Brazilian ‘Fiddler’ Director Says Orthodox Jews Spit on Christians
An acclaimed Brazilian theater director who recently put on a successful production of “Fiddler on the Roof” condemned some Orthodox Jews whom he said routinely spit on Christians.
Claudio Botelho levelled the accusation, which some Jews said was anti-Semitic, on Facebook last week, Alef News, a Brazilian Jewish news portal, reported.
“Spitting on someone is symbolic. It’s so old, tacky, typical of Mexican drama soap operas and also cowardly,” he wrote in a reference to left-wing congressman Jean Wyllys, who made headlines for spitting on a right-wing colleague during a Congress session on April 17. “Spitting is what some Orthodox and far-right Jews do against any Christian that crosses their way,” Botelho wrote.
Earlier this year, Wyllys, who is openly gay and has spoken publicly against anti-Semitism and efforts to boycott Israel, was heavily criticized in left-wing circles for visiting Israel.
In 2011, Botelho and his partner Charles Moeller put on a “Fiddler on the Roof” production that drew nearly 150,000 spectators.
“In the midst of a strictly political discussion, calling Jews cowards and spitters on Christians is not appropriate, mainly in Brazil,” Mauro Wainstock, Alef’s editor, said.
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