David Friedman To Liberal Jews: Sorry, But I’m Not Sorry

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By Nathan Guttman February 16, 2017

David Friedman doesn’t think J Street, the Anti-Defamation League, or President Obama deserve an apology for his attacks on them.

In his prepared opening statement at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Friedman acknowledged “rightfully” criticism of some of his rhetoric. This rhetoric included, among other, calling J Street “kapos” — the Jews who collaborated with Nazis during World War II — and describing the ADL as “morons.”

“I regret the use of such language and I want to assure you that I understand the important difference between a political contest and a diplomatic mission,” Friedman said, but he did not go as far as apologizing for the comments.

“No apology,” tweeted J Street CEO Jeremy Ben-Ami.

When pressed by Democratic Senator Ben Cardin on the issue, Friedman still avoided any expression of apology.

“There is no excuse,” he said of his comments. “I cannot rationalize them” He called the remarks “hurtful words” and said again that he regrets them.”

Contact Nathan Guttman at [email protected]

Nathan Guttman, staff writer, was the Forward’s Washington bureau chief. He joined the staff in 2006 after serving for five years as Washington correspondent for the Israeli dailies Haaretz and The Jerusalem Post. In Israel, he was the features editor for Ha’aretz and chief editor of Channel 1 TV evening news. He was born in Canada and grew up in Israel. He is a graduate of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.