A Brazilian journalist working for one of the country's largest broadcasters apologized Wednesday for having previously said that the only way his country could match Germany's wealth is by killing its Jews.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
Jose Carlos Bernardi, who works for the right-leaning Jovem Pan radio and television station, made the remarks on Tuesday during a piece on former Brazilian President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva's visit to Germany.
"If we kill a gazillion Jews and appropriate their economic power, then Brazil will get rich," Bernardi said. "That's what happened with Germany after the war."
The comment drew outrage from Jewish groups and leaders, who accused Bernardi of inciting violence against the Jews and perpetuating antisemitic stereotypes.
"I apologize for my unfortunate remarks," Bernardi said in a statement, adding that he intended to highlight the injustice done to the Jews by Germany rather than incite more violence against them.
CONIB, an umbrella organization of Brazil's Jewish communities, said in a statement that Bernandi's comments caused "distress and pain to many Jews."
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
