IDF social media director under fire for Facebook post

The social media director for the Israeli Defense Forces has garnered criticism posting a photograph on Facebook that showed his face in mud with the caption "Obama style," The Huffington Post reported.

Lt. Sacha Dratwa posted the photograph, which showed him in apparent blackface, back in September on his Facebook page. Lebanese writer Amal Saad-Ghorayeb brought attention to the photograph last week, writing: "Apparently you can be as blatantly racist as you want in Israel and still enjoy Obama's unadulterated support.

In response to the criticism, Dratwa announced on Sunday that he would restrict access to his Facebook page to protect his privacy and to avoid having his views misconstrued.

"I am, and have always been, completely candid about my beliefs and have nothing to hide - as reflected by my Facebook profile, which until recently was open to everyone. The aforementioned photos do not reflect my beliefs and have no bearing whatsoever on my position in the IDF."

The response to Dratwa's announcement has drawn mixed reactions of both support and criticism for his posting. Addy O Faddal wrote that "bigots have no place in Israel and especially in the IDF," while Jeff Mhthdr commented, "YOu have my support Sacha, you are not being a bigot, just made a picture that is being thrown out of proportion....."

According to the New York Times, Dratwa's bosses have said that the photograph was published on the social media director's personal Facebook page and is not a reflection of his position in the Israeli Defense Forces.