US congressman apologises for calling settlers ‘termites’
Democrat Hank Johnson said sorry after being criticised for 'deeply offensive dehumanising comments'
An American congressman has apologised for his “poor choice of words” after he called Jewish settlers “termites”.
Representative Hank Johnson, a Democrat from Georgia, made the initial remarks while speaking at an event organised by the U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation when he made the analogy.
Referring to West Bank settlers, he said: “Like termites can get into a residence and eat before you know that you’ve been eaten up and you fall in on yourself, there has been settlement activity that has marched forward with impunity and at an ever increasing rate.”
The National Jewish Democratic Council said his remarks were “deeply offensive and dehumanising” while the Anti-Defamation League said it appreciated the congressman’s apology.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
