January 2012 Archives

Like many, I was  horrified, to read an editorial in the Atlanta Jewish Times suggesting that Israel should consider assassinating the President of the United States.  While we must value freedom of the press, and the role of Jewish communal media in provoking thoughtful, even difficult discussions, these statements go beyond the pale.  We have seen in the past that incendiary words have led to deadly violence.  I lived in Israel during the time of the Rabin assassination, and the hateful words that led up to it, and in our own country, less than a year ago we witnessed the attack aimed at Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords that killed six and wounded 12.   On behalf of myself and the B'nai Torah community, I have signed onto  the Atlanta Rabbinical Association's statement condemning Mr. Adler's remarkably ill-considered comments.  The statement is reproduced below.

Atlanta, GA - January 23, 2012 Like so many in our community, the Atlanta Rabbinical Association was appalled that the Atlanta Jewish Times published an editorial suggesting that Israel should consider assassinating the President of the United States.  As individuals across the religious spectrum we have united in condemning not only the column itself but the hyperbolic antipathy behind it. The suggestion raised by Andrew Adler - the paper's owner - in his column, taken from any perspective, hypothetical or not, was an egregious breach of civil discourse and a monstrous betrayal of the trust placed in a communal institution such as a Jewish newspaper of a major city.

In the past few hours, we have learned that Mr. Adler has resigned and is seeking to sell the paper.  While we are gratified that this step is being taken, we still feel it is important to make clear that the ARA has suspended our relationship with  the Atlanta Jewish Times, including advertising, rabbinic commentary on the weekly Torah portion, and providing communal news.

Jewish tradition places great importance on Teshuvah, the heartfelt recanting of past actions and commitment to make amends.  Mr. Adler has apologized and now resigned.  We take him at face value that his transgression was not committed with malicious intent.  Still, in our opinion, Teshuvah in this case will require more concrete measures to redress the damage.  

We sincerely hope that there are lessons learned from this incident and that something positive can come of it.