New York, N.Y., November 7, 2000 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today urged Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to publicly condemn the most recent propagation of blood libel and anti-Semitic incitement in the Egyptian press.

In a letter President Mubarak, Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, said:

"In the past we have had discussions with you concerning anti-Semitism in the Egyptian press. We continue to be deeply troubled by the repeated instances of such harmful rhetoric in the Egyptian media.

In particular, we are outraged by the full-page article that appeared in Egypt’s leading daily, Al-Ahram on October 28 by columnist Adel Hamooda entitled "A Jewish Matzah made from Arab Blood." This article not only recounts the 1840 Damascus Blood Libel, but also uses the current Mideast conflict to resurrect the infamous anti-Jewish canard of blood libel by accusing Israelis of using the blood of Palestinian children.

Clearly, this is a sensitive time and emotions are heightened in the Middle East. Therefore, it is essential at this time that the leadership across the region exert its influence and actively work to avoid incendiary material from inflaming and further exacerbating tensions.

We urge you to publicly condemn the propagation of blood libels and any other forms of anti-Semitic incitement."

ADL has raised anti-Semitism in the Egyptian media many times with President Mubarak. The League has issued several reports on the subject, including Anti-Semitism in the Egyptian Media (1999), featuring reports on cartoons, images and accusations and the use of the media as a political instrument in Egypt. The translation of the Al-Ahram article was provided by MEMRI.

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.