During NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” Weekend Update, co‑host Michael Che made a joke that tied Israel’s record voter turnout to the word “genocide.” Che said, “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.”
Reactions from Jewish advocacy groups
A spokesperson for the Campaign Against Antisemitism acknowledged the comment was intended as humor but challenged its premise, noting that the joke plays on a “widespread but baseless belief” that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. The organization warned that such language fuels abuse and violence against Jews worldwide.
Media criticism
NewsBusters managing editor Curtis Houck also condemned the joke, questioning whether viewers understand the true meaning of genocide. Houck argued the segment could have highlighted Arab participation in Israel’s election—where Arab‑led parties are projected to win 19 Knesset seats—rather than using the term as a punchline.
The Anti‑Defamation League said the joke “not only missed the mark, but crossed the line,” while the American Jewish Committee called for a retraction and apology from NBC, emphasizing that Israel’s COVID‑19 vaccination program is available to all citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Context of the segment
Che’s remarks were delivered alongside co‑host Colin Jost, who also targeted President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Republican messaging ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. Earlier in his career, Che faced criticism for a 2021 joke suggesting Israel’s vaccine rollout favored Jewish citizens.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Israeli government and the White House for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
