The Rotary Club of Orange County L.A. has appointed Farrah Khan, a former two-term mayor of Irvine, as its president, a decision drawing criticism from local Jewish community members and advocates. Khan, who served as mayor from 2020 to 2024, has been accused of making incendiary remarks about Israel on social media after leaving office.
According to reports, Khan's posts included allegations against Israeli government officials and military personnel, and claims about Jewish "elites" engaging in harmful activities. She also reportedly attacked Zionism, the movement advocating for Jewish self-determination in Israel. These statements have led to concerns that her rhetoric is antisemitic and violates Rotary International's core principles, particularly its Four-Way Test, which emphasizes honesty, fairness, goodwill, and benefit to all concerned.
Jewish community representatives in Orange County stated they warned the local Rotary Club about Khan's history, but their concerns were dismissed, and her appointment proceeded. Efforts to have Rotary leadership intervene were reportedly unsuccessful, with district leadership citing a lack of power to block the appointment.
The controversy occurs against a backdrop of rising antisemitism. The Anti-Defamation League reports an average of 17 antisemitic incidents daily nationwide, with California ranking second highest in the US. In Orange County, a study indicated that 63% of Jewish adults have avoided Jewish activities due to fear of antisemitism. The article cites an instance where a child was fearful of Hanukkah decorations, and a subsequent incident in a neighboring county where shots were fired into a home decorated for the holiday, reportedly accompanied by antisemitic slurs.
James Mai, vice mayor of Irvine, resigned his leadership position at the Rotary Foundation in protest, comparing the situation to appointing someone who openly expressed hatred towards other ethnic or racial groups. He stated that hatred of Jews should be opposed with the same clarity as any other form of bigotry.
Rotary International is described as a service organization dedicated to building international relationships, promoting peace, and improving the world. Critics argue that Khan's appointment undermines these stated goals and signals a failure to uphold its values. The article suggests that by not addressing Khan's rhetoric, the institution is allowing extremist views to gain ground and compromising its commitment to goodwill, particularly for the Jewish community.
Neither Khan nor Rotary International responded to requests for comment.