A Jewish senator apologized to an Arab American group for comparing Dubai to the devil. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) was among lawmakers who helped defeat a plan to hand management of six major U.S. ports to a Dubai-owned company. “We wouldn’t transfer the title to the devil; we’re not going to transfer it to Dubai,” Lautenberg said earlier this year. He apologized in a letter to the Arab American Institute after meeting with its representatives. “I have respect for our Arab American community and want to work to foster a positive relationship,” the letter said. “I believe our discussion clearly confirmed that we have a great deal in common regarding our families, our security policies, and our country.” Another Jewish lawmaker, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), compared the proposed sale to dealing with skinheads. He has refused the institute’s calls on him to apologize.
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