'Circumcision ban superhero' evokes images of anti-Semitism: Jewish activists

A ballot measure to ban circumcision in San Francisco has taken a strange twist with the publication of a comic book in which an anti-circumcision superhero battles evil Jewish characters who recall the stereotypical images of classic anti-Semitism.

The book "Foreskin Man" has been written and created by Matthew Hess, one of the leaders behind the initiative to ban circumcision.

In the book, the blond superhero takes on "Monster Mohel"-a bearded, black-hatted man with bloody scissors.

In the traditional Jewish community, a mohel is a person trained to perform circumcisions.

According to The Los Angeles Times, Anti-Defamation League (ADL), organised to fight anti-Semitism, issued a statement sharply attacking the publication, which it called "an advocacy campaign taken to a new low."

"This is a sensitive, serious issue where good people can disagree," the ADL statement said.

"Foreskin Man,' with its grotesque anti-Semitic imagery and themes, reaches a new low and is disrespectful and deeply offensive," it added.

Hess said that he is not trying to be anti-Semitic, but is trying to be pro-human through his publication.

The measure will be on the ballot in San Francisco in November. Hess is also seeking to put a similar measure on the ballot in Santa Monica.