Publisher’s note: ‘An opportunity for education’

Last weekend you likely saw the four-page Easter section inserted with the TimesStandard. It was produced by a private individual and run as “sponsored content” just like an advertisement. However, the “Paid Advertisement” mark was hidden on the front page about 2.5 inches up from the bottom. As it turns out, we learned after it ran that it also contained coded anti-Semitic language. We deeply regret publishing this content and have taken steps to ensure that it can never happen again.

To maintain a truly free press, editorial and advertising don’t cross over. Typically the vetting process for any advertising is down to the salesperson who takes the order and the ad operations people who place it. I only skimmed the ad when it came in and the offensive content got past me.

However, when the reader complaints came in decrying the piece as anti-Semitic I immediately took a deeper look. Realizing I could use some help, I reached out to Rabbi Naomi Steinberg who writes for us on occasion, lectures at Humboldt State, and serves Temple Beth El in Eureka and B’nai Ha-Aretz in Redway. She caught the problem in the language right away and helped me to see it too. She also connected me with Rabbi Pam Frydman of the Anti-Defamation League who referred me to their outstanding website including its “Report an Incident” page, https://www.adl.org/reportincident.

I have received emails and phone calls from readers that can be sorted into four themes:

• Condemnation of the antiSemitic language.

• ConemVnaion of any kind of reliious prosMlytizing.

• Appreciation for the Easter message.

• Anger that we apologized for running it.

The first one comprises the vast majority. The last two illustrate that many readers missed — as I did — the offensive messaging. It may be that some who were angry we apologized for running the content might truly believe those tropes — all the more reason to address them. But for those people of good will who were moved by an Easter message that touched them spiritually, I must believe that learning the piece contained coded anti-Semitic language is as offensive to them as it is to anyone else. When I asked Rabbi Steinberg for her advice on how to move forward she said she thought we might use this as “an opportunity for education.”

I invited the Rabbi to write a piece and help curate several others from local experts and faith leaders in the community. It is with substantial gratitude and humility that I present their considered and excellent work.