ROCKLAND (VINnews) — In response to fierce backlash over an antisemitic cartoon ad published this week, Lohud has released an apology, saying that its “hurtful” image and words degrade and demean Jews.
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In addition, the paper says it will delay the story it was promoting, which questions the allocation of millions of dollars in government funding, ostensibly involving Jewish leaders.
As reported on VIN earlier this week, Agudath Israel issued a scathing condemnation of the cartoon, in addition to other activist groups.
On Thursday, the large Rockland County newspaper put out the following statement on its website:
On Monday, we posted a promotional illustration on Lohud’s social media channels whose words and imagery unintentionally featured an antisemitic trope.
Within an hour, we deleted the posts containing the illustration, which was promoting an upcoming investigative story, after a reader contacted us pointing out this hurtful choice of imagery.
We apologize.
Members of our team, including myself, did not recognize the stereotype that degrades and demeans Jews in the image and accompanying language. We’re deeply sorry this passed our review.
We condemn all forms of antisemitism in all ways that it is expressed.
We are grateful to all who sought to educate us on the history and hate behind the image.
The illustration we removed had listed a publication date for the investigative story this week. Please know we have shifted that date as we review the story’s visual elements.
The story focuses on the East Ramapo school district and raises questions about how officials have chosen to allocate millions of dollars in public funds to a nonprofit entity.
In this case and in all of our investigations, we are driven by our First Amendment duty to pursue matters of public interest and to hold leaders and institutions accountable through our reporting.
In coming days, we will reflect on our misstep over the illustration and engage in considerable outreach and listening with local Jewish communities. Yet we cannot and will not let this unfortunate incident distract us from providing the quality journalism meant to address issues serving our readers.
When news reporters dig deeply, it only helps our communities thrive.
It is not clear which Rabbi or funding the newspaper is referring to.
Let the board repair the schools, allow non Jewish board members be elected and look out for the public school children. Let them fix the schools and put enough money into the public schools so the graduation rates can rise. Let them stand up and look out for the public schools as much as the Jewish schools.
It’s not a Monsey newspaper it’s a Rockland county paper.
I guess the ‘cancel culture’ has its place in Rockland County. Cancelling hate and racist or antisemitic imagery is good. So glad LoHud ‘woke’ up. Keep ’em cancelling, menschen…