Israeli Minister Mocks Russian Accent, Draws Fire from Olympic Medalist and Political Rival
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Israeli Minister Amichai Chikli mocked the Russian accent of political rival Avigdor Lieberman during a radio interview, repeating past statements with a mimicked accent. Lieberman and Olympic medalist Peter Paltchik condemned Chikli's actions as racist and demeaning to Russian speakers. Lieberman called for political and media condemnation, while Paltchik demanded an apology, questioning Chikli's behavior as a minister.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Minister Amichai Chikli mocked Avigdor Lieberman's Russian accent during a radio interview.
- Lieberman condemned Chikli's imitation as racist and demeaning to Russian speakers in Israel.
- Olympic medalist Peter Paltchik also criticized Chikli, calling his actions shameful and hurtful.
- Paltchik demanded an apology from Chikli for mocking the accent of Soviet immigrants.
- Lieberman questioned the lack of condemnation from the political system and media.
- Chikli's remarks echoed past statements made by Lieberman about eliminating Hamas leadership.
Minister of Diaspora Affairs and the Fight Against Antisemitism, Amichai Chikli, sparked controversy on Tuesday by mocking the accent of Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman during a radio interview. Chikli mimicked Lieberman, who immigrated from the Soviet Union, using a heavy accent to repeat phrases like "I will eliminate Haniyeh within 48 hours" and "I will take all the Haredim in the trash heap," echoing statements Lieberman had previously made regarding Hamas leadership.
Lieberman responded on X, questioning the lack of condemnation from the political system and media for Chikli's actions, which he described as racist and demeaning to over a million Russian speakers in Israel. He stated, "Yes, I have an accent and I am not ashamed of it. He is the one who should be ashamed." Lieberman further asserted that this behavior reflects the attitude of Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Likud leadership towards the Russian-speaking community.
Olympic bronze medalist judoka Peter Paltchik, who immigrated to Israel as a child, also condemned Chikli's imitation in an Instagram video. Paltchik stated, "Shame on you, Chikli. The accent you mimic to humiliate a political rival is the accent of immigrants from the Soviet Union. An entire public that has contributed so much to this country, and you turn its accent into a joke." He added, "This is the accent of the home I came from, and when you turn it into a joke, it hurts me. Argue with Lieberman. Attack his positions. What does his accent have to do with it?!" Paltchik demanded an apology from Chikli, questioning the example he is setting as a minister in Israel, especially in the wake of the October 7th events.
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