Samoa's Prime Minister Apologizes for 2007 'Heil Hitler' Video

The Prime Minister of Samoa issued an apology on Monday after a 2007 video surfaced showing her giving a Nazi salute and shouting "Heil Hitler." the Prime Minister of Samoa, a prominent supporter of Israel in the Pacific region who has pledged to open an embassy in Jerusalem, stated that while the context and intent of the private family gathering 20 years ago are unknown, the words and gesture were inappropriate and potentially hurtful. She emphasized her rejection of Nazism, antisemitism, racism, and all forms of political extremism, asserting they do not reflect her personal beliefs or the values of Samoa.

The seven-second video, revealed by the local newspaper "Samoa Observer" on Sunday, was reportedly filmed in July 2007 during a family gathering when the Prime Minister of Samoa was Deputy Speaker of Parliament. In the footage, she is seen holding a microphone and instructing about 13 people around her to raise their right hands and say "Heil Hitler," which they repeat. The events immediately preceding and following the clip are unclear.

The revelation comes amid an ongoing dispute between the Prime Minister of Samoa and the "Samoa Observer," the country's largest newspaper. In November, the Prime Minister banned the newspaper's journalists from press conferences and government events, accusing them of misleading reports, a move the newspaper called "authoritarian." Last Friday, the Prime Minister of Samoa confirmed an aide deleted photos from a reporter's camera taken during an official event, arguing the newspaper had violated a ban on covering government functions. The Samoan Journalists Association expressed deep concern over this incident.

Samoa, a nation of approximately 220,000 people, was a German colony in the early 20th century before coming under New Zealand's administration and gaining independence in 1962. Like other Pacific island nations, Samoa consistently supports Israel at the UN, a stance often attributed to its deeply rooted Christian traditions. Diplomatic relations between Samoa and Israel were established in 1972.

The Prime Minister of Samoa, who was sworn in as Prime Minister in August 2025, notably wore a Jewish prayer shawl (tallit) and heard the blowing of a shofar during her inauguration ceremony. She declared at a press conference afterward, "If people in the world don't like it, that's their business. Samoa stands with the Land of God," adding, "There is only one God our land believes in, the God of Israel." In January, she instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to begin preparations for opening an embassy in Jerusalem, a decision welcomed by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who invited her to visit Israel. Samoa is expected to join Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and Nauru as Pacific island nations with embassies in Jerusalem.