ORF Parts Ways with Editor After Anti-Semitism Scandal

"If I have been a victim for 2000 years, then I should slowly consider what this might be due to," the ORF editor wrote in the now-deleted post.

Sharp Criticism of Editor's Anti-Semitic Post

"I deeply regret having written a sentence that I would not let stand unchallenged from anyone. This sentence goes against everything I have stood for in my private and professional life," Gordon is quoted in the statement. ORF Director General Roland Weißmann had already condemned the public statements as "completely unacceptable" and apologized emphatically on Friday on behalf of the ORF.

There was sharp criticism from the Jewish community regarding Gordon's statements. Oskar Deutsch, President of the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG), described the condemnation by the ORF as "important" in a statement on Tuesday. The President of the IKG Salzburg, Styria, and Carinthia, Elie Rosen, also expressed outrage over the post by the "Am Schauplatz" editor. His statement crossed a red line.

Israel's Ambassador Demanded Consequences

On Thursday, Israel's Ambassador David Roet welcomed the condemnation by the ORF leadership but called for further steps: "An investigation of this case should not be limited to this one glaring incident. For example, how could a senior journalist at ORF consider it acceptable to write such words? Shouldn't the investigation also examine the frequently expressed allegations of an atmosphere at ORF that is too often lenient towards anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli views?"

Moreover, it became known on Thursday that the humanitarian association "Zwi Perez Chajes Lodge" (B'nai B'rith), represented by lawyer Maria Windhager, has filed a criminal complaint against Gordon with the public prosecutor's office, according to its own statements.

(Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.