ADL says Galliano is a 'changed man'
Photo: AFP
Israel's Eurovision representative, Moran Mazor
Photo: Rafi Deloya
Israel says no to Galliano dress
Country's broadcasting authority bars Eurovision contestant from wearing outfit made by disgraced British fashion designer. Anti-Defamation League slams decision as 'outrageous'
VIDEO – While the outfits of John Galliano
may be back on the catwalk, the Israel Broadcasting
Authority has barred the Jewish state’s Eurovision contestant, Moran Mazor, from wearing a dress made by the disgraced
British fashion designer.
"This is not the lesson that you give your children. Rejecting someone who gave a sincere apology is not Jewish tradition. We are a people that forgive and this is not the way to overcome bigotry."
The IBA sponsors the contestant and broadcasts the popular European singing competition.
Video courtesy of jn1.tv
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) on Sunday expressed anger at the IBA's decision.
"I am outraged and embarrassed that an entity representing Israel would reject Mr. Galliano," ADL National Director Abraham H. Foxman said in a statement. "To reject someone who has now embraced Israel and the Jewish people is outrageous.
Fashion Scandal
Associated Press
New York Post posts photo of disgraced fashion designer wearing hat, ringlets described as resembling those of a Hasidic Jew
Foxman added that "Mr. Galliano is a changed man. The Israel Broadcasting Authority must realize this. It is great to see that he is working with Israeli artists.
"He has continued to work hard in establishing relationships, and has shown us and the world that he is taking steps to understand and grow from his past mistakes. To continue to boycott him is not constructive"
Galliano was captured on video two years ago making an anti-Semitic rant in a Paris bar, resulting in the designer being arrested and subsequently fired by fashion house Dior. During the clip, Galliano makes reference to Nazi gas chambers and says that he "loves Hitler."
Moran Mazor said in a recent interview that Galliano had "accepted the challenge" of designing her dress, but her agent has since clarified the remarks.
Although bookmakers believe that Mazor’s chances of victory in May’s Eurovision song contest in Sweden are slim, the Israeli public has high hopes for the 21-year-old singer.
