Savitsky Apologizes

Savitsky Apologizes

OU President Stephen J. Savitsky apologized for his insulting remarks about veteran American immigrants to Israel in an ad in the Jerusalem Post last Thursday.

I haven’t seen his apology, though I’ve heard mixed reviews about it.

I’m reserving judgment until I see it myself.

UPDATE: Here is the text:

I deeply regret the remarks I made concerning past motivations for aliya which were reported in the Friday, November 26 edition of The Jerusalem Post, and I apologize for them. I am sorry that these remarks, which were part of a lengthy discussion on aliya and many other topics, denigrated—albeit unintentionally—those who have made aliya over the years. As newly-elected President of the Orthodox Union, I will continue to acknowledge their courage and idealism, and to use their example to encourage others to follow in their footsteps. Indeed, promoting aliya was a key theme of our Convention in Jerusalem this past weekend.

I request mechila (forgiveness) from all whom I offended, and hope I may look forward to working closely with the entire community of olim to increase and enhance aliya in the future.

As David at Treppenwitz notes, Savitsky didn’t say what it was he meant to say in the first place, but as apologies go this one sounds fine to me.