Republican Jewish Group: George Santos ‘Deceived Us’

The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) slammed Rep.-elect George Santos (R-N.Y.) for mendacity about his heritage, claiming he “deceived” the group.

Throughout his Congressional marketing campaign, Santos repeatedly claimed his mom was born to Jews who had fled Nazi persecution in World Struggle II. He tried to elucidate the feedback in an interview with the New York Publish printed Monday.

“I by no means claimed to be Jewish,” Santos instructed the Publish. “I’m Catholic. As a result of I realized my maternal household had a Jewish background, I mentioned I used to be ‘Jew-ish.’”

Jewish publication The Ahead reported Tuesday that Santos had referred to as himself “a proud American Jew” on paperwork shared with Jewish leaders throughout his marketing campaign.

“We’re very disenchanted in Congressman-elect Santos,” the RJC mentioned in a press release launched Tuesday. “He deceived us and misrepresented his heritage. In public feedback and to us personally, he beforehand claimed to be Jewish. He has begun his tenure in Congress on a really flawed notice.”

The group additionally mentioned Santos would “not be welcome” at its occasions sooner or later.

Whereas talking with the Publish, Santos admitted to mendacity about his resume and schooling whereas campaigning in opposition to Democrat Robert Zimmerman for a seat within the U.S. Home of Representatives. It was the primary time he confirmed particulars of a report by The New York Occasions printed earlier this month, outlining the extent of his marketing campaign lies.

Santos’ attorneys beforehand referred to as the Occasions report a “shotgun blast of assaults,” claiming it was an try and “smear his good identify.” Nonetheless, Santos later instructed the Publish he had lied, saying, “we do silly issues in life.”

“I’m embarrassed and sorry for having embellished my resume,” he mentioned.

The Nationwide Republican Congressional Committee up to date Santos’ biography on its web site Tuesday morning, eradicating the small print he admitted weren’t true.

Santos has mentioned he’ll serve his two-year time period regardless of the controversy over his marketing campaign.

“I’m not a felony,” he instructed the Publish, arguing this scandal “won’t deter me from having good legislative success.”