The Youpi illustration
French children's magazine removed over 'mistake' on Israel
Editor of Youpi profusely apologizes for January edition listing Israel as among few counties in the world that 'aren't real countries'; says he never intended to challenge Israel's legitimacy, 'I'll blame myself for it all my life.'
A French children's magazine has been withdrawn from newsstands after it admitted a "mistake" in writing that Israel wasn't a "real country."
The news editor for Youpi, a magazine for children from 5 to 8, told said on Tuesday the January issue was being removed from kiosk sales in France and Belgium after writing that Israel was among a few states in the world that aren't "real countries."
French magazine Youpi
Bertrand Fichou said he humbly apologizes for the mistake and that his intention wasn't to challenge the legitimacy of the state of Israel.
Youpi's explanation about Israel
He said that "I'll blame myself for it all my life."
The two-sentence text caused an uproar on social media, and French Jewish group CRIF asked the publisher to remove the January issue from sales.
