Subscribe to Print Edition | Thu., September 11, 2008 Elul 11, 5768 | | Israel Time: 02:17 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Haaretz Toolbar Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Car Rental Books Haaretz Magazine Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Zubari blasted for China slight By Haaretz Staff Windsurfer Shahar Zubari, who in winning bronze became Israel's lone medal recipient at this summer's Olympics, has stirred up a storm of controversy after referring to the Chinese as "scum" in a newspaper interview this weekend. Following Zubari's comments to 7 Yamim, a weekend supplement of the mass-market daily Yedioth Ahronoth, the Chinese embassy in Israel canceled the reception it had planned for tomorrow to honor those Israeli athletes who participated in the 2008 Games in Beijing. Advertisement In an effort to calm the storm, Culture, Science and Sport Minister Raleb Majadele sent the Chinese ambassador a letter of apology condemning Zubari's remarks. "I would like to condemn the irresponsible remarks made by Shahar Zubari," Majadele wrote. "I would also like to emphasize that they do not reflect the views of the Israeli people on the Chinese nation," he expressed to the ambassador. Majadele wrote that during his stay in Beijing during the event, he discovered "a cultured, polite people who are pleasant and friendly." "I hope that the regrettable remarks made by Shahar Zubari do not harm the fruitful relations between our countries," he added. At a dinner held at the President's Residence to mark the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Majadele told President Shimon Peres that he would summon the athlete to his office for a discussion about his comments. Majadele said he had also expressed concern over the remarks to officials of the Israel Olympic Committee. Bookmark to del.icio.us   'I didn't kill Rose' Ronny Ron, grandfather of missing 4-year-old, recants his confession. Diplomatic incident Olympic medalist Shahar Zubari stirs controversy, calling Chinese 'shits'.

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