FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
StandWithUs Launches Letter-Writing Campaign to SNL Over Antisemitic Comment
(Los Angeles, CA -- February 21, 2021) -- StandWithUs launched a letter-writing campaign to SNL (Saturday Night Live) and NBC execs demanding an apology over antisemitic remarks made by Michael Che accusing Israel of vaccinating only “the Jewish half” of their population against Covid-19 on its February 20 broadcast.
The letter, already signed by hundreds can be found here:
Roz Rothstein, co-founder and CEO StandWithUs stated, "This may have been an uninformed comment, lacking in understanding of Israel’s diverse population or, worse, a ‘blood-libel’ and a lie dressed up and played for laughs. The fact is that this lie has been perpetuated by antisemitic groups, eager to poison public discourse with misinformation about Israel’s rapid vaccinations drive. The truth is that this inoculation campaign benefits all Israel’s citizens. Every Israeli, whether Jewish, Muslim, Christian or otherwise, is able to receive the Covid vaccination."
On Saturday Night Live, February 1, 2021, Michael Che accused Israel of vaccinating only “the Jewish half” of their population against Covid-19.
Watch the video here
This may have been an uninformed comment, lacking in understanding of Israel’s diverse population or, worse, a ‘blood-libel’ and a lie dressed up and played for laughs.
The fact is that this lie has been perpetuated by antisemitic groups, eager to poison public discourse with misinformation about Israel’s rapid vaccinations drive. The truth is that this inoculation campaign benefits all Israel’s citizens. Every Israeli, whether Jewish, Muslim, Christian or otherwise, is able to receive the Covid vaccination.
Israel’s healthcare system is available and equal to all and an example of coexistence. Those who allege otherwise tend to be extremist groups, who have already relished this ‘joke’ on social media.
While over 75% of Israel’s population are Jews, 20% are Arabs and citizens of many other background comprise the rest of the population. All Israelis over the age of 16, regardless of who they are, have equal and immediate access to vaccinations for the novel coronavirus.
Israel’s rapid vaccination effort and its free, fair and comprehensive rollout should be a source of pride, admiration and celebration. The research that Israeli medics are compiling as a result will help citizens of countries the world over.
The SNL libel has already been used to promote antisemitic words and deeds. “Saturday Night Live” and NBC should apologize and disown this dangerous and misleading assertion.
Letter:
February 21, 2021
On Saturday Night Live, February 1, 2021, Michael Che dangerously accused Israel of vaccinating only “the Jewish half” of their population against Covid-19.
This may have been an uninformed comment, lacking in understanding of Israel’s diverse population or, worse, a ‘blood-libel’ and a lie dressed up played for laughs.
The fact is that this lie has been perpetuated by antisemitic groups, eager to poison public discourse with misinformation about Israel’s rapid vaccinations drive. The truth is that this inoculation campaign benefits all Israel’s citizens. Every Israeli, whether Jewish, Muslim, Christian or otherwise, is able to receive the Covid vaccination.
Israel’s healthcare system is equal to all and an exemplar of coexistence. Those who allege otherwise tend to be extremist groups, who have already relished this ‘joke’ on social media.
The libel has already been used to promote antisemitic words and deeds. “Saturday Night Live” and NBC should apologize and disown this misleading assertion.
I demand an official apology from SNL and NBC for this incident.
Thank you
