Arresting a Jew driving under the influence of marijuana is anti-semitism.

A wealthy businessman active in Jewish philanthropy and Israeli sports says he was beaten up by `anti-Semitic' BSO deputies after he was charged with driving under the influence of marijuana.

A wealthy Fort Lauderdale businessman's allegations that he was beaten up by Broward sheriff's deputies is grabbing headlines in Israel, where he recently made a splash in the sports and philanthropic worlds.

But a Broward Sheriff's Office spokesman said the man's accusations are ``ludicrous'' attacks on the law enforcement agency's reputation with no basis in fact.

Guma Aguiar, 32, has told several Israeli newspapers that BSO deputies brutalized him after arresting him in June after a traffic stop.

He told The Sun Sentinel on Monday that the deputies made ``numerous anti-Semitic remarks,'' but he refused to repeat them.

``It's so outrageous that the Broward Sheriff's Office should be shaking in their pants,'' he said.

``The abuse that took place in the holding cell will never be forgotten. There are a few people who deserve to spend a long time in jail.''

Aguiar became a fixture on Israeli sports pages this summer when he became the main sponsor of the Israeli Premier League soccer team Beitar Jerusalem, infusing the popular franchise with $4 million.

In addition, Aguiar has given millions to Israeli and Jewish charities in the past few years, including an $8 million gift to Nefesh B'Nefesh, an organization that helps Jews immigrate to Israel. More?