California DMV Issues Apology for Issuing Antisemitic License Plate

On December 12, the California Department of Motor Vehicles issued a public apology for distributing a license plate that seemingly mocks the October 7 terrorist attack that resulted in over 1,200 deaths in Israel.

In response, Stop Antisemitism condemned the “disgusting display” in a post on its X account on Tuesday.

“Stop Antisemitism unequivocally denounces the release of a license plate that glorifies the 10/7 massacre of innocent Israelis—a horrendous endorsement of violence and hatred,” said Liora Rez, executive director of Stop Antisemitism, in an emailed statement to The Epoch Times on Friday.

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“This is unacceptable and distressing,” the DMV expressed in a Facebook update. “The DMV is promptly taking action to retrieve these alarming plates and will enhance our internal review process to prevent such a serious oversight from occurring again.”

They also expressed regret that the plates did not receive proper scrutiny during the review sequence.

“The use of hateful language represents not only a clear breach of our policies, but also contradicts our fundamental values of serving the public with pride and ensuring safe, welcoming roadways,” the DMV stated.

Sylvia Javier Guanlao from Anaheim praised the DMV’s efforts, commenting, “Kudos to whoever noticed this and alerted the DMV.”

Content deemed objectionable includes sexual references; vulgar or degrading language; or expressions of contempt, prejudice, or animosity. It also encompasses curses, terms with negative implications directed at specific groups, misrepresentations of law enforcement entities, and foreign slang.

Stop Antisemitism stated that no government entity should tolerate or ignore antisemitism.

“For the benefit of the Jewish community and our entire nation, there must be zero tolerance for this harmful ideology,” Rez emphasized.