Rabbi Condemns Use of Anti-Semitic Term Toward Delaware Governor Jack Markell

Gov. Jack Markell's rabbi is condemning an anti-Semitic remark by state Rep. John Kowalko in reference to the nation's only sitting Jewish governor.

The News Journal reports Kowalko used the term "shylocks" toward Markell and education officials during an outburst Tuesday at a school board meeting in Christina. Kowalko is Democrat representing Newark.

Rabbi Yair Robinson of Wilmington's Congregation Beth Emeth says the term is hate speech, whether it was intended or not. He says the term is "deeply offensive" and an "awful thing to say."

Kowalko used the term in criticizing Markell and education officials for their plan to turn around low-performing schools in Wilmington. Kowalko has apologized and says he is not anti-Semitic.

Markell's spokeswoman Kelly Bachman says the governor thinks any discriminatory slur weakens American unity.