Andrew Adler, 'Atlanta Jewish Times' Publisher, Resigns After Obama Assassination Comments

Andrew Adler, publisher of the Atlanta Jewish Times, resigned Monday after igniting a firestorm by suggesting that the assassination of President Barack Obama would be an appropriate option for the Israeli government.

In an email obtained by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Adler announced that he is "relinquishing all day-to-day activities effective immediately," following reports last week about a column he had written earlier this month suggesting that Obama's assassination might be a potential measure to protect Israel from a nuclear Iran.

The JTA also reports that Adler, who also owns the Jewish Times, is now looking for a buyer.

Adler apologized for his writing last week, after earlier telling Gawker that he had only written the article to "see what kind of reaction I was going to get from readers."

The Atlanta Jewish community was quick to rebuke Adler for his comments.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports:

"I was appalled, I was flabbergasted," said Michael Horowitz, president and CEO of the Atlanta Jewish Federation. Horowitz said the column made Adler the "worldwide center of negative attention."

The federation later asked for Adler's resignation.

"While we acknowledge his public apology and remorse, the damage done to the people of Israel, the global Jewish people, and especially the Jewish Community of Atlanta is irreparable," it said in a statement.

While Adler was roundly criticized by many, Chemi Shalev also writes in Haaretz that there are likely many others who agree with the reasoning behind Adler's extreme words.