He Went Viral For Mocking A Jewish Child’s Hair — But Will Be Remembered For His Heartfelt Apology

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
On Friday May 4, Yonkers resident Quai James posted a short video making fun of a Hasidic child’s haircut, filmed in a Hasidic community in Brooklyn. The film quickly went viral, and Jewish community members were outraged. Soon after, James issued a heartfelt video apology — and stopped by the Forward’s offices the next week to discuss the video and the aftermath with the Forward’s Laura E. Adkins, Crown Heights resident Rabbi Mordechai Lightstone, and Forward columnist Ben Faulding.
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Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
