Michael Che Sparks Criticism With 'Genocide' Joke on SNL as Arab Parties Win 19 Seats
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Nov 1
Michael Che Sparks Criticism With 'Genocide' Joke on SNL as Arab Parties Win 19 Seats
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Nov 1
Summary
Michael Che drew backlash after joking on NBC's "Weekend Update" that Israel's record election turnout was good whether voters were on "the right side, or the left side, or the genocide."
Campaign Against Antisemitism said the line relied on what it called a baseless genocide claim against Israel and argued such rhetoric has fueled abuse and violence against Jews worldwide.
NewsBusters editor Curtis Houck said genocide should not be used as a punchline and argued the segment ignored that Arab voters participated in the election, with two Arab-led parties projected to win 19 Knesset seats.
The criticism revived scrutiny of Che's past Israel-related comedy: in 2021, the ADL said his joke about Israel vaccinating "the Jewish half" crossed the line, while the American Jewish Committee sought a retraction and apology.