Simon Bamberger

Verdict: Jew

I · O · K Score

0 / 15

As a Jew, I've been called many a bad name, but this is the first time in my life that I've been called a "damned gentile"! — Simon Bamberger

How did a Jew get called a gentile? And who the heck is Simon Bamberger?

Simon Bamberger was the Governor of Utah (yes, you read that right. Of UTAH!) from 1917 to 1921. And yes, he was a Jew. How did a Jew get elected in Utah? His religion did not exactly endear him to some of the citizens, and he was subject to various antisemitic campaigns. However, he was pro-prohibition, which worked out rather well considering the makeup of the state.

So, yes, "gentile". At the time, Mormons considered everyone non-Mormon a "gentile". You see, Mormons have an ongoing obsession with Judaism and Jews... and apparently they were even borrowing our terms.

At least they didn't call Bamberger a "damned yid"!

Filed May 15, 2026 · politicians