CUPE president Sid Ryan, seen in this 2006 photo, has apologized for comments he made comparing the Israeli offensive in Gaza to what the Nazis did during the Second World War. (Canadian Press)

The president of the Ontario arm of the Canadian Union of Public Employees apologized Wednesday for comments earlier in the week comparing bombings by the Israeli army to actions taken by the Nazis during the Second World War.

"I was wrong to say what I did," Sid Ryan said in a release. "It was never my intention to hurt or cause offence to anyone."

Ryan told a newspaper that a Dec. 29 attack on an Islamic University in Gaza, which Israel claimed was affiliated with Hamas, was "beyond the pale," comparing the move to actions taken by the Nazis.

"I was attempting to draw attention to the terrible bombing of a learning institution," Ryan said Wednesday. "I got caught up in the emotion and the comparison I used was hurtful and completely beyond the pale."

Bernie Farber, chief executive officer of the Canadian Jewish Congress, said it is "a good thing" that Ryan "came to his senses."

"It's sad that it took him more than two days to understand that that was an anti-Semitic and racist comment," Farber said.

Ryan has brought "a lot of shame" to himself and CUPE with his remarks, Farber said.

Ryan should concern himself with working on issues dealing with an economy in which workers' jobs are being threatened, Farber said.

"That's more important for him to take a look at than calling Jews Nazis."