Friday, September 21, 2012

Top Yom Kippur Apologies of the Year

Yom Kippur begins on Tuesday evening next week and it will mark the 5,773rd year (give or take) that Jews will reflect on their misgivings and seek to be better in the coming year. It's also an ideal day for apologizing for wrongdoing.

I love the list that JTA compiled of the top apologies of the year. They might not have all been heartfelt or sincere, but they were interesting nevertheless.

Of course, Detroit's own Delmon Young made the list after apologizing for his anti-Semitic rant outside the Detroit Tigers' Manhattan hotel this past spring. I think we're still waiting for apologies from Michigan Speaker of the House Jase Bolger for banning Rep. Lisa Brown from speaking on the floor of the Michigan House for using the word "vagina" a few months ago. And an apology might be appropriate from the owner of a clothing store in India that goes by the name "Hitler".

U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder (R-Kan.)
For skinny dipping in the Sea of Galilee during a congressional visit to Israel.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
 For circulating unsubstantiated claims about casino magnate and Republican Party donor Sheldon Adelson.


Peter Madoff
For helping deceive investors in his brother Bernie’s Ponzi scheme.


Yeshivah College of Melbourne, Australia
For not doing enough to stop sexual abuse in its midst.


Detroit Tigers outfielder and DH Delmon Young
 For launching into an anti-Semitic tirade at a New York hotel.


Nancy Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
 For initially suspending funding for Planned Parenthood.


Andrew Adler, former owner and publisher of the Atlanta Jewish Times
 For an opinion column in which he counted President Obama's assassination as among Israel's options in heading off a nuclear Iran.


The East End Madrassah, a Toronto Islamic school
For teaching students about "crafty" and "treacherous" Jews.


Tehmina Adaya, owner of the Hotel Shangri-La in Santa Monica, Calif.
For not being quicker to address charges that her hotel had discriminated against pro-Israel activists.


Texas state Rep. Larry Taylor
 For saying "don't try to Jew them down" during a public hearing.


Former London Mayor Ken Livingstone
For being disparaging in a meeting with Jews.


Wodka Vodka
For putting up billboards with the slogan “Christmas Quality, Hanukkah Pricing.”

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