Arab Media Campaign Blames Israel for Killing Americans in Gaza
New York, NY, October 16, 2003 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today revealed that the Muslim and Arab media is using this week's deadly attack on the American convoy in Gaza to spread dangerous anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.
Editors and columnists for the daily Palestinian newspaper Al-Hayat Al-Jadeeda suggested that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon "and his generals" orchestrated the attacks, which killed three Americans. The director of the Voice of Palestine radio went further, suggesting that the bombing was carried out by the Israeli government in an effort to "expand its war of genocide." And the English-language Arab News in Saudi Arabia featured a virulently anti-Semitic cartoon, with a menacing stereotypical Jew in black hat placing a flower on a dead American while holding a bloodied knife behind his back.
"The Arab media is fueling anti-Semitism by suggesting that the Israelis did it, the Jews did it, and there is a conspiracy afoot to cover up the crime," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "This is classical anti-Semitism, and its overnight spread through the Arab media is illustrative of the problem that exists today in the Mideast region.
"Whenever something bad happens and the cause is unclear, whether it is Yasir Arafat's health or a terrorist attack that reflects poorly on the Palestinian cause, the Arab media reflexively blames it on Israel or the Jews. With this, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad's speech in Malaysia takes on an even more sinister tone. It is clear that his message is alive and well."
ADL monitors anti-Semitism in the Arab and Muslim world, including statements from leaders and reports in the press.
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.
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