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Jewish Groups Question Sincerity of Kanye West’s Apology to Jewish Community Over Antisemitic Comments
Kanye West, DJ Khaled, Lil Wayne, Ty Dolla Sign, Teyana Taylor and Zoey Dollaz at ‘LIV on Sunday’ as part of Art Basel on Dec. 11, 2023
Photo: Seth Browarnik/startraksphoto.com via Cover Media via Reuters Connect
The apology that rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, made earlier this week for his series of antisemitic comments has received mixed responses from Jewish groups, who are saying they need more than just words to believe the musician and fashion designer
On Tuesday, the Grammy winner and Yeezy designer uploaded a Hebrew-language message on Instagram addressed to the Jewish community.
“I sincerely apologize for any unintended outburst caused by my words or actions, it was not my intention to hurt or disrespect, and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused,” wrote the 46-year-old. “I am committed to starting with myself and learning from this experience to ensure greater sensitivity and understanding in the future. Your forgiveness is important to me, and I am committed to making amends and promoting unity.”
The apology was published shortly before Ye releases his new album, Vultures, on Jan. 12. In one of the songs on the upcoming album, he raps: “How I’m antisemitic? I just f**ked a Jewish b*tch.” Earlier this month, the Flashing Lights rapper went on an antisemitic rant at an album listening party in Las Vegas.
The rapper came under fire late last year after making a number of antisemitic remarks, sharing antisemitic tropes on social media, promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories and stereotypes, saying “I like Hitler,” and urging people to “stop dissing the Nazis.” Because of his comments targeting the Jewish community, he lost his Yeezy partnership with Adidas, as well as his partnerships with a number of other brands.
The Anti-Defamation League welcomed Ye’s apology this week but added that they hope to see his words backed by actions.
“After causing untold damage by using his vast influence and platform to poison countless minds with vicious antisemitism and hate, an apology in Hebrew may be the first step on a long journey towards making amends to the Jewish community and all those who he has hurt,” the ADL said in a released statement. “Ultimately, actions will speak louder than words but this initial act of contrition is welcome.”
The ADL revealed in its audit of antisemitic incidents in 2022 that Ye was directly referenced in 59 antisemitic cases tracked by the group from October through the end of that year, including 44 cases of harassment, 13 cases of vandalism and two cases of assault.
The American Jewish Committee criticized Ye for issuing the apology in Hebrew, saying that the rapper “intentionally” denied American Jews and non-Jews who don’t know Hebrew from being able to understand his apology.
The nonprofit organization StopAntisemitism said it wants to know what additional steps Ye is taking to make amends for offending the Jewish community with his past remarks. “Will he be deleting his vulgar lyrics referring to having sex with a Jewish woman? Has he committed to any mental health programs to prevent further antisemitic outbursts to his millions of followers?” the organization asked. It also wanted to know why the apology was in Hebrew.
Israeli activist Noa Tishby did not buy the apology at all and had some choice words for the rapper. In a video shared on social media on Wednesday, Tishby told Ye in Hebrew, “just shut up.”
“We don’t need your apology,” she further said in English. “We don’t want you to say anything. We don’t need you to speak about us at all. Every time you talk about the Jewish people, something bad happens. We basically need you and people like you, who know nothing about Israel or the Jewish people, to shut up. That’s it.”
The post Jewish Groups Question Sincerity of Kanye West’s Apology to Jewish Community Over Antisemitic Comments first appeared on Algemeiner.com.
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UK Bars All Israelis from Prestigious Defense College
Demonstrators attend the “Lift the Ban” rally organized by Defend Our Juries, challenging the British government’s proscription of “Palestine Action” under anti-terrorism laws, in Parliament Square, in London, Britain, Sept. 6, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Carlos Jasso
i24 News – The British government has announced that, starting next year, Israelis will no longer be admitted to the Royal College of Defense Studies (RCDS), marking the first exclusion of Israelis since the institution was founded in 1927. Previously, restrictions applied only to officers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), but the new policy will apply to all Israeli applicants, civilian or military.
The decision comes amid the ongoing war in Gaza, according to reporting by The Telegraph, and represents a notable shift in British-Israeli defense cooperation.
Amir Baram, Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, criticized the move in strong terms, calling it a “deeply shameful and discriminatory” decision and “a betrayal of an ally in time of war.”
In a statement, Baram emphasized Israel’s broader security contributions, including protecting international shipping from Houthi attacks, preventing nuclear proliferation by hostile regimes, and efforts to secure the release of 48 hostages held by Hamas.
“Israel’s exclusion is a profoundly dishonorable act of disloyalty to an ally at war,” Baram wrote. “These discriminatory actions amount to a disgraceful break with Britain’s proud tradition of tolerance, and plain decency.” He added that silencing Israeli voices at a time when the country is actively defending international security constitutes “nothing less than an act of self-sabotage of British security.”
A spokesperson for the British Ministry of Defense defended the decision, emphasizing that the college welcomes participants from many nations, provided they respect international humanitarian law. The spokesperson criticized Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, calling instead for a diplomatic resolution that includes a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and expanded humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.
The RCDS exclusion reflects a growing strain in UK-Israel relations, already tense due to debates over recognition of a Palestinian state and responses to the Gaza conflict. Israeli officials have framed the decision as both a political and symbolic blow to bilateral defense cooperation, warning it could have broader implications for strategic ties between the two countries.
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Anti-Israel Protests Force Early End to Vuelta a Espana Cycle Race
Cycling – Vuelta a Espana – Stage 21 – Alalpardo to Madrid – Madrid, Spain – September 14, 2025 Protesters clash with police during Stage 21. Photo: REUTERS/Ana Beltran
Anti-Israel protests forced the abandonment of the Vuelta a Espana cycle race at its finale on Sunday, with Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard declared the winner as police sought to quell demonstrations against an Israeli team’s participation.
Protesters overturned metal barriers and occupied the Vuelta (Tour of Spain) race route at several points in the Spanish capital Madrid as police attempted to push them back.
“The race is over,” a spokesperson for the race organizers told Reuters.
The protests have targeted the Israel-Premier Tech team over Israel’s actions in Gaza. Some riders had threatened to quit last week as routes were blocked, causing some falls.
More than 1,000 police officers were deployed on Sunday as cyclists reached the final stage of the 21-day race in Madrid.
It had been due to end at 7 p.m. (1700 GMT).
Earlier in the day, Spain’s Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he admired the protesters.
“Today marks the end of the Vuelta,” Sanchez told a party rally in the southern city of Malaga.
“Our respect and recognition for the athletes and our admiration for the Spanish people who are mobilizing for just causes like Palestine.”
After the race was cancelled, clashes continued with protesters throwing bottles of water and other objects at police.
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Oct. 7 Documentary Wins People’s Choice Award in Toronto
A view of the Toronto area, which is home to Canada’s largest Jewish community. Photo: John Vetterli via Wikimedia Commons.
i24 News – A documentary chronicling retired Israeli General Noam Tibon’s daring rescue of his family during the Hamas attacks in 2023 has taken home the People’s Choice Award for best documentary at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
“The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue,” directed by Barry Avrich, depicts Tibon’s efforts amid the October 7 attacks, which left over 1,200 people dead and more than 250 abducted. The film has sparked heated debate, drawing both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrations outside its screenings this week.
TIFF organizers confirmed the award via email Sunday morning, before CEO Cameron Bailey could present it during the festival’s ceremony at the TIFF Lightbox.
Avrich accepted the honor to subdued applause, thanking the festival for its support.
The documentary had previously faced a brief removal from TIFF’s schedule over security and rights concerns, a decision that drew criticism from politicians, Jewish organizations, and industry figures. The festival reinstated the film days later, with Bailey vowing clearer communication regarding programming choices.
Despite the protests, the film went on to screen as planned on Sunday afternoon. Some demonstrators had labeled the documentary “Israeli propaganda” without attending a showing.