Financial Review apologises over Netanyahu cartoon after backlash

The Australian Financial Review has apologised for a controversial cartoon following strong criticism from Jewish leaders.

The cartoon, drawn by David Rowe and published on March 21 under the title “Running on empty”, depicts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu riding a missile shaped like US President Donald Trump.

The cartoon prompted strong criticism from Jewish leaders and others over its imagery and language. It depicted Netanyahu conducting an “oil check” on the missile, with the liquid shown in red and resembling blood. A speech bubble from Trump read “Torah! Torah! Torah! or whatever”, while the words “oy vey” appeared next to Netanyahu.

Jewish leaders argued the imagery invoked longstanding antisemitic tropes. These included the notion of Jewish control over powerful non-Jewish figures, blood-related imagery historically linked to antisemitic accusations, and the mocking use of Jewish religious and cultural expressions such as “oy vey” and “Torah”.

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry was among those that objected. Co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin described the cartoon as an “odious” piece of propaganda. He said it relied on familiar harmful tropes and appealed to “rusted on antisemites”.

“There is a long and troubling history of caricatures and imagery involving Jewish leaders that draw on negative stereotypes or distort complex realities,” Ryvchin said.

“At a time when antisemitism is rising sharply in Australia, media organisations need to exercise greater care in how these issues are portrayed.”

Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dr Dvir Abramovich wrote to Chessell. He warned that the cartoon bore closer resemblance to classic antisemitic caricatures than to legitimate political satire. He said the imagery risked reinforcing ideas of Jewish manipulation and control.

In a note published today, editor-in-chief James Chessell said the newspaper had received several complaints about the cartoon. He defended the intent of the drawing but acknowledged the offence it caused.

“We have listened to feedback from our readers and accept that certain language and imagery used in the cartoon caused offence. The Financial Review apologises for that,” Chessell said.

He added that the Financial Review believed it was not unreasonable to portray Trump and Netanyahu together given their alliance and shared objectives in the Iran war.

“The Financial Review is engaging constructively with the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, which has objected to the cartoon. Meaningful dialogue on these matters is important and something we take seriously,” he said.

Chessell had initially defended the cartoon, telling Sky News he was “supportive of the cartoon”. Following the backlash, the publication issued the note and stated it abhors antisemitism.

Representatives of ECAJ will reportedly be meeting with Chessell this week to discuss this matter.