source was displayed on the video board prior to the start of tonight's football game. We are deeply sorry for the content that was displayed, as this is not representative of our institutional values," MSU Associate Athletic Director Matt Larson said in a statement. He promised that the school would "implement stronger screening and approval procedures."

The school's athletic director, Alan Haller, later announced that a staffer had been suspended over the incident. "The image displayed prior to Saturday night's game is not representative of who we are and the culture we embody. Nevertheless, we must own our failures and accept responsibility," Haller said.

The case drew particular attention in light of the Israel-Hamas war, which has sparked a wave of anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents on US college campuses.

NSU Interim President Teresa K. Woodruff also apologized for the mishap, saying the displayed image "made many of our community feel alienated and unsafe," MSU Interim President Teresa Woodruff wrote in a letter to alumni on Sunday, as cited by CNN.

The creator of the The Quiz Channel on YouTube, Floris van Pallandt, told CNN that he did not authorize the MSU to use his work, but defended the content of the quiz. "The trivia question displayed at the stadium is a legitimate one, and it's imperative we don't shy away from history's more dark facets," he said. He added, however, that he would not have chosen that exact question for a live stadium audience.

[yankeedoodle]

Netanyahu apologizes to Israel's security services
The prime minister has retracted claims that he was not warned of the October 7 Hamas attack
https://www.rt.com/news/586112-netanyahu-apologys-israel-intelligence/

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apologized for a post blaming the country's security services for failing to predict the Hamas attack in which 1,200 people lost their lives. The Jewish state's PM was responding to widespread criticizm from the country's media as well as members of his own war cabinet.

On Saturday, after a late night press conference, Netanyahu's office wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that "under no circumstances and at no stage was Prime Minister Netanyahu warned of Hamas's war intentions."

The office added that "on the contrary, all the security officials, including the head of military intelligence and the head of the Shin Bet [security service], assessed that Hamas had been deterred and was looking for a settlement."

However, the post sparked a fierce backlash from Israeli officials and politicians. Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's war cabinet and former defense minister, urged Netanyahu to "retract his statement... and stop dealing with the issue."

"When we are at war, leadership must show responsibility... and strengthen the forces in a way that they can... realize what we demand from them. Any other action or statement – harms the people's ability to stand and their strength," he added.

The rebuke was also echoed by opposition leader Yair Lapid, who accused the prime minister of "crossing a red line." While Israeli soldiers "are fighting bravely against Hamas and Hezbollah, [the prime minister] is trying to blame them, instead of supporting them," he said.

As a result, Netanyahu backtracked on his comments on Sunday, admitting that he was "wrong" and issuing a formal apology. "I give full backing to all the heads of the security services. I am sending strength to the [IDF] chief of staff and the commanders and soldiers of the IDF who are on the frontlines and fighting for our home," he wrote.

During the press conference on Saturday, Netanyahu stopped short of assigning blame for who was responsible for the Hamas attack, which came as a surprise for Israel, while admitting that it was "an awful debacle."

"After the war everyone will have to give answers, myself included," he said.

His comments came after US House Foreign Affairs Committee head Michael McCaul claimed earlier this month that Egypt, which borders Gaza, warned Israel of potential violence several days before the attack. Netanyahu, however, dismissed reports about the specific Egyptian warning as "totally fake news."

[yankeedoodle]

Susan Sarandon apologizes for 'anti-Semitic' speech
The award-winning actress said her choice of words at a protest event was "a terrible mistake"
https://www.rt.com/news/588449-sarandon-apologizes-for-anti-jewish-remarks/

Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon has apologized for the remarks she made during a speech at a pro-Palestine protest, which critics saw as anti-Semitic.

During a rally in New York City last month, Sarandon said: "There are a lot of people that are afraid, that are afraid of being Jewish at this time, and are getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country."

She also joined the crowd in chanting "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," which many interpret as a call for the destruction of Israel.

The comments immediately drew a backlash and resulted in Sarandon being dropped by her talent agency.

In an Instagram post on Saturday, the Hollywood star wrote that the "phrasing was a terrible mistake, as it implies that until recently Jews have been strangers to persecution, when the opposite is true."

"I deeply regret diminishing this realist and hurting people with this comment," she continued, adding that her intention was to speak against "bigotry of all kinds."

Sarandon is an ardent supporter of the Palestinian cause and has strongly advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza. Last month she came under fire for sharing social media posts by Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters, a vocal critic of Israel.

Since the beginning of the Hamas-Israel war on October 7, several celebrities, including Melissa Barrera, who starred in the Scream franchise, and fashion model Bella Hadid, have been dropped from projects for their pro-Palestinian stance.

[abduLMaria]

Susan Sarandon apologizes for 'anti-Semitic' speech
The award-winning actress said her choice of words at a protest event was "a terrible mistake"
https://www.rt.com/news/588449-sarandon-apologizes-for-anti-jewish-remarks/

Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon has apologized for the remarks she made during a speech at a pro-Palestine protest, which critics saw as anti-Semitic.

I do not understand why these Pseudo-Celebrities don't Stick to their Guns.

SO WHAT if they tell the truth, and Hollywood Jews refuse to hire them ?

Why doesn't Sarandon start a production company with Kanye West - and other people that the Jews have screwed over ?

[yankeedoodle]

I do not understand why these Pseudo-Celebrities don't Stick to their Guns.

SO WHAT if they tell the truth, and Hollywood Jews refuse to hire them ?

Why doesn't Sarandon start a production company with Kanye West - and other people that the Jews have screwed over ?

Not many do.  Only one that I can name is Roger Waters, and he has his own special story.  He never knew his father, because he was killed fighting the Germans in WW II.  Roger can stand up to any kike and kick the shit out of them and say FUCK YOU and make it stick.  And, too, he's rich, and his fans don't care.

Susan Sarandon held out for week or two before caving. 

Her world surrounds her with jews:  she can't leave the house, go to the store, the airport, etc. without encountering jews, and jews that know her, and who she maybe knows. 

Not to mention getting work.  She's got money, but she may be not rich enough to sustain her expensive lifestyle for years without any substantial income.  Maybe she doesn't want to retreat to Iowa or somewhere, or maybe she wouldn't even know how.

And, too, she may have a vulnerability they've exploited.

Even Marlon Brando and Mel Gibson caved.  Marlon Brando was so rich he had his own island, so he could survive, but he wanted to work and make an income.  Mel Gibson was rich enough to just walk away.   He could afford to live well and isolate himself from the jews.  Why didn't he? 

[yankeedoodle]

Canadian newspaper apologizes for Zelensky cartoon
The caricature of a greedy Ukrainian leader pilfering American money was "hurtful," the Toronto Sun said
https://www.rt.com/news/589543-zelensky-cartoon-apology-canada/

The Toronto Sun has apologized for publishing a cartoon depicting Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky stealing a wallet from US President Joe Biden's back pocket. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the cartoon "anti-Semitic."

Published on Wednesday, the cartoon showed Zelensky lifting the billfold from Biden's trousers as the pair walked arm in arm. Drawn by American artist Gary Varvel, the cartoon was printed a week after Zelensky traveled to Washington to plead with lawmakers to pass a bill containing more than $60 billion in military aid for Ukraine.

Biden has spent recent months attempting to convince the Republican Party to drop its opposition to the bill, with no success. If passed, it would bring the total amount of military and economic aid allocated to Kiev by the US to more than $170 billion since February 2022.

The cartoon was condemned by Ukrainian activists, with Canada-Ukraine Foundation Director Yaroslav Baron accusing the newspaper of "insult[ing] Ukrainian dignity," perpetuating "anti-Semitic stereotypes," and advancing Russian President Vladimir Putin's "propaganda efforts."

https://twitter.com/YaroslavB/status/1737665602171326955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1737665602171326955%7Ctwgr%5E4ebdf535448f5db9a6846eee3920c1de60c1bdd1%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rt.com%2Fnews%2F589543-zelensky-cartoon-apology-canada%2F

A US- and NATO-backed "foreign disinformation monitoring" platform complained about the cartoon, arguing that depictions of "the Ukrainian government as corrupt" are "false." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau then weighed in, claiming that the cartoon's depiction of a hook-nosed and greedy Zelensky promoted "the worst kind of anti-Semitism."

Three months ago, Trudeau and Zelensky took part in a standing ovation for a Ukrainian Nazi veteran at the Canadian parliament in Ottawa. Zelensky is Jewish.

Amid the pressure campaign, the Toronto Sun backed down. "The cartoon did not meet our editorial standards, we were wrong to run it and we apologize," Editor-in-Chief Adrienne Batra wrote in an op-ed on Thursday.

"It was hurtful to Canadians of Ukrainian origin, and to all Ukrainians, fighting an existential struggle against Russian aggression," Bartra continued. "It was hurtful to Canadians of Jewish origin, and to the Jewish people, currently under assault from a global wave of anti-Semitism. We failed them and we failed all of you, our readers."

Bartra also announced that the newspaper would no longer print the cartoonist's work.

While the apology was hailed by pro-Ukrainian activists, some independent pundits condemned the newspaper's about-turn. Journalist Glenn Greenwald called the apology "dumb and humiliating," describing the cartoon as a "completely banal and common political cartoon showing Zelensky picking the pockets of Biden – because he's, you know, demanding billions more for Ukraine's war."

[yankeedoodle]

Kanye West apologizes to Jews   
The rapper now legally known as Ye has deleted all his Instagram content aside from an apology post in Hebrew
https://www.rt.com/pop-culture/589723-kanye-apologizes-jews-instagram/

Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, posted a formal apology to "the Jewish community" to his Instagram account on Tuesday. Written in Hebrew, the post has replaced all of Ye's previous content on the platform.

In the statement, Ye expressed remorse for "any 'unintended outburst' caused by my words or actions," which many interpreted as referring to the artist's frequent tirades about Jews and their alleged control of industries including entertainment, education, and medicine – rants that effectively ended his career last year as corporate partners raced to distance themselves from him.

"It was not my intention to hurt or demean, and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused," Ye wrote, adding that he was "committed to starting with myself and learning from this experience to ensure greater sensitivity and understanding in the future."

"Your forgiveness is important to me, and I am committed to making amends and promoting unity," he concluded.

The rapper, who legally changed his name to Ye in 2021, made headlines when he wore what appeared to be a black KKK hood at a listening party for for his forthcoming album earlier this month. Released under the moniker ¥$, 'Vultures' is a collaboration with artist Ty Dolla Sign. A line from the title track references the anti-Semitism accusations dogging the rapper and also came under fire.

Ye was repeatedly locked out of Instagram and other social media platforms starting last year over comments perceived as anti-Semitic, including one in which he announced he was going "death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE," which was interpreted as a threat despite presumably referencing the defensive US "defcon" military readiness scale.

While Ye declared in March that watching Jewish actor Jonah Hill's performance in the film '21 Jump Street' had "made [him] like Jewish people again," he was filmed earlier this month once again ranting about "Jewish ni**as," Zionists, and Rothschilds at a Las Vegas hotel following a listening event for his new album.

The rapper's apparent fascination with Hitler, which first came to public attention during his viral appearance on Alex Jones' 'Infowars' show last year, resurfaced during his diatribe, as he shouted, "Jesus Christ, Hitler, Ye – sponsor that!" in an apparent jab at his erstwhile corporate collaborators, including Balenciaga, Gap, and Louis Vuitton, whom he mentioned by name.

Ye claimed to have lost $2 billion in a single day as collaborators rushed to drop him after his comments about Jews. Despite initially bragging that he could "say antisemitic s*** and Adidas cannot drop me," the brand did so after "reviewing" the deal, acknowledging that it stood to lose $1.3 billion in profits for 2023.

[yankeedoodle]

Sky News apologises for comparing situation in Gaza to the Holocaust
Presenter Belle Donati likened the plight of Palestinians to that of 'Jewish people during the Holocaust'
https://www.thejc.com/news/uk/sky-news-apologises-for-comparing-situation-in-gaza-to-the-holocaust-bia6jzfk

Sky News has issued an apology after presenter Belle Donati compared the situation in Gaza to the Holocaust.

During a live interview with Israeli Knesset member Danny Danon after the ICJ's initial ruling on Friday afternoon, Donati pressed Danon on his previous statements about the voluntary immigration of Palestinians from Gaza, which she compared to "the sort of voluntary relocation of many Jewish people during the Holocaust."

In a televised apology several hours later, Sky News acknowledged "the complete inappropriateness of this comparison" and apologised "unreservedly" for any offense caused by the comment by Donati.


Donati, who has previously written for Al Jazeera, has been a news anchor for Sky News since 2021.

Jonathan Levy, Managing Director and Executive Editor of Sky News UK, said in an email to staff: "This afternoon, Belle Donati made an inappropriate, unnecessary and offensive on-air comparison to the Holocaust when interviewing Danny Danon, a former Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations.

"Sky News has apologised on air for the comparison made during Belle's interview and will be apologising personally and directly to Mr.Danon for the comments.

"It does not need to be restated that this is a significant and sensitive story. I'd like to take this opportunity to remind you that it is essential that our coverage is impartial, balanced, and fact based."

Danon responded to Donati's comment by calling the comparison "shameful" and "antisemitic", and later posted on Twitter: "This insolent interviewer from @SkyNews disgracefully drew comparisons between the situation in Gaza and the Holocaust. Shame on her."

Others also took to X to express shock and indignation at the offhandedly delivered comment by Donati. Official Israeli spokesperson Eylon Levy also reacted to the comment on X, writing in response to a clip of the interview: "This is a million times worse than that shameful Kay Burley question. Impressed by @dannydanon's ability to remain relatively calm. Even I would have lost it."

Daniel Sugarman, Director of Public Affairs for the Board of Deputies, wrote on X: "This is the new normal,apparently. The industrialised mass murder of 6 million Jews can now be compared by a @SkyNews representative to the awful situation in Gaza, where Israel is trying to root out the terrorist organisation that murdered 1,200 of its citizens on October 7th."

In a statement, Karen Pollock, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust said:  "Sky News' presenter made a crass, offensive and unacceptable comparison between Israel, Gaza and the Holocaust. It was a purposeful twisting of the history of the Holocaust and Sky News have rightly now apologised. I just hope the presenter in question understands why her comments were so hurtful and wrong."

[yankeedoodle]

This article is about an apology and, of course, the apology wasn't good enough, so the lady was fired. 

Labour MP suspended after 'hollow' apology for genocide remarks on HMD
Edmonton MP Kate Osamor has had the whip withdrawn by her party after suggesting Gaza should be added to list of genocides
https://www.thejc.com/news/labour-mp-suspended-after-hollow-apology-for-genocide-remarks-on-hmd-sydmmb73

Labour's chief whip has suspended MP Kate Osamor from the Parliamentary Labour Party pending an investigation after she said that Gaza should be added to a list of "recent genocides" when taking part in remembrance for Holocaust Memorial Day.

Kate Osamor, the MP for Edmonton, sent local party members an email on Friday pointing out that it was HMD on Saturday.

Osamor said she thought there was an "international duty to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust."

She went on to list the "more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia" to be remembered on HMD, adding that there was one also happening "in Gaza."

Osamor tweeted an apology on Friday night saying: "I apologise for any offence caused by my reference to the ongoing humanitarian disaster in Gaza."

A Board of Deputies statement condemned "the attempts by Kate Osamor to link the Holocaust to the current situation in Gaza. The industrialised mass murder of six million Jews is in no way comparable to Israel's efforts to uproot Hamas from Gaza.

"We believe Ms Osamor was perfectly aware of what she was saying and therefore view her apology as utterly hollow. We call for the Labour Party to immediately remove the whip."

The London Jewish Forum also condemned the MP's comments. It said Osamor had "insulted the Holocaust survivors who so bravely share their testimony.

"Kate Osamor's apology is too little too late, she should be suspended from the PLP whilst this incident is properly investigated."

Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust described Osamor's statement as a "disgusting malicious distortion of the truth."

She said it was "a painful insult to survivors of the Holocaust and particularly distressing to see on the eve of Holocaust Memorial Day."

A spokesman for the Jewish Labour Movement said: "This is wholly inappropriate. This week we have been commemorating the murder of six million Jews in the Holocaust — and those who perished in subsequent genocides, as listed by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.

"Unilaterally co-opting the war in Gaza, despite the horrific suffering there, on to that list is wrong and offensive."

[abduLMaria]

The industrialised mass murder of six million Jews is in no way comparable to Israel's efforts to uproot Hamas from Gaza.

well they got that part right.  Given that the former is a Jew Hoax.

[yankeedoodle]

Israeli minister apologizes for son's dementia comment about Biden
National Security chief Itamar Ben Gvir's son implied on social media that the US president was suffering from a brain disease
https://www.rt.com/news/591965-ben-gvir-apologizes-biden-dementia/

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who called for the resettlement of Gaza, has apologized after his son implied in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that US President Joe Biden was suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Shuvael Ben Gvir had posted a photo of Biden alongside the text, "In these difficult times it is important to raise awareness of Alzheimer's, a degenerative brain disease that is the most common cause of cognitive decline and dementia," adding that this was "a serious disease that affects a person's functions and ability."

The elder Ben Gvir condemned his son's post on Tuesday as a "serious mistake with a tweet I deeply disapprove of."

"The United States of America is our great friend and President Biden is a friend of Israel," the national security adviser wrote. "Even if I have a disagreement with his conduct, there is no room, God forbid, for a disparaging style."

Following his father's public apology, the younger Ben Gvir tweeted another photo of Biden, accompanied by the text, "Mr President, sorry!" The original tweet was reportedly deleted.

Minister Ben Gvir, branded by the New Yorker as 'Israel's minister of chaos' has previously been critical of the US president over his less than wholesome support for West Jerusalem's military campaign in Gaza. The bombardment has killed more than 27,000 Palestinians, according to the enclave's health ministry, and has been condemned by many countries as genocide against the Palestinian people.

The politician has argued that Israel would be better off under former President Donald Trump, claiming that the Biden administration's policy of providing "humanitarian aid and fuel" has benefited Hamas.

"If Trump was in power, the US conduct would be completely different," Ben Gvir told the Wall Street Journal on Sunday.

He also reiterated his call – officially condemned by the Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – for Gaza's remaining residents to "voluntarily emigrate," suggesting cash incentives to sweeten the deal so that Israeli settlers could return to the enclave.

Over 85% of Palestinians living in Gaza have been displaced by Israeli bombing since the war began on October 7. The Israeli retaliation strikes followed an incursion by Hamas, which left around 1,200 Israelis dead and more than 200 taken hostage.

Ben Gvir's comments flew in the face of public gratitude to the US from Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who had recently praised the Biden administration and Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin "for their commitment to Israel's security."

His colleagues in Netanyahu's government, including war cabinet minister Benny Gantz, slammed the national security chief's comments for jeopardizing international support for "the current war effort," arguing his hardline stance made it difficult to present Israel's case for continuing the devastating conflict to its allies.

[yankeedoodle]

London theater apologizes after comedian allegedly berates Israeli audience member who did not applaud Palestinian flag   
https://www.jta.org/2024/02/12/global/london-theater-apologizes-after-comedian-allegedly-berates-israeli-audience-member-who-did-not-applaud-palestinian-flag

A London theater has apologized after a performer allegedly singled out an Israeli audience member who refused to applaud a Palestinian flag during a comedy set on Saturday night.

Comedian Paul Currie also riled up his audience to shout "Free Palestine" and "Get out" as multiple Jewish audience members exited, according to an account provided to the British watchdog group Campaign Against Antisemitism.

The performance took place at the Soho Theatre, a central London location that was the site of the West End Synagogue from 1880 to 1996.

"We are sorry and saddened by an incident that took place at our venue at the end of a performance of Paul Currie: Shtoom on Saturday 10 February which has caused upset and hurt to members of [our] audience attending and others," the theater said in a statement. "We take this very seriously and are looking into the detail of what happened as thoroughly, as sensitively, and as quickly as we can. It is important to us that Soho Theatre is a welcoming and inclusive place for all."

"Shtoom" is British slang meaning silent. It comes from the Yiddish word for "dumb," or "silent," commonly used in the expression "to keep shtum" about something.

The incident took place toward the end of Currie's hour-long show, according to the account provided to the Campaign Against Antisemitism. He pulled out a Ukrainian flag and a Palestinian flag from his prop box and asked the audience to rise in what the group said was "a kind of standing ovation." When the audience sat back down, Currie noticed one young man toward the front had not stood up, and he asked him why he did not stand. The audience member, whom the witness later learned was Israeli, said, "I enjoyed your show until you brought out the Palestinian flag," to which Currie responded by shouting at him to leave the show.

"I'm from Northern Island, we know all about ceasefire, get the f— out of my show," Currie allegedly yelled.

The Israeli audience member and his partner got up to leave the room, as did the person who submitted the complaint and his wife and another couple they attended the show with.

"By the time we exited, what felt like the entire audience were up on their feet shouting, 'Free Palestine,' 'Get out!'" the person who submitted the description wrote.

The Israeli at the center of the incident spoke to the Daily Mail on Monday, identifying himself as Liahav Eitan. Eitan, who has lived in England for five years, said he left after being berated by Currie because he was afraid.

"We were mostly scared. We wanted to get out of the situation," he said. "It seemed like a bit of a mob mentality that could go sour any second."

The Campaign Against Antisemitism said in a statement that it was pursuing potential legal action in relation to the incident.

"What the Jewish audience-members have recounted is atrocious, and we are working with them and our lawyers to ensure that those who instigated and enabled it are held to account," the group said.

"These allegations are of deeply disturbing discriminatory abuse against Jews," the statement continued. "Comedians are rightly given broad latitude, but hounding Jews out of theatres is reminiscent of humanity's darkest days, and must have no place in central London in 2024."

Tensions are high in London and beyond because of Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza, which has engendered widespread pro-Palestinian displays, some of which have targeted Israelis and Jews. In one notable incident last month that police are investigating as a hate crime, three Jews in London said they had been attacked by a large group because they were speaking Hebrew.

Currie's social media is full of pro-Palestinian content, and previous shows he has participated in have donated their proceeds to Irish Artists for Palestine, an organization fundraising for groups such as Red Crescent and the Palestinian Children Relief Fund.

On Saturday, he posted a video of himself at a pro-Palestinian march, though it is unclear when the march took place, and on Sunday, he posted a quotation from Mexican poet Cesar A. Cruz, saying, "Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable."

"If you were at my show last night," Currie wrote, "you'll know."