Updated Dec. 8, 2022

Van Jones issued an apology on behalf of the Black community when he spoke about antisemitic views during his speech at the UJA-Federation of New York Wall Street Dinner on Tuesday, reported via a tweet by senior political reporter of The Forward, Jacob Kornbluh. Jones specifically addressed the comments of Kanye West, who recently went on Alex Jones’ show and said “I like Hitler.”

According to Aceshowbiz, Van Jones said he apologizes to the Jewish community “for the silence of my community” and allowing “an African American icon praising Hitler and Nazis.”

“And we act like we don’t know where that hatred came from,” the CNN anchor said, adding that “the silence is over.”

Jones called for peace between Black and Jewish people.

“The reason this country is a democracy at all is because Black and Jewish people have loved each other and helped each other and supported each other,” he told the audience.

Some people pushed back against Jones after he apologized on behalf of the Black community.

“Van you don’t speak for me, I don’t support Kanye or you,” one person said.

Many more people made similar comments.

In a turn of events, Kornbluh backtracked his initial tweet, writing, “CLARIFICATION: @vanjones68 did not apologize for alleged Black silence about Kanye. To the contrary: he stressed that many in his community are speaking out forcefully. In speech, he said he was sorry that he + others didn’t do more before Kanye. Apologies for any confusion.”

But a full transcript of Jones’ speech, shared by writer Michael Harriot, showed otherwise.

The UJA-Federation of New York raises funds to support organizations providing health and human services to New Yorkers, as well as Jewish Community Centers, low-income students and single parents.

#antisemitismKanye westVan jones