UPDATED ON:
Friday, November 14, 2008
04:39 Mecca time, 01:39 GMT
News Americas
Obama aide in 'anti-Arab' row
Emanuel, left, was Obama's first post-election
appointment [GALLO/GETTY]  

Rahm Emanuel, US president-elect Barack Obama's chief of staff, has apologised to an Arab-American group for comments made by his father that disparaged Arabs.

Benjamin Emanuel was reported as telling an Israeli newspaper about his son last week: "Obviously, he will influence the president to be pro-Israel. Why wouldn't he?

"What is he, an Arab? He's not going to clean the floors of the White House."

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee had sent a letter to Emanuel calling on him to distance himself from his father's remarks.

Rahm Emanuel, also an Illinois congressman, called the group's president, Mary Rose Oakar, on Thursday to apologise on behalf of his family.

"These are not the values upon which I was raised or those of my family," the group quoted him as saying.

Pro-Israel 'fears'

The committee, in a statement on its website, said Emanuel told Oakar it was unacceptable to make such remarks against any ethnic or religious group.

Oakar welcomed the apology, saying: "We cannot allow Arabs and Muslims to be portrayed in these unacceptable terms."

Some analysts in the Middle East have raised concerns about the appointment of Emanuel, who has a record of strongly supporting Israel, suggesting he could use his position to influence Obama's policies in the region.

Emanuel dismissed the suggestions earlier this week, saying Obama did not need his influence to "orientate his policy toward Israel".

Benjamin Emanuel is a Jerusalem-born doctor who was active in the Irgun - an underground Zionist organisation that fought the British in Palestine prior to the founding of Israel in 1947.

 Source: Agencies
 
Topics in this article
People

Country

Feedback Number of comments : 65
 
Vinod Moonesinghe
Sri Lanka
14/11/2008
Obama aide in anti-Arab row - Isreali Racism
Irgun Zvai Leumi was not just 'an underground Zionist organisation that fought the British in Palestine', it was a terrorist gang that attacked Palestinian civilians, notably at Deir Yassin. The Israeli state is based upon the racism so clearly manifested in the actions of IZL. Emanuel Senior's remarks simply underline this same racism. Until the Zionist state of Israel is replaced by a multi-ethnic, secular Palestine there can be no real resolution to this festering Levantine sore.

Chris
United States
14/11/2008
Just like Bush
People around the world really need to realise that it's not simply Bush and Bush alone that is responsible for the mess ups in the Middle East it's the entire US system. It doesn't matter who's in charge, the status quo in regards to Israel and the other Middle East countries will remain the same. Obama is as much of a liar as the rest of them and he'll do nothing. After all, how in the world could the US hope to mediate between Israel/Palestine when they so heavily favour Israel?

John
Canada
14/11/2008
That was a Freudian slip - reveals the truth
Looks bad. Could be the beginning of same-old, same-old with Obama. People voted for change. Change means "different", such as relocating Israel to Alaska. Then there would be no further problems. The Israelis would love the place, just like Sarah does. After all, for all these years the US has said it supported Israel, so why not a real change and give Israel a nice new home? It's a bit crowded in Palestine. Anyway, change is change. Obama, change your chief of staff.

mzmarlena
United States
14/11/2008
Rahm's father
With all the anti-Israeli and Jewish remarks made by many Muslim leaders, without anyone apologising, this should be an indication of Rahm's sensitivity to the problems of both Muslims and Jews. Many comments against the Jews go completely ignored and just dismissed.

Marc
Luxembourg
14/11/2008
Israeli attitude towards Arabs, Palestinians, Iranians, Europeans, Africans, Asians...
This comment about Arabs is typical for an Israeli. I have only met a few Israelis in my life, but every time they were in a row with waiters in restaurants, made negative comments about the service they received in hotels, were treating other people as a minor race. My message to Israelis: as long as you treat people other than your own people as dirt and minor races you will never find peace on Earth. What you Israelis all need to have is: respect for other people. I will never visit Israel.

Mo
United States
14/11/2008
Irgun
"Irgun - an underground Zionist organisation" Al Jazeera forgot to mention that the Irgun was a terrorist organisation. As a matter of fact, today's "Islamic fundamentalist" terrorism is actually based upon the Zionist terrorist tactics of the early 20th century. E.g. The bombing of the King David Hotel in Jerusalem - very similar to the "Al-Qaeda" attacks

Rachel
United States
14/11/2008
Rahm Emanuel chief of staff
It causes great unrest that president-elect Barack Obama's first move is to appoint a hugely partisan pro-Israel chief of staff. The world is looking to Obama to dissolve the anti-Arab atmosphere that Bush created and practise unbiased foreign policy. With the appointment of Rahm Emanuel the air of "change" has been polluted. How can the Obama administration produce change with a Zionist chief of staff?

Paul
United States
15/11/2008
Israeli racism
Rahm's father's racist comment is typical of comments I've heard from the average Israeli. However, I've heard comments like this made by uneducated Americans about African-Americans and especially Latinos (all of whom they refer to as Mexicans). Ignorant people have to have somebody they can look down on.

Mark
United States
15/11/2008
Obama and Israel
For all it's worth, here is Obama's speech to AIPAC: http://www.aipac.org/Publications/SpeechesByPolicymakers/PC_08_Obama.pdf Of course Obama is pro-Israel, most Americans prefer it that way. We are also pro-"land for peace", and pro-Palestinian, and so he is as well. There is still much that can change for the better. Rahm Emanuel works for Obama, not the other way around.

eatbees
United States
15/11/2008
Lets Wait and See
Rahm Emanuel has more progressive views on Palestine than his father's racist comment indicates, but he will need to prove himself. As Obama's right hand man, he may provide Obama with the cover he needs with the American Jewish community to take a more independent stance toward Israel, just as Richard Nixon's years as a cold warrior gave him the credibility to reach out to Communist China. Anyway, Emanuel was chosen for his deep knowledge of domestic policy, not his foreign policy views.

Rd
United Kingdom
15/11/2008
Obama aide in anti Arab
Well it's all very well that this has come out because it's good indication where Obama presidency is heading towards before it even started. Remember Dr Con Rice __the worst secratery of State ever as far as Palastenians are concerced. Yes I agree with the sentiment that it is not Bush and Bush alone but the entire US governing system that has being hijacked to serve the few and American people,Obama included, are just as victims as the rest of the world. Obama is in for a shock.

SYED
Canada
15/11/2008
Rahm
I think Obama is only being politically expedient. No president can remain in power in US unless he kisses the Israel lobby as much as he can ,every president wants to devote himself to pleasing Israel. I still believe that Obama will do the right things He is an educated man and I am sure he knows the history of that region better than his predecessor.

Ricky
South Africa
15/11/2008
Zionists will burn in hell
You all have families, children. For the suffering of the many families & children, you evil Zionists incur in the "name of God", this suffering will all revert back to you & your children, why the present population suffer for the past, if that is justified, all you Zionists colonialist, all over the world, should be punished the same.

Dr. Sapphire
Afghanistan
15/11/2008
Rahm Israel Emanual is a BAD No change chioce
In his book, Emanuel advocated a three-month compulsory universal service program for Americans between the ages of 18 and 25.[

Mike
United States
15/11/2008
What if?
What if the Israeli people invested in factories and schools for their Palestinian neighbors instead of tit fot tat retailiation? What if the palestian adults worked for a living and their children attended school during the daytime? What if people got busy making their future instead of spreading devisivness?

Bob
Canada
15/11/2008
Emanuel racist comments
Does anyone really expect a more balanced US position vis a vis the Israel-Palestinian issue? It`s a dream. Only the Arab/muslim world can redress the injustices to Palestinians and they won`t because they are corrupt and have no vision of where they want to go because their tribal loyalties trump their capacity to work together to defeat Israel.

AniMossad
Israel
15/11/2008
Rachman Israel Emanuel
The Irgun was instrumental in liberating Israel from the 2000 year illegal occupation by non-Jews. Every day I thank God for their bravery, they were the servants of the Creator of the Universe.

V Siva
Canada
15/11/2008
Obamas aide pro-Israel
Without Arab countries investments in Western nations including the US, the wetren nations are doomed to fail. Israel is depending on the US and US should stay from Israel in order to be neutral and to being peace in the world.

Ayman
Canada
16/11/2008
Who are the ones that prop-up these dictators? Its none other then the USA. It is you who has given the Zionist a voice to spread their lies about Palestine. "Truevoice" hah. Its Israel that has built nuclear reactors and armies. The hate they spread can be seen in the destroyed homes in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. Or on the bombs that are autographed by Israeli children. The world is aware now. You will be exposed for the racists that you are. Peace

Truthman
Canada
14/11/2008
See how its done? Obama has no choice now but to be an Israeli puppet. All out Middle East war will soon be Obama's legacy as a result. The "incident" in the Straight of Hormuz is just around the corner.

Issa
United States
14/11/2008
Let us stop complaining. Let us stop depending on other countries for protection. Let us stop being nothing. Let us say the puppets who still rule us, enough. Let us change, since if we don't we will be in this situation for the next two hundred years or more.

john saah
Afghanistan
14/11/2008
Same old White House
Does it really surprise anyone that Israel and its Jewish lobbyists have complete control over the Whitehouse and Congress? I voted for Obama with the expectation that he will be far different from past administrations. How come he did not come out and repudiate the remarks of his appointee's father? Wake up America!

John
United Kingdom
14/11/2008
Obama's chief of staff
Imagine the situation if Obama had appointed an Arab as his chief of staff and his father had made a similar remark about the Zionists. It appears that we are operating with two different sets of rules here. John UK

AL
United States
15/11/2008
How can Emanuel actually say "These are not the values upon which I was raised or those of my family," and yet his own father made a derogatory racist remark against the Arab community? I believe Emanuel was raised under a bigoted roof and, to prevent jingoism, I suggest Obama have a movement and cleanse himself of this appointment.

AL
United Kingdom
15/11/2008
This appointment is an American embarrassment and a world joke.

Chris
Australia
15/11/2008
change we need
If Obama wants to send a sign - one of change - he needs a high profile Arab in his administration asap. Otherwise it will be another onesided gang that offers no hope for the people in the Middle East, and us more generally.

Robin Abaya MD
United States
15/11/2008
Cleaning the White House Floors
In honor of all those who work with brooms, mops and vacuum cleaners in the United States, regardless of ethnicity, I went straight home after work, grabbed my broom, mop and vacuum cleaner and cleaned the floors. The arrogant Emanuels, father and son, have profound contempt for working people. Obama is a willing tool of Israel. Rahm is correct - Barack could not be made anymore pro-Israel than he already is.

JW
United States
15/11/2008
Israeli lobby still in power
It really doesn't seem to matter who is president, as the Israeli lobby backs both opposing candidates in any presidential election. This way the Israelis receive unlimited backing for their repressive policies no matter who wins. "Change?" ... Maybe but not with regards to Palestine.

Mohamed
Afghanistan
15/11/2008
Ironic again
The only reason why the jews existed in the middle east was because they had to flee the European massacres. they found security only among the Arabs. In return they ally with the British to backstab the Arabs and claim Palestine to them. Not only that, they then treat the Arabs like they were treated by Nazis. Which makes me wonder maybe Germany was only defending itself from being a Palestine. may they were not as naive as the Arabs and knew this would happen.

JPG
United States
15/11/2008
Rahm Emanuel Father Statements
His association with this Rahm Emanuel character is very unsettling. It makes me think that Obama will be a puppet when it comes to issues and policy in the Middle East and others will be pulling the strings and dictating policy. We don't need another lame duck president. Thank you Al Jazeera. I didn't see this story in any of the Major US papers. The comments by this guy's father are disgusting and everyone should be offended.

jay king
United States
15/11/2008
Obama aide in anti-Arab row
Those who complain that the US is not a fair mid-east mediator are right. The parties should not have to cow-tow to outside forces. It’s time for both sides to compromise. In 2010, Israel will act unilaterally if there is no agreement with the Palestinians. I don’t believe there will be any internal agreement between the Palestinians either. I expect that there will be two separate Palestinians states in Gaza and the West Bank.

Sohail Gill
Pakistan
15/11/2008
Rahm Emanual ?
Rahm might well be the best option for Obama as chief of WH but would remain highly controversial throughout his tenure coz the times ahead are much different than the previous regime !

Sohail Gill
Pakistan
15/11/2008
Rahm Emanual ?
Rahm might well be the best option for Obama as chief of WH but would remain highly controversial throughout his tenure coz the times ahead are much different than the previous regime !

Isa
Bangladesh
15/11/2008
Irgun and Change together!!
What change in ME policy we can desire from Obama when he appoints an ex member of a terrorist group like Irgun?!!

TrueVoice
United States
15/11/2008
Cleaning Floors and Nobel Prizes
While Saudi's built palaces, Iraqis nuclear reactors and dictators palaces, Egyptians armies, Israel built universities while Israel developed a technology based society, the Arab world thrived on tyranny and hate. No wonder Arabs clean floors and Israeli's influence world society and win Nobel prizes

DGS
Afghanistan
16/11/2008
Hypocracy Now.
I said it before, I'll say it agian, VERY little is going to change under a new pres.

Mohamed Khan
Canada
16/11/2008
Anti-Arab row !!
On the contrary, I see this as an attack on Obama as the first black President of America. Rahm's father is a bigot and a racist no doubt and is clearly suggesting that his son looks more like a US President and Obama who looks more like an Arab fit to mop the floor - is this not also reminiscent of black people who were the ones that mopped the floor for the longest while ??- Rahm can apologize all he wants - as Chief of Staff - he gave credit to his mom and dad(?) !! Damage DONE!!

Damon
United States
16/11/2008
nothing changes
As an American, I am once again outraged, sickened and embarrassed by the more racist comments against Arabs in American politics. I personally harbor no illusions about Obama being any different on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict because it is impossible to be critical of Israel and be a major player in American politics. Until Americans can have an honest discussion about the Middle East in the media and the government, be prepared for more bloodshed and misery in the next four years

Nat P
United States
16/11/2008
possibilities
I have some hope that having Emanuel in this powerful position could allow Obama to be supportive of Israel while also being critical of Israeli actions that undermine chances for a peaceful resolution.

Paul Perner
United States
16/11/2008
The Time of "Anti-Arab" is Gone
I am a Californian, born and raised in a part of the state that has shown me that the path of diversity, peace and understanding is the great road that Allah, God, Buddha, Jesus, Mary and Great Spirit that has been called by many names is the road to lasting peace and harmony. Mr. Emanuel is but one man. There are thousands of us who would never say anti-Arab things because #1, we're not clumsy with our voices or #2, those thoughts are not in our hearts. Reach in that we no longer hold #2 inside

Colin
Australia
16/11/2008
Obama Aide Pro Israel
I think this article shows that whoever is nominally in the White House, the usual suspects still pull the strings Colin

claire
Switzerland
16/11/2008
pro-arab anti-israel pro-Israel anti-arab
When is the world going to awake to the fact that a consensual, honest and declared acceptation that the Land of Israel has "the rigth to be" is the fundamental bottom-line to constructive negotiations? When is the world going to awake to the fact that hundreds and thousands of Israeli want and work hard for peace? When is the world going to awake to the fact that systematic treachery and provocation only call for, I concede aggressive, but possibly legitimate defensive actions?

Salahuddin
Bangladesh
16/11/2008
Mr President Don't start negative change pls.

Kevin
United States
18/11/2008
Hypocrisy
Man, you guys complain a lot. The United States will usually side with the Israelis as they don't direct any terrorism against the US, they have a more similar government, and Judaism and Christianity share a little more than Muslims. Why do you expect anything else? And for all the terrorism of the Israeli people do not the Palestinians, other Arabs, and the US do the same? This article talked about the Israelis closing the gates because Hamas is bombing Israel.

Mike
United States
19/11/2008
Molly, clearly you know very little about politics. Since you are already "over" our country, perhaps you should leave, and live in Gaza - I'm certain you will find the peaceful, understanding nature of its citizens to your liking. It is difficult for me to see the pro-Israeli bias that has been cited by previous posts. Clearly it is not in TIME, or Newsweek, or on CNN.

Mandala
United Kingdom
19/11/2008
Rahm Emanuel
Wow, what a huge surprise: people doomsaying the entire administration before Obama even takes power. Sure, Emanuel's father is a bigot embarassment, but I don't see him taking up the post. Rahm Emanuel was appointed because he's is a brilliant political tactician, not because he's a zionist. He knows how Washington works, and was invaluable during he Clinton years. I would suggest, however, that Obama appoint Arab advisors to cabinet-level positions as simple political pragmatism.

An American
United States
19/11/2008
Who cares
I am sick of this nonsense. The commenter below has it correct, what if folks worked all day and went to school instead of living in a world of fairy tale myths like Gods and Prophets? I say instead of the American Govt spending all this money on arming Israel, we just give the Jews Florida. We pay for flights and buy their first home. Then tell Muslims that if they make one agressive advance in any way, they will be nuked with 500 of our Fat Boys. Both sides are annoying and stupid!

Musa
Liberia
19/11/2008
I was deeply disappointed over the preferment of Rahm Emanuel simply for an obvious reason. His appointment as Obama's Chief of Staff may flare up strong feelings, anxiety and suspicion in the muslim world as to the imcoming Adminstration 's sincerity about change. I still ponder on the change Obama promised.

Edouard
United States
20/11/2008
Paragraph break
This is a fascinating article... but the context of Benjamin Emanuel's remark hangs on whether it is one paragraph or two. Are you absolutely certain that it should be two paragraphs, as you show in your story? If the two questions were spoken quickly together, then it would seem that the insinuation about cleaning floors has nothing to do with being an Arab.

David
United States
20/11/2008
Peaceful Solutions
Benjamin Emanuel is not in Obama's cabinet his son is. It would be like comparing Osama Bin Laden to his father. They are two different people. People got to let go of their hate and racism towards Jews and Muslim in order to find a peaceful solution for all of us to coexist. The destruction of another state, race, or religion is what terrorist want not Obama's policies. If he can work with Israel and Islamic countries to find a peaceful solution than I fully support him.

Mostafa Sidky
Egypt
21/11/2008
Rahm Emanuel Remarks-Obamas Choice
I don not believe in over reacting towards stupid remarks by ignorant individuals . I believe that Jews & US have realized that it is essential to have peace in the region for Israel to exist . It is as simple as that . Arabs are no longer riding camels and they are fighters to be feared. The Egyptian -Israeili piece treaty is a good one that needs to be modified to continue to control extreme movements. Theses extremist feeding on Bush's daily remarks . Solve the Palestinian issue Einesteins.

todd
United States
18/11/2008
obama
Alot of us in the US said that obama was a lier. We proved it over and over ex. are His friendship with william ayers, him sitting in a church for 20 years but not knowing that his minister was a hater. His ties with the political process of Chicago gov.. How he went to kenya to help a despot win an election. How he was going to do everything for everybody. One just might be careful about how big a hole they dig, they just might fall in. God help the USA,please pray for us.

Michael
United States
18/11/2008
outrage over Rahm Emanuel
In the interest of fairness, should we all expect that every Arab leader whose father has ever fought against or insulted some non-Arab group will immediately be called upon to resign in disgrace? Why do I not expect this to occur? Give me a break.

Laura
United States
18/11/2008
all of the above.
Noted in conversation tonight on US/Israel/Palestine/Iran realations: "The US government has lost it's moral compass with regard to Palestine." We must remember that the US and Israel tied together with a mutual defense treaty, and that as long as this stands, our relationship with Arab nations will be horribly strained. Why is Iran(signer of the Nuclear NPT) looking at nuclear technology? It is surrounded by Israel, Pakistan, Russia and by default the US(not a signer of the Nuclear NPT).

joe
Australia
18/11/2008
when are arab people going to realise that they are their best friends and their worst friends. Stop the blame game. The solution to your problems is in your own hands and not with anyone else.

molly
United States
18/11/2008
No one in the US government ever addresses the atrocities carried out by the Israelis. Its disgusting. And Obama is a liar for choosing all of the same advisors and cabinet members that the past two presidents have used. I knew that he would be more of the same when I voted for him but I didn't know he would be such a profound dissappointment. I'm so over this country.

reza santorini
United States
19/11/2008
Rahm Emanuel
"Until the Zionist state of Israel is replaced by a multi-ethnic, secular Palestine there can be no real resolution to this festering Levantine sore. " so says a poster. I ask how about the Muslim states? How many even have many Jews who can vote? Additionally, Rahm is not his father. Many of the Muslims supported Hitler before Israel became a State. Do all of you still support that concept? Just because your Dad may have..do you?

george
United States
19/11/2008
Rham
Obama has fooled all of you of his message ,( change). what change is he telling us now, the clinton administrations all over the place, he is incompetent, he thinks he will have the Clinton economic years will come back, people of the Middle east expect more of the same , siding with Israel at every given moment, He proved it by hiring Rahm in the white house,slap in the face to all who have believd in his message of change.

Steven
Belgium
19/11/2008
unbelievable
What a blunder and what a racist and foolish thing to do, Rahm Senior! Get Emanuel out of office, he can only be mad at his mad and racist dad. Keeping him in office is an offence to all the Arabs worldwide.

Jamie
France, Metropolitan
19/11/2008
Wow, so quick to attack Obama? WTF?
Anyone who attacked Obama is completely ridiculous. He hasn't even taken office yet. Are you people living in caves? I know that one Egyptian doctor does. It's obvious he releases audio tapes and hates America. First of all, tapes went out of style 20 years ago. I bet he's still playing beta videos. Wait until he finds out that Blu-ray beat HDDVD(still 15 years off by the pattern he's established), oh boy!Secondly, America is changing, give it a freakin' chance. All the world behind Obama!

J.
United States
19/11/2008
Stop complaining
So no one in the Iranian administration has ever said a bad thing about Israelis or Jews? Why does the Arab community expect the RELATIVES of American politicians to be held to a higher standard than ACTUAL Arab or Persian politicians. The fact that some of you think that Rham should be removed from office is ridiculous and ultimately irrelevant. If you don't like Rham and you are an American, don't vote for Obama again. If you are not an American, tough luck you don't get a say in the matter!

Remember Peace
United States
20/11/2008
Rahm appointment
These comments are really interesting and good. I agree with those who want to give Obama a chance before condemning him. His approach is not to think first of Israel or Palestine but of Americans of all sorts, the common welfare. Those who write we're "being fooled" and Obama is a puppet and so on are wrong. Obama is a man, not a tyrant like Bush, and wants to make the world a better place. Try to speak out for human rights and stop accusing the innocent.

SirRandall
Afghanistan
20/11/2008
Israeli bullshit
I am always annoyed when the jews and israelis slander arab people, and anyother people gentiles. They are the only peoplewho chose themselves as the chosen people. Ugh! What a great PR campaign. Here we have now the father of a guy who disparages Arabs. My dreamis to see a two-state peace plan in the middle east. The Jews got theirs, and it is imperative that the Arabs receive their land back. The jews need to return to INSIDE the boundaries declred by the Balfour Pact.

hotpinko
Afghanistan
20/11/2008
Keeper of the Keys
Rahm Emauel has chaired the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee for the past several election cycles. That means that he decides which candidates get Democratic Party money to campaign for office. Chuck Shumer is his counterpart in the Senate. It's because of these 2 men, both stubborn Zionists, that no candidate for office in the US can even appear to be objective when it comes to Palestine. Rahm is scary because he is largely the reason that we have no dialog on Israel in the US.

Dave
United States
23/11/2008
Israel
Marc, no one wants you to visit Israel. It is amazing on how much hate is coming from you Arabs on this board. And than you say how Israel is treating Arabs and others? Look at the miror people. If it wasn't for oil, none of you would even know how to type, cause your governments won't allow you to. You should look at Israel's society as a nation who built a beautiful free nation in such a short time. Antismites will never get you Arabs nowhere. All you think about is hate hate and hate the jew.

 
ARTICLE TOOLS
 Email Article  Email article
 Print Article  Print article
 Send Feedback  Send feedback
 Share article  Share article
Aljazeera.net/english 2003 - 2010 ©
Designed & Developed by Aljazeera IT