New York, NY, June 13, 2007 … In response to claims that the U.S. government's Arabic-language satellite television network Al Hurra recently permitted anti-Semitic and anti-Israel propaganda on its airwaves, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) called on the government to ensure that the proposed review of broadcasts "occurs quickly and is thorough, looking for both anti-American and anti-Israel bias."

"These allegations, if true, are deeply disturbing and undercut Al Hurra's mission to effectively counter anti-Americanism in the Arab World and promote America's values of freedom, democracy and adherence to the rule of law," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "Al Hurra should not provide a platform for voices that wish to destroy Israel, America's key ally in the region."

In a letter to Kenneth Y. Tomlinson, Chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, ADL recommended that the outside panel ultimately charged with reviewing content should examine whether any interviews rose to the level of providing "material support or resources" to groups designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the U.S. State Department.

"We urge you to immediately ensure that the Broadcasting Board of Governors' proposed review of Al Hurra by an outside entity occurs quickly and is thorough, looking both for anti-American and anti-Israel bias," said the League's letter to Chairman Tomlinson.

Al Hurra has been criticized for its decision to broadcast a lengthy speech in December by Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, who reportedly said, "The only place where bullets should be is the chest of the enemies of Lebanon: The Israeli enemy."  The network is also said to have broadcast a live interview with Hamas leader Ismail Haniya, an interview with an Al Qaeda operative, and portions of the Holocaust denial conference in Tehran.

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.