NEW YORK (JTA) — A singer who made an offensive joke about Jews will sing at the Anti-Defamation League’s annual meeting.
Ronan Tynan was invited Wednesday by ADL head Abraham Foxman to sing at Thursday’s event after the Irish tenor apologized for his remark.
"In talking with Dr. Tynan and hearing his life story, it was clear that he is a good man who understood that he had made an inappropriate comment that was hurtful not only to the person who heard it but to the community,” Foxman said.
Tynan, who occasionally sings "God Bless America" during the seventh-inning stretch of New York Yankees’ games, was overheard joking with a real estate agent while hunting for an apartment.
"Don’t worry, they are not Red Sox fans," the real estate agent reportedly said, referring to the apartment’s owners.
"I don’t care, as long as they are not Jewish," Tynan responded, according to media reports.
Tynan said Wednesday that he was contrite over making the comment and thanked the ADL for the invitation.
"I do understand from my own life how hurtful and wrong prejudice is," said Tynan, who was born with a lower leg deficiency and has had both of his legs amputated below the knee.
Tynan will sing "God Bless America" at the ADL event.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
