Suggestion That Rabbi Endorses Jews for Jesus May Be Defamatory
Amitay v. Jews for Jesus involves a defamation claim by Rabbi Ariel Amitay against the organization for posting a blurred photo of him with misleading captions. Amitay alleges that the posts imply his endorsement of JFJ's religious views, which he strongly opposes. The California Court of Appeal has allowed the case to proceed, rejecting JFJ's argument that the posts do not clearly reference Amitay.
- ▪Rabbi Ariel Amitay claims that Jews for Jesus posted a photo of him without consent, suggesting he supports their views.
- ▪Amitay alleges that his termination from a teaching position in Israel was directly linked to the misleading posts by JFJ.
- ▪The California Court of Appeal ruled that Amitay has sufficiently alleged that the posts refer to him, allowing the defamation case to move forward.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Free Speech Suggestion That Rabbi Endorses Jews for Jesus May Be Defamatory Eugene Volokh | 6.2.2026 9:32 AM From Amitay v. Jews for Jesus, decided Thursday by the California Court of Appeal (Justice Marla Miller, joined by Justices James Richman and Tara Desautels): In December 2023, JFJ posted on its social media pages, including on Facebook and Instagram, a blurred photograph of an Israeli soldier wearing a yarmulke. Above the photograph was the following text attributed to "Nachman": "'Thank you for leaving at my home a copy of the New Testament.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Reason.com.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Reason.com
