Rotary backs former Irvine mayor despite accusations of anti-Jewish hate speech

Rotary International faced backlash after the Orange County chapter installed former Irvine mayor Farrah Khan as its president, despite allegations that she shared antisemitic content labeling Israeli officials as “pedophiles” and “cannibals.” Three Jewish organizations wrote to Rotary District 5320 requesting a formal assessment of whether her conduct violates the Rotarian Code of Conduct and the Four-Way Test. They also accused Khan of allowing intimidation of Jewish residents during contentious municipal meetings on Israel.

Khan contended the posts referred only to government officials, a claim dismissed by Rabbi Samuel Heiman as a proxy for anti-Jewish sentiment. Rotary International’s director Wyn Spiller noted that each club governs its own leadership under its bylaws, while critics such as attorney Sam Yebri and former congressional candidate Dori Benami warned the decision could erode the organization’s reputation for integrity. The controversy emerges amid a nationwide surge in antisemitic incidents, highlighted by ADL data showing record-high reports in 2024.