Green Party apologises after tweet wishing 'happy Yom Kippur' to Jews

The Green Party of England and Wales has apologised after one of their branches wished the Jewish community a "happy Yom Kippur."

A social media post appeared on the Twitter/X page of the Brighton and Hove Green Party, which read: "Happy Yom Kippur to all those who celebrate! We wish everyone observing this Jewish holiday a very happy and holy celebration." The illustration also used the standard year, rather than the Jewish year, 5784 as is customary

Screenshot 2023-09-26 at 15.30.03

The post on the Brighton and Hove Green Party account

Users on social media pointed out that the post was illustrated with a nine-branched Chanukiah, used to celebrate Chanukah rather than Yom Kippur.

In a statement, a spokesman for the Green Party said: "Many volunteers help run the local party and sometimes we have the best of intentions but simply get things wrong. That is what has happened on this occasion.

"We are very sorry for the offence that will have been caused. We are removing the post and will be sharing an apology on our Brighton and Hove Twitter feed."

There are multiple synagogues in the Brighton area as well as a new Jewish community hub.

Across the pond, Republican member of Congress Marjorie Taylor Green was mocked for her own similar post, in which she misspelled the customary greeting for Yom Kippur. Green deleted the post, before resharing without the menorah image.

That’s a picture for Chanukah. Different Jewish Holiday. Yom Kippur is where you atone for your sins. Lord knows you will be very busy. https://t.co/gFJHO0MD07
— Jared Moskowitz 🟧 (@JaredEMoskowitz) September 24, 2023

The New York Police Department also deleted a similar image in which the Chanukiah was accompanied by apples and honey, as well as a shofar - all items traditionally associated with Rosh Hashanah.