Rotary International is facing criticism for appointing former Irvine Mayor Farah Khan as president of its Orange County chapter, despite allegations that she referred to Israeli officials as “pedophiles” and “cannibals.”
Khan stepped into the role in May, even as local Jewish organizations raised concerns about her inflammatory remarks.
Groups like the Jewish Community Action Network, the Jewish Federation of Orange County, and the Israeli American Council have formally addressed their concerns to Rotary, arguing that her comments contradict the organization’s ethical guidelines.
“We urge Rotary District 5320 to thoroughly review Khan’s actions concerning Rotary’s Code of Conduct before proceeding with her presidency,” the letter stated.
The organizations described her remarks as an anti-Semitic blood libel, linking them to a long history of inciting violence against Jewish people.
Khan reportedly made her claims while sharing an article from Al Jazeera that accused Israel of bombing a girls’ school in Iran. Additionally, she posted about finding an “infant handcuffed in a mass grave,” attributing alleged atrocities to Israel.
While serving as mayor, Khan was criticized for not addressing harassment and intimidation faced by Jewish residents during a contentious city hall meeting focused on Israel.
In her defense, Khan asserted that her comments were directed at Israeli government officials rather than at Israeli citizens.
However, Rabbi Samuel Hyman from the Jewish Community Action Network dismissed this defense. He argued that such statements ultimately cast a negative light on all Jews, as many in the community support Israel.
Win Spiller, from Rotary International, stated that “each Rotary club operates independently with its own board. Concerns regarding political activities fall under our values, but club governance is primarily the responsibility of the individual clubs.”
Sam Every, a lawyer whose family fled Iran, expressed strong disapproval of Rotary’s decision, stating that it undermines the organization’s credibility and normalizes anti-Semitic sentiment.
Dori Benami, a community leader, indicated that this issue has caused her to reconsider joining Rotary. She mentioned having met many wonderful people through the organization but now feels conflicted about moving forward with membership until Rotary takes meaningful action on this matter.
Rotary International, as a major service organization with over 1.2 million members worldwide, upholds a code of ethics emphasizing truthfulness, fairness, and goodwill.
Benami noted that Rotary’s current stance threatens its longstanding reputation for integrity. She argued that it is essential for reputable organizations to thoroughly vet their leadership choices.
As anti-Semitic incidents rise across the U.S., with near-record levels reported by the Anti-Defamation League, Benami underscored the importance of addressing any rhetoric that could make Jewish individuals feel unsafe.
The California Post reached out to Rotary International, the Los Angeles and Orange County chapters, and Khan for comments on this situation.
SoCal rotary club faces criticism due to new president’s antisemitic comments
Rotary International is facing criticism for appointing former Irvine Mayor Farah Khan as president of its Orange County chapter, despite allegations that she referred to Israeli officials as “pedophiles” and “cannibals.”
Khan stepped into the role in May, even as local Jewish organizations raised concerns about her inflammatory remarks.
Groups like the Jewish Community Action Network, the Jewish Federation of Orange County, and the Israeli American Council have formally addressed their concerns to Rotary, arguing that her comments contradict the organization’s ethical guidelines.
“We urge Rotary District 5320 to thoroughly review Khan’s actions concerning Rotary’s Code of Conduct before proceeding with her presidency,” the letter stated.
The organizations described her remarks as an anti-Semitic blood libel, linking them to a long history of inciting violence against Jewish people.
Khan reportedly made her claims while sharing an article from Al Jazeera that accused Israel of bombing a girls’ school in Iran. Additionally, she posted about finding an “infant handcuffed in a mass grave,” attributing alleged atrocities to Israel.
While serving as mayor, Khan was criticized for not addressing harassment and intimidation faced by Jewish residents during a contentious city hall meeting focused on Israel.
In her defense, Khan asserted that her comments were directed at Israeli government officials rather than at Israeli citizens.
However, Rabbi Samuel Hyman from the Jewish Community Action Network dismissed this defense. He argued that such statements ultimately cast a negative light on all Jews, as many in the community support Israel.
Win Spiller, from Rotary International, stated that “each Rotary club operates independently with its own board. Concerns regarding political activities fall under our values, but club governance is primarily the responsibility of the individual clubs.”
Sam Every, a lawyer whose family fled Iran, expressed strong disapproval of Rotary’s decision, stating that it undermines the organization’s credibility and normalizes anti-Semitic sentiment.
Dori Benami, a community leader, indicated that this issue has caused her to reconsider joining Rotary. She mentioned having met many wonderful people through the organization but now feels conflicted about moving forward with membership until Rotary takes meaningful action on this matter.
Rotary International, as a major service organization with over 1.2 million members worldwide, upholds a code of ethics emphasizing truthfulness, fairness, and goodwill.
Benami noted that Rotary’s current stance threatens its longstanding reputation for integrity. She argued that it is essential for reputable organizations to thoroughly vet their leadership choices.
As anti-Semitic incidents rise across the U.S., with near-record levels reported by the Anti-Defamation League, Benami underscored the importance of addressing any rhetoric that could make Jewish individuals feel unsafe.
The California Post reached out to Rotary International, the Los Angeles and Orange County chapters, and Khan for comments on this situation.
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