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Florida Dem Chair Apologizes, Takes Leave of Absence After Saying Christians ‘Want Jews to Die’

Sep. 6, 2012 4:19pm Jason Howerton

Mark Alan Siegel Apologizes for Saying Christians Want Jews to Die

Mark Alan Siegel (Photo credit: Patriot TV)

As previously reported by TheBlaze, Mark Alan Siegel, the Palm Beach County Democratic chairman, spoke with Scottie Hughes of Patriot TV on Wednesday shortly after Democrats reinstated the words “God” and “Jerusalem” into their official platform, where he proceeded to go on a hateful anti-Christian rant, claiming all “fundamentalist Christians” want Jews to die to bring about the second coming of Jesus Christ.

“I’m Jewish, I’m not a fan of any other religion than Judaism,” he said. “The worst possible allies for the Jewish state are the fundamentalist Christians who want Jews to die and convert so they can bring on the second coming of their Lord.”

Video of the interview spread across the internet like wildfire, prompting calls for him to resign over of the controversial statements. Seemingly crumbling under the pressure, Siegel announced Thursday that he will be taking a leave of absence and issued the following apology:

“I apologize to all Democrats and Floridians for my ill chosen words last night. After watching the interview I realize that what I said did not accurately make the point I was trying to establish. More importantly I apologize to all Christians, Jews and other people of faith for any embarrassment or anger my remarks may have caused. Throughout my life I have practiced religious tolerance among all people of faith. I am sincerely sorry for any remarks I made that may have diminished that record. I alone am responsible for my remarks and I pray that they are not taken as the position of the Palm Beach County Democratic Party.”

“He is embarrassed and humiliated by his inappropriate comments and has requested an indefinite leave of absence, which I have granted,” Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith told WPBF. “Effective immediately, he has been removed from his responsibilities. We condemn in the strongest possible manner his comments which are not reflective of the Democratic Party.

County Democratic Vice Chairwoman Terrie Rizzo will fill in for Siegel until he returns, if he returns at all.

Lois Frankel, the former mayor of West Palm Beach who last month won the Democratic nomination for Florida’s 22nd congressional district, slammed Siegel’s comments and called upon him to step down immediately, WPBF reports.

“I disagree with Mr. Siegel’s comments in the strongest terms,” Frankel said in a statement. “His remarks were offensive, intolerant, and wrong. It is good that he has offered his sincere apology for his remarks.”

She continued: “Mr. Siegel has decided to take a leave of absence from his position in the Palm Beach County Democratic Party. This is not enough. I have spoken with Mr. Siegel by telephone and asked him to resign his position as chairman. The leaders of the Democratic party must hold themselves to the high standards the people of Florida expect.”

Watch the original interview via Patriot TV and decide if you think Siegel’s apology is sincere :

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Comments (154)

Wildblue3
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:49pm
I forgive you and will pray for you, my friend. At least you can admit when you did wrong.

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- Wolfgang the Gray
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 5:01pm
  He apologized and he basically quit. What more do we expect? I accept his apology.
  
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- joejmz
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 5:01pm
  So, are you forgiving him for “my ill chosen words last night. After watching the interview I realize that what I said did not accurately make the point I was trying to establish. More importantly I apologize to all Christians, Jews and other people of faith for any embarrassment or anger my remarks may have caused.”
  
  Or are you forgiving him for holding the beliefs he very clearly, very emphatically expressed?
  
  Because he obviously did not misspeak, he said EXACTLY what he meant, it’s just that what he believes is disgusting.
  
  Report this comment
- The-Obama-Romney-Ticket
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 5:04pm
  Mark Alan Siegel, Palm Beach County Democratic chairman: “Throughout my life I have practiced religious tolerance among all people of faith.”
  
  *cymbal hit*
  
  Report this comment
- XScramblerX
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 5:27pm
  There’s a town in Israel missing it’s village idiot!
  
  Report this comment
- kaydeebeau
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 5:45pm
  @ Joe – since we do not know what is in his heart and being human myself and often prone to speaking things in a way that do not accurately express what I am trying to say, and since we are instructed to fogive as God has forgiven us – then yes I am forgiving him.
  
  Report this comment
- NHwinter
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 5:53pm
  I think the Democrats/Socialist have made themselves very, very clear. Christians want Jews to die and the Dem. from GA says white people don’t want socialism because they don’t want to help dark skinned people. What kind of a group are these people that think they way they do. It is a disgrace and I would be ashamed to call myself a Democrat. I do believe that playing the part of a victim for so long has made them all mentally ill. Everything they say flys in the face of reality. They say what they really feel and then apologize. Dear God, they are sick.
  
  Report this comment
- xxxPatriot
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 5:56pm
  For what it’s worth, the older lady in the blue tee shirt, who’s featured at the end of the Jon Stewart video, is also from West Palm Beach. They have me surrounded.
  
  Report this comment
- Chuck Stein
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 6:47pm
  “I apologize to all Christians, Jews and other people of faith for any embarrassment or anger my remarks may have caused.” Embarrassment. Anger. What about the HURT he caused?
  
  Report this comment
- dwilco77
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 9:11pm
  @ JoeJMZ
  
  I agree. These are still his beliefs today as they were yesterday. He is just sorry he got caught by a camera. I am Christian Everyone I know that is Christian believes that Israel and the Jewish people are friends of America, and deserve to be protected. Now I understand how a large majority of Jews are still voting for Obama. Where do they get that Christians need Israel to be destroyed for the second coming of Christ. I think they are confused. It is actually the Seventh Iman that needs Israel destroyed before he can return. Jewish voters need to realize that this President has no intention to protect Israel. What is it going to take for them to wake up?
  
  Report this comment
- pdw
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 9:54pm
  They told him there still rich greedy Jews that know who has help them get richer while all the time condemning the rich.
  
  Report this comment
- ZengaPA65
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 1:21am
  He was right.
  
  Report this comment
- stickrshok
  Posted on September 13, 2012 at 1:42am
  Guess he went off to go crucify some fundamentalist Christians and kill some babies to get their blood for his rituals.. He’s not sorry…he’s just a democrat that got caught….I don’t forgive him…we need to stay on him for when he resurfaces like commie Van Jones and ACORN…stake in the heart is the only way to kill a vampire…..The fact is, he HAD TO represent the views of the democrats who elected him to his position…you don’t just get handed that job….
  
  Report this comment
AzThunder
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:48pm
I’m not so quick to forgive. Dems love to make VERY HATEFUL statements, then apologize for them. ~~ Hey Democrats try this: Put your brain in gear before talking! That’s the reason Dems should not be leaders.

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- QuincySmith
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 5:08pm
  I’m willing to forgive him (and he has 489 more coming). The think I don’t understand is the reasoning. If Christians wanted Jews dead, why would we offer support, defend them (except for the current administration), and otherwise help them. Wouldn’t it just be easier and faster to let the world’s Ahmedinejad’s simply have their way.
  
  Report this comment
- Balpit
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 5:09pm
  If a conservative or Republican made a less hateful remark, they could apologize over and over till the cows come home and it would not be accepted.
  
  Report this comment
- kaydeebeau
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 5:47pm
  @ Balpit – therein illustrates another huge difference between us and them.
  
  Report this comment
Detroit paperboy
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:48pm
They are coming UN HINGED before our eyes…….and it scares the hell outa me to think these freaks are running our country………

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- AvengerK
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:55pm
  I agree DETROIT…the whacked-out left has completely taken over the democrat party. They seem to be in a complete state of disarray. The vote on the floor yesterday was entering the realms of fiasco.
  
  Report this comment
- QuincySmith
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 5:01pm
  avengerk;
  
  Just look at their ‘leader’, leading from behind.
  
  Report this comment
- AvengerK
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 5:53pm
  QUINCY…Hannity even showed footage of Villagiarosa’s teleprompter as he was taking the phone “vote” and the “decision” to replace the words “god and jerusalem” back into the Democrat platform was already scripted for him. Obama clearly looked at the polls and focus groups and was advised to enter those words back into the Democrat platform because he needs states like PA with heavily catholic voting blocs and the jewish vote, and so the phony vote was put to the Democrat delegates purely for appearances. Yesterday the mask fell off the democrat party as a group of intolerant jacobins and quite frankly…an unhinged mob of lunatics. It defies words just how insane that display was. It’s the perfect metaphor for Obama…dishonest, duplicitous, undisciplined, unskilled, unscrupulous.
  
  Report this comment
- Leopold
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 7:52pm
  @Avenger
  
  This whole thing was a ploy from the beginning.
  
  It gave Obama the opportunity to swoop in and be the savior of Israel and God.
  
  He is NOT and does NOT.
  
  He tells Israel what to do with their capitol city of Jerusalem. Scoffs at Netanyahu.
  
  He is definitely not a Christian.
  
  A man who says he is a Christian does not sell weapons to drug dealers and not care how many Mexican people will die.
  
  doesn’t let a different dr. do the leftover killing of the baby that survived an abortion.
  
  Does not support gay marriage.
  
  Does not tell a life of falsehoods.
  
  I don’t understand prominent Christians who tell us he is not a Christian and when pressure is put on them they recant. They know this scripture.
  Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:16-20 “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
  
  Obama wants us to produce so he can give out the fruit.
  
  Just because a man says I am Christian does not make him so. My brother is an atheist and he thought he was a Christian, until I told him to be a Christian one has to be a follower of Christ. Now he is not a Christian anymore. The truth set him free. At least
  
  Report this comment
Israel4Ever
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:47pm
I never thought Evangelical Christians that stand with Israel wanted to actually kill Jews outright–just kill the Jewish religion. That’s what missionarizing is about, isn’t it? But Jews should not worry about that–just do what the Torah says and God will provide the protection for all of those that follow His commandments…the ones in the Torah that God says are “eternal”. I think God knows the definition of “eternal”.

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- Baikonur
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:59pm
  @Israel4Ever
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:47pm
  ‘I never thought Evangelical Christians that stand with Israel wanted to actually kill Jews outright–just kill the Jewish religion.’
  *****************
  Yes, that was Ahmadinejad’s explanation for his words as well–he didn’t mean he wishes Jews to die, just their state.
  
  This Florida rep was absolutely right. He should have specified the evangelicals, like Hagee and Robertson, etc. rather than just saying ‘Christians’.
  
  Catholics and Episcopalians and Unitarians and all the other sane sects don’t have the fascination with Armageddon and Israel’s role in it that motivates the Christian Zionists.
  
  Report this comment
- AvengerK
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 6:14pm
  Very good BAIKIE..the old lefty switcheroo..”not anti-semitic..it’s anti-zionist”. The results of course are the same..but it’s important to use the correct euphemism when targeting jews for extermination or dispersal.
  And the ever benighted BAKIE wants the world to believe that old Mahmoud Ahmydinnerjacket doesn’t want to kill jews even though the Hadith (one of the three holy books of Islam) has passages explicitly calling for the extermination of the jews. Hence…Iran works on it’s nuke programme.
  
  Let me educate you benighted BAIKIE..
  
  “The Prophet, Allah’s prayer and peace be upon him, says: “The hour of judgment shall not come until the Muslims fight the Jews and kill them, so that the Jews hide behind trees and stones, and each tree and stone will say: ‘Oh Muslim, oh servant of Allah, there is a Jew behind me, come and kill him,’ except for the Gharqad tree, for it is the tree of the Jews.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 41, Number 6985)
  
  By the way BAIKIE…Hamas’ charter quotes this passage word for word…and who does Iran finance and arm BAIKE? Want a moment to think champ? Ok…….time’s up. Why that would be Hamas and Hezbollah yes? But of course…Mahmoud doesn’t want to kill jews..he just wants Israel to die.
  One has to shower after addressing you BAIKIE.
  
  Report this comment
- 68Patriot
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 6:30pm
  AVENGERK….Nicely done
  
  Report this comment
4kidsandacat
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:46pm
Is it possible that he was affected by whatever mind-altering substances were wafting through the air? After all one of the charter members of the Choum Gang is their nominee…

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Eastinfection
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:46pm
I think he’s just blowing off steam because the Dems wouldn’t vote on his idea of declaring West Palm Beach the Capital of Israel.

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TruthHurts
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:45pm
And this man was accused in 1992 of Sexual Harassment:

http://www.nytimes.com/1992/09/23/nyregion/ex-assemblyman-accused-of-sexual-harassment.html

A true Bill Clinton Democrat

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kalli
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:40pm
Being a secular Jew and a democrat has its liabilities and limits one to having coherency when taking a position. I forgive you for your ugly remarks, but I’m curious as to how does a Christian want a Jew to “die” and then “convert”?

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- Israel4Ever
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:48pm
  I don’t know if this still happens, but Mormons were performing the practice of posthumous baptisms. It’s offensive and insensitive, even if it is just a performance.
  
  Report this comment
- MarianF
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 5:17pm
  Israel4ever, why is it offensive for Mormons to perform posthumous baptisms? The people are dead. They don’t care. I think it is the living who look for reasons to be offended that find the practice offensive. I do so get tired of the easily offended. I have some many better things to do with my time.
  
  Report this comment
- GlennaBeckski
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 5:21pm
  I was wondering that too Kalli.
  
  Report this comment
- stickrshok
  Posted on September 13, 2012 at 1:53am
  Mormons do indeed do posthumous baptisms…massive numbers using volunteers…I would think something like continuous prayer vigils…it is their belief that they are helping out the dead…I have no issue with it as what does it hurt once you have departed..but Jews go ballistic…pretty sure there were lawsuits and I think they had to stop on Jews…
  
  Report this comment
Eastinfection
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:39pm
On the bright side- I think we’ve found the perfect “Scrabble” partner for Madeleine Albright. The “Yin” to her “yang” perhaps?

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hi
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:35pm
I am a Christian. I accept your apology. God bless.

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- Unbelievable
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:44pm
  You know… I’m right there with you… but I sure am getting sick and tired of always taking the high road and accepting apoligies all while there is no tolerance for misspoken words on the other side.
  
  Report this comment
- 4kidsandacat
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:49pm
  Yes I’m sure Jesus was tired of constantly being slandered by the Pharisees but he persisted. Isn’t that who we are supposed to emulate? I understand how you feel, it is very wearing but there are the ones who wake up and that should give us cause to rejoice.
  
  Report this comment
- michael48
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 10:01pm
  HI…wouldn’t turn my back on these dem-wits…the lions feed well on the words “trust me”…just my opin..and having dealt with this species for many of my 65 years…he’s sorry he was taped and got CAUGHT…otherwise …next…
  
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Chromo200
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:33pm
1st of all it is the same Lord .. He got caught with his pants down and now he says I;m sorry but in his heart he still believes his statement. He standing out in the street with a sign :Nomas Pantalones: and he wants us to give him a hug. I don’t wish him ill will but I also am not going to turn my back on him .. Just offer him my other cheek and pray for him.

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- LLATPOH
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:41pm
  Curious what cheek out of the 2 sets will you be offering? :)
  
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- Chromo200
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 5:34pm
  above my chin … My visible chins since I do wear clothing
  
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VoxPopuli911
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:33pm
I do not believe God is concerned that His Name is omitted from the Democrat’s platform, but perhaps the Democrats should be concerned that their names may be omitted from St. Peter’s Book … ;-)

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13th Imam
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:30pm
But No apology to Republican Christians. Just another regular DEMOCRAT Socialist hater first , last always

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grams09
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:30pm
As a Christian, I will always stand with my Jewish brothers. I have to admit I was shocked when I heard him voice his thoughts as I had never heard this before. Christ was Jewish and I’ve always thought as Christianity as having it’s roots based on Judaism.

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- szumski4
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 6:16pm
  I agree with you. As a Bible believing Christian, I believe that Jews are Gods chosen people. I support them.
  
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Micmac
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:29pm
The result of pack mentality

NoBama > MoBama

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American_Woman
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:28pm
Dear Mark Alan Siegel,
I’m not sure what prompted your words, by I want to let you know that I for one forgive you. I am a Christian Tea Party member. As a Christian, I love Jews. My savior was/is a Jew; Jesus. I stand with Israel and love ALL people. Although I eagerly wait for Jesus to return, I would wish no harm to anyone in the process. I pray you find healing in your heart.
Blessings,
AW

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- hawaiianninja
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:37pm
  American_Woman. Mama, let him be-ee! (Sorry. Just had to put this one in!) XD
  
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floridareader
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:27pm
This is so Liberal! Always open their mouth before thinking and then they have to apologize, backtrack or try to clarify their statements.
The bright side of this is that conservatives can see their true colors. How many a conservative has to correct him or herself? Very few times.

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LLATPOH
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:27pm
Anyone think this guy will get “Akin’d?” Given his affiliation, I’m guessing no.

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- hawaiianninja
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:39pm
  I could be wrong, but I highly doubt he’d get the Akin treatment. The D’rats tend to circle around their own, unlike R’cans.
  
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korbin
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:27pm
Him and Soros sheeeeez self hating? hmmmmmm

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RJJinGadsden
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:26pm
Yep, he is under that big tent….that attracts every idiotic fool who hates someone or some thing.

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MrSunshine
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:26pm
“Ill chosen words” or maybe he just mis-spoke or maybe he’s just a complete dumba@$$!

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zoro51
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:25pm
its already been said n acted upon the LEFTISTS DEMS are a MOOT POINT now in november the DOWN FALL occurs… THOU FOOL

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pap pap
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:23pm
The Christians that I know, including myself, stand with Israel you idiot. It’s the Islamist extremists that want to kill the Jews.

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CatB
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:22pm
Too little too late .. .you said what you thought and feel … and should resign.

A Florida VOTER.

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Ars21689
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:21pm
I think when a large group of them get together they forget to hide their hate.

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- SHASTADIANE1
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:30pm
  They feel emboldened because they think that there is strength in numbers, especially when a lot of others are like minded.
  
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- hawaiianninja
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 4:33pm
  True. I’m sure he felt safe being among like-minded people. He forgot himself.
  
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- Hugh Akston II
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 6:34pm
  Don’t be fooled. He is just auditioning for a job on MSNBC. Watch out Al Sharpton, if Siegel can just double down you will be back to the bullhorn.
  
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