Florida Dem Chair Apologizes, Takes Leave of Absence After 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.”