Gary Fitleberg, December 8, 2004

A congresswoman wants Bill O’Reilly to apologize for telling a Jewish caller to his radio show to "go to Israel" if he feels uncomfortable about Christmas celebrations in U.S. schools.

Last Friday, a caller to "The Radio Factor With Bill O’Reilly" expressed concern about public observation of Christian holidays in the United States, and O’Reilly, who also hosts a show on Fox News Channel, told the man to consider moving to the Jewish state. "To insist that a Jewish caller should ‘go to Israel’ if he is worried about proselytizing with public funds is deeply offensive," Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) said in a statement Wednesday. "Millions of Americans love both their country and their faith and should not be expected to choose between the two. Anyone should be able to offer their opinion without being told that their faith makes them less American."

Lowey is asking lawmakers to sign a letter to O’Reilly, seeking a public apology.

Gary Fitleberg is a Political Analyst specializing in International Relations with emphasis on Middle East affairs.

Copyright © 2004 Gary Fitleberg