‘We Hear The Outcry’: US Daily Apologizes for Using ‘Antisemitic Tropes’ in Editorial Cartoon

According to report, an influential newspaper in the US state of Philadelphia issued an apology for printing an editorial cartoon that promoted “antisemitic tropes”. The editorial board of The Philadelphia Inquirer subsequently expressed remorse for publishing cartoonist Monte Wolverton’s drawing on Tuesday after receiving harsh internet criticism.

The cartoon originally criticized Israel’s reaction to a Hamas strike that claimed more than 1300 lives. “It is obvious that this caricature was very offensive, especially at this time when antisemitism is on the increase. We are aware of the outrage and regret the suffering it has caused,” the editorial in the major city newspaper said.

According to US media sources, the artwork by the Cagle Cartoons-syndicated artist showed a large black military boot with a Star of David poised to crush a group of Palestinians that also included some Hamas fighters dispersed among them.

“Distance yourselves,” was heard in a speech bubble credited to the boot wearer, which represented the Jewish state poised to crush its adversaries. The coming boot seemed prepared to crush the majority of the persons portrayed, dispersing the gathering of Palestinians and Hamas fighters, according to a Fox News report.

Wolverton posted the illustration on X, where several people criticized the daily. One of the users on the social networking site said, “This cartoon is shameful.” Unhappy user: “Monte supports baby killers.”

According to the editorial published on Wednesday, “The Inquirer Editorial Board regrets the publication of an editorial cartoon by Monte Wolverton of the Cagle Cartoons syndicate that appeared in Tuesday’s editions.” In reaction to the Oct. 7 incident, it continued, “In hindsight, the cartoon depicting an oversized Israeli military boot stepping on Hamas terrorists hiding among civilians should not have been published.”

According to the publication, “Regardless of the interpretation, the illustration reinforces pernicious antisemitic tropes about Israeli aggression.” The board also promised to improve cartoon vetting for the outlet in order “to prevent failures like this one from occurring again.”