Atlanta Jewish Times publisher out over Obama ‘hit' column

By Bo Emerson

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The owner and publisher of the Atlanta Jewish Times has resigned under pressure after writing a column suggesting that Israel consider assassinating President Barack Obama, a Jewish news agency reported Monday.

Andrew Adler wrote the Jan. 13 column suggesting that the assassination would be among Israel's options in dealing with a hostile Iran equipped with nuclear weapons.

According to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Adler is "relinquishing all day-to-day activities effective immediately" and is seeking a buyer.

Though he apologized for the column last week, Adler came under pressure to leave the weekly publication.

After reading the column, "I was appalled, I was flabbergasted," said Michael Horowitz, president and CEO of the Atlanta Jewish Federation. Horowitz said the column made Adler the "worldwide center of negative attention."

The Federation issued a statement asking for Adler's resignation, saying, "While we acknowledge his public apology and remorse, the damage done to the people of Israel, the global Jewish people, and especially the Jewish Community of Atlanta is irreparable."

According to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Adler named staff writer John McCurdy as interim managing editor. Adler could not be reached for comment Monday, but he offered a tearful apology in an interview with Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters that was also posted on YouTube.

In the column, Adler suggested that there were three options for Israel, should Iran acquire nuclear weapons: A strike against Hamas and Hezbollah, a strike against Iran, or "three, give the go-ahead for U.S.-based Mossad agents to take out a president deemed unfriendly to Israel in order for the current vice president to take his place, and forcefully dictate that the United States policy includes its helping the Jewish state obliterate its enemies."

After the Gawker website publicized the column, Adler apologized and said it was intended to "get a reaction" from the Jewish community.

A spokesman for the Secret Service said the agency was aware of the column and would take appropriate investigative action.