Commentator in Strife with Jewish Community over 'Anti-Semitic' Comments
May 20, 1998 - 0:0
MELBOURNE - Former test cricketer David Hookes has been accused of tasteless anti-Semitic jibes by Australia's Jewish community over comments about one of the country's wealthiest men, mining magnate Joe Gutnick. Hookes, now a cricket commentator and radio show host, has personally apologised to the multi-millionaire after warning Melbourne football club fans on a radio station to beware of the jew bearing gifts.
Gutnick, who is a financial backer of Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud government in israel, is also the president of the Melbourne demons in the Australian Football League (AFL). But although Gutnick has accepted Hookes' apology, Jewish leaders here have labelled the comments as anti-Semitic and out of place in sport. The president of the Jewish community council of Victoria, Nina Bassat, said Tuesday the comments were tasteless and had nothing to do with sport.
He seems to be implying that there's a mean spiritedness about Mr Gutnick, Bassat said. I think it was a tasteless comment. They are bringing in the man's religious background and seeking to denigrate a whole people by reference to one person, she said. Bassat said she would have found the comments equally offensive if Hookes had correctly interpreted them as beware of Greeks bearing gifts.
The general manager of radio station 3aw, Graham Mott, said Hookes had apologised for his remarks and no action would be taken against him. David has apologised publicly on air and privately to Mr Gutnick. I also rang Mr Gutnick and he has accepted the apology. Mott said. He is happy to let the matter rest whereas yesterday he was seething.
I don't think David chose his words too carefully, but there was no malicious intent. Hookes contacted Gutnick Monday to explain that he had been trying to say that while Melbourne fans appreciated the money he was putting into the club, he wouldn't be there forever. I explained to him what I said and the context in which I said it and categorically apologised to him if it had embarrassed him or any of his faith, and said I would apologise again on the show tomorrow morning, Hookes said.
He said once I apologised on air, the issue would be dead and buried. (AFP)
Gutnick, who is a financial backer of Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud government in israel, is also the president of the Melbourne demons in the Australian Football League (AFL). But although Gutnick has accepted Hookes' apology, Jewish leaders here have labelled the comments as anti-Semitic and out of place in sport. The president of the Jewish community council of Victoria, Nina Bassat, said Tuesday the comments were tasteless and had nothing to do with sport.
He seems to be implying that there's a mean spiritedness about Mr Gutnick, Bassat said. I think it was a tasteless comment. They are bringing in the man's religious background and seeking to denigrate a whole people by reference to one person, she said. Bassat said she would have found the comments equally offensive if Hookes had correctly interpreted them as beware of Greeks bearing gifts.
The general manager of radio station 3aw, Graham Mott, said Hookes had apologised for his remarks and no action would be taken against him. David has apologised publicly on air and privately to Mr Gutnick. I also rang Mr Gutnick and he has accepted the apology. Mott said. He is happy to let the matter rest whereas yesterday he was seething.
I don't think David chose his words too carefully, but there was no malicious intent. Hookes contacted Gutnick Monday to explain that he had been trying to say that while Melbourne fans appreciated the money he was putting into the club, he wouldn't be there forever. I explained to him what I said and the context in which I said it and categorically apologised to him if it had embarrassed him or any of his faith, and said I would apologise again on the show tomorrow morning, Hookes said.
He said once I apologised on air, the issue would be dead and buried. (AFP)