SWC Criticizes Quotes Attributed To Former Chief Rabbi

Assoicated Press has reported that a former Chief Rabbi of Israel, Ovadia Yosef linked Hurricane Katrina’s devastation as punishment for US pressure on Israel to leave Gaza. It also said that victims in New Orleans – especially Blacks had suffered because, "They have no G-d."

In a statement, the Simon Wiesenthal Center said: "US Jews and the State and citizens of Israel have overwhelmingly responded with material assistance, prayers and solidarity with Katrina’s innocent victims – reflecting the timeless values of our Torah and our People."

"We hope the rabbi was misquoted since the reported comments insult Israel’s closest ally and friend, the United States and denigrate the African American community, which is in fact, among the most spiritually and religiously committed in America."

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is one of the largest international Jewish human rights organizations with over 400,000 member families in the United States. It is an NGO at international agencies including the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, and the Council of Europe.

For more information, please contact the Center's Public Relations Department, 310-553-9036, or visit www.wiesenthal.com.