New York, NY, November 14, 2002 … "Outraged and deeply concerned" that the American white supremacist and former Klansman David Duke is speaking in Bahrain as the guest of an educational center, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called on the Bahraini Kingdom to "strongly reject David Duke's message of hatred and anti-Semitism."

David Duke, the notorious racist, anti-Semite and bigot, arrived this week in Bahrain to speak at the Discover Islam Center, an educational institute, which invited him to appear.

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The subjects of his lectures include, "The Global Struggle Against Zionism" and "Israeli Involvement in the September 11 Attacks." ADL has communicated its concerns in a letter to the Bahraini Ambassador to the U.S., Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al-Khalifa, in Washington.

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:

It is outrageous and deeply troubling that an Arab institution dedicated to enlightenment and learning could welcome an extremist and anti-Semite to speak as an 'expert' on America and Israel. David Duke is one of America's most virulent extremists, a man who publicly promotes racism, anti-Semitism and bigotry. His appearance in Bahrain only contributes to the dangerous anti-Semitism and anti-Jewish incitement that has become increasingly commonplace in the Middle East. His hateful views about Jews only add fuel to the dangerous anti-Semitic canard blaming Jews and Israel for the September 11 attacks, which has gained increasing legitimacy in the Muslim world, and which David Duke has unabashedly promoted.

David Duke has previously attempted to appeal to extremists abroad. In the last two years, David Duke has resided in the former Soviet Union, where he has held meetings and rallies with likeminded bigots. Once again, Duke is clearly seeking to feed and fuel anti-Semitism on a global scale. In the Middle East, his message can have great appeal to Muslim extremists motivated by their violent hatred of Jews and the Jewish State. These extremists have previously embraced the message of Western extremists and Holocaust deniers with open arms.

We urge the Kingdom of Bahrain to immediately, strongly and publicly denounce David Duke's message of hate and anti-Semitism.

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.