Andrew Adler, editor and publisher of The Atlanta Jewish Times resigned after the secret service began scrutinizing his January 13th column on the preservation of the nation of Israel.
In his column, Adler detailed three options for Israel’s survival if Iran developed nuclear weapons. One was for Israel to attack the terrorist groups Hezbollah and Hamas. Another was for Israel to attack Iran itself. The third for Israeli leaders might to “Give the go-ahead for U.S. based Mossad agents to take out a president deemed unfriendly to Israel.” So that a more pro-Israel president could take his place and come to Israel’s defense.
This third option outraged Adler’s readers and drew scrutiny from the secret service. However, criticism of Adler’s column did not come only from The White House and the Secret Service. Indeed, some of the strongest criticism came from members of America’s Jewish community. One of the most notable objections came from Abraham H. Foxman, director of the Anti-Defamation League, who suggested that Adler was unfit to run a newspaper.
Meanwhile, Ophir Aviran, Atlanta’s Israeli consul general voiced his criticism as well, calling the column “insane”, “deranged” and “morally repugnant.”
Chemi Shalev, writing for Haaretz, called Adler’s column a “blot”, both on Israel and American Jews. He called Adler’s column “vile” and “infantile” and referred to Adler himself as “spectacularly stupid.”
The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta added its voice to Adler’s condemnation and said the damage Adler had done to American Jews was “irreparable.”
Adler, in apparent agreement with his critics, labeled himself an “idiot” and apologized to his readers, as well as to the president and to the nation of Israel. He said that he deeply regretted penning the column and wished he had never mentioned the third option.
Adler is giving up his editorial duties and passing his responsibilities on to one of his staff. He reportedly plans to sell The Atlanta Jewish Times – if he can find a buyer.
The American Jewish Committee said it “welcomed” Adler’s resignation and said it was “relieved” that he had chosen to step down. But it suggested that this was only the first step Adler should take to try to make amends for his words.
