Apple removes ‘Jew or Not Jew?’ app

Jews often ask the question: Is he Jewish? In fact, it’s the premise behind the website Jew or Not Jew. But that question takes on another meaning when it’s asked by folks who aren’t fans of the Jews.

I assume that is why French anti-racism groups sued Apple over an app in its iTunes store that was also called “Jew or Not Jew?” Unaffiliated with the similarly named website, the app was developed by Frenchman Johann Levy, who wanted to show pride in Jewishness. From JTA:

“I did it out of healthy intentions. I am Jewish myself,” Levy said in September on French radio Europe 1. “The goal was just to bring a feeling of pride to Jews when they see that such-and-such a businessman or celebrity is also Jewish.”

But the lawsuit, which claimed that the app violated a “French law forbidding the collection of personal data such as a person’s religion or ethnicity without permission from the individual,” led to the app’s removal by Apple. In response, the lawsuit has been dropped.