Car dealer pulls ‘jihad’ commercial

A car dealership in Ohio has decided not to run a commercial proclaiming a “jihad” on the U.S. auto market, a Muslim activist group said Monday.

The Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations released a letter from the dealership offering an apology and saying the radio ad, which had never been aired, was a misguided attempt at humor.

“We appreciate the dealership’s constructive reaction to feedback about the proposed advertisements,” said Adnan Mirza, director of the group’s Ohio’s office. “We accept the apology ... and hope that it and the decision not to air the spots will bring this incident to a close.”

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The statement from the dealership, Dennis Mitsubishi in Columbus, said “A large number of people have contacted us. Lots of them have seen the humor we were trying to convey, but far too many were clearly bothered by it. This was simply an attempt at humor that fell short.”

It also offered a “sincere apology to anyone who was offended.”

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The group Sunday had complained publicly about plans for a commercial it said would have proclaimed a “jihad” on the U.S. auto market offering “Fatwa Fridays” with sales representatives giving play swords to children. 

The radio spot would have also announced “Fatwa Fridays” with free swords for children.