“Saturday Night Live” (SNL) often uses humor to address current events, but a recent joke by “Weekend Update” co-host Michael Che has stirred controversy. Che referenced genocide while speaking about Israeli voter turnout, a comment that drew criticism from multiple quarters.
During the segment, Che stated, “This week, a record number of people voted in Israel’s election, which is great to see regardless of if you’re on the right side, or the left side, or the genocide.” This remark pokes fun at differing political views within Israel but does so by referencing a charge against Israel that some see as baseless.
Reactions to the Joke
A spokesperson for the Campaign Against Antisemitism recognized the joke as comedy but criticized it for perpetuating the false notion of Israeli genocide. They highlighted that such beliefs can incite anti-Semitic violence, mentioning past instances of terrorism and murder.
NewsBusters managing editor Curtis Houck also disapproved. He expressed concern that the audience might not grasp the seriousness of the term “genocide.” Houck suggested the segment could have showcased Arab participation in Israeli elections as a counterpoint to claims of genocide. In Israel’s recent election, Arab-led parties gained a projected 19 seats, a significant achievement in the Knesset.
Previous Controversies
Che’s comments on SNL have previously courted controversy. In February 2021, he made a joke about Israel’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign, implying it favored Jewish citizens. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) dubbed the joke offensive, arguing it misrepresented the inclusivity of Israel’s vaccination efforts.
The American Jewish Committee called for a retraction and apology from NBC, asserting that vaccine access in Israel was irrespective of religion or ethnicity.
Critics call for careful consideration when humor touches on sensitive topics to prevent reinforcing harmful stereotypes or misinformation.
Background on the Commentator
CJ Womack, associate editor at Fox News, provided coverage of the event. With a degree in Political Science and Journalism from Long Beach State University, Womack has experience analyzing how media shapes political and cultural landscapes. Readers can connect with CJ via email or Twitter.
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