Quai James recently became famous — or, rather, infamous — for making fun of a little Hasidic Jewish boy’s hair in a video that went viral. Sadly, James seemed to be further evidence of the rise of anti-Semitism in this country.
But then, something pretty amazing happened: James apologized. Really and truly apologized:
Good afternoon to everyone watching .. I’m truly sorry for my actions .. @FonrougeGab pic.twitter.com/HaO4cwGaWN
— Quai James (@quaijames) May 8, 2018
That’s not an act; that’s sincerity. It takes a lot of character to own up to something like that, and James did it with grace, class, and real heart.
The man who made that video mocking a little Hassidic boy apologizes. He seems to understand what was wrong with what he did and sounds really contrite. https://t.co/2HFvtFFfvp
— Lahav Harkov (@LahavHarkov) May 8, 2018
https://twitter.com/Moj_kobe/status/993959283099295745
https://twitter.com/bethanyshondark/status/993938185343430657
Thank you thank you thank you. This is beautiful and courageous.
— Elad Nehorai (@PopChassid) May 8, 2018
You have me convinced. As someone who retweeted your video and criticized you for it, wanting to defend that little Jewish boy, I accept your apology. It’s heartfelt and genuine. A lot of people can learn from your example. I wish you success and happiness. https://t.co/UGXUZNCqny
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) May 9, 2018
Thank you for this. Takes a big person to admit they were wrong, and an even bigger one to apologize for it. ?✌?
— The?FOO (@PolitiBunny) May 9, 2018
https://twitter.com/CitizenEgg/status/993947315021856768
Thank you. Peace. https://t.co/lD2peTMPc6
— Kerfuffle Actual? (@shoshido) May 8, 2018
Recommended
Mr. James, you are what we would call a mentsch. You accepted, and you've repented. Hindsight is always 20-20. Glad you were able to realize that. Thank you for your words; they are truly meaningful. Any time you want to walk the streets of my neighborhood with me, I'm happy to.
— Kalman Yeger (@KalmanYeger) May 8, 2018
I'm Jewish. Thanks for posting this. We've all made mistakes. I know I have. When we acknowledge our mistakes, we learn and we become better people. Shalom.
— Hylton Lonstein (@hlonstein) May 8, 2018
You're a good man.
— Mo Mo (@molratty) May 9, 2018
Indeed he is. And this story gets better still:
So this just happened ?? today after work i went back to the Jewish community to seek forgiveness from those who have been affected & as soon as i started talking this man instantly realized who i was from the media & Asked to take a photo also invited me back for a dinner?? pic.twitter.com/eNGutGT5Vb
— Quai James (@quaijames) May 9, 2018
Beautiful.
https://twitter.com/bethanyshondark/status/994362510470991878
How often do we see this?! Someone making a mistake, hurting someone, and risking anger and rejection to apologise and make amends! Bravo. ??????
— Dr. Dina McMillan (@drdina1) May 10, 2018
This is an inspiring story, and you deserve the praise you are receiving.
— Ellroy Hammett (@ExotericCD) May 10, 2018
https://twitter.com/MosheVee/status/994367062683324416
Amazing, Quai. You're a good human being. Thank you.
— Glutton4Pnshmnt (@Glutton4Pnshmnt) May 9, 2018
?Awww! So happy you went back and even happier he was (and others) kind and forgiving.
— Rhetta Hussein (@TheBlkPolitico) May 9, 2018
This is absolutely AWESOME. Love this!!! You were genuine and sincere. It showed.
— Michael (@Michael2014abc) May 10, 2018
You’re apology seemed so genuine what else could we do but take you at your word? It takes real courage to admit a mistake and I forgive you. I hope you can forgive me for judging you. In any regard what you’ve said is amazing best of luck to you always and firever
— the OG of Talking Heads (@thinkingcap33) May 9, 2018
Because he saw your genuiness and humility. We all do. Thank you for setting such a powerful example of what it means to be a man.
— Lea Lundy (@lea_lundy) May 9, 2018
https://twitter.com/RushetteNY/status/994355036275781633
https://twitter.com/colonel_potter/status/994365580680613888
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with additional tweets.