Apology Made for 2 Hitler Parties

The owner of a Las Vegas hotel and casino who conducted two parties marking the birth date of Adolf Hitler has apologized for his actions.

However, a member of the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas Friday announced a boycott of the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino, saying owner Ralph Engelstad’s public apology was inadequate.

Engelstad called a news conference Thursday to respond to reports of the parties and a room full of Nazi memorabilia at his Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino.

“Let me say once again, for everyone to hear, I despise Hitler and everything he stood for,” Engelstad said. “I can’t tell you how much I regret my insensitivity on this point. It was . . . very, very bad judgment. . . . I deeply regret it and apologize for it.”

Reporters were allowed into the room where the controversial memorabilia was stored. Included were 20 vehicles from the World War II era and murals picturing Hitler with his staff.

On Friday, attorney Greg Kamer said a review of the press conference by 11 members of the Jewish Federation’s community relations committee concluded that the apology was “wholly inadequate and lacking in sensitivity.”