Ashamed and regretful: An apology

by Andrew Adler, for the Atlanta Jewish Times

The following is the letter to subscribers, readers and the worldwide Jewish community:

There are no excuses, there are no explanations; there is only this apology, the most sincere and heartfelt in my life. My column “What would you do?”, published in the Jan. 13 issue of the Atlanta Jewish Times, was outrageous and irresponsible, and most assuredly my last column.

I have resigned from my position as publisher as of Jan. 23; my name will not be associated with the AJT going forward. An established Jewish Atlanta leader is being sought as the next face of the paper.

With “What would you do?”, I attempted to put readers in the shoes of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu so as to bring about reflection and discourse regarding the difficult task of protecting the Jewish State. The third option I mentioned – that Mossad agents “take out” an American president – is a terrible proposition to even think of, let alone share with others via a community newspaper.

Privileged with this final opportunity to speak publicly to readers worldwide, I would like to make clear that I do not and will never advocate the assassination of President of the United States Barack Obama, nor would I ever wish for the death of any individual.

I would also like to make clear that the other staff of the Atlanta Jewish Times played no role in the writing, editing or publication of the column. These were thoughts “From the Publisher” – me alone – and unfortunately poorly planned, hastily written thoughts that I never intended for readers to take as the actual beliefs of myself or any other AJT employees.

By putting this column in print, I have brought undue shame to my family, to the global Jewish community, to the city of Atlanta and to the journalistic professions. The shame is mine, and I cannot express how much I regret the actions that brought it and the ramifications that will persist.

I ask for forgiveness knowing that few, if any, will give it. I am sorry beyond words for the offenses caused, the lack of judgment displayed and the abuse of both the public forum of the AJT and the rights granted by the First Amendment.

Longtime staff writer John McCurdy will assume interim editor-in-chief duties while a new publisher is sought. I hope that the Atlanta Jewish Times will be able to continue serving Atlanta’s wonderful Jewish community, from here on more faithfully than ever.