Gesture not meant to be ‘Nazi salute,’ mayors say

NIAGARA FALLS — A YouTube video that shows a pair of Niagara mayors doing what appears to be a Nazi salute has been misinterpreted, they say.

Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati and Welland Mayor Frank Campion issued a joint statement after a video of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s Jan. 18 meeting was shared online.

While board members were discussing reports, West Lincoln Mayor Doug Joyner began to make a comment.

First, Campion, who was sitting to Joyner’s right, makes what appears to be the offending gesture.

Diodati, sitting across from Campion, followed suit.

“Unfortunately, our actions were gestures meant in light and a silly imitation of another councillor’s unique hand-raising style,” the mayors said. “They were not meant as anti-Semitic. Our actions in no way represent our genuine views and values. We have both apologized to those who felt offended.”

The NPCA video was shared Monday morning by Niagara Falls councillor Carolynn Ioannoni. The video was no longer available Monday evening.

Ioannoni likened the mayors’ gesture to St. Catharines regional councillor Andy Petrowski.

He was taken to task last year for posting a tweet that contained links to a website that claimed “Jewry is destroying Christianity throughout the world.”