New York, N.Y., November 14, 2001 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called on the government of Qatar to immediately disassociate itself from a Web site connected to one of its Ministries that focuses on ages-old anti-Jewish and anti-Semitic canard. The site, which is sponsored by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, posts a number of outrageous reports, including one that accuses "Zionists" of plotting and executing the September 11th attacks on the United States.

"It is very unfortunate, that as Qatar is playing host to the international community, a Qatari government ministry is posting information on the Web that is representative of age-old anti-Jewish conspiracy theories and accusations," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "We urge your government to immediately disassociate itself from these canards and take immediate action to remove the slanderous and anti-Semitic postings from a Web site sponsored by one of its ministries."

Holocaust denial is also discussed in a two part article, "The Jewish Theory to Rule the World Through the Mass Media" and "Jewish Control of the Mass Media in Britain," which questions the "alleged mass-slaughter of Jews during World War II," and the reported misuse of the word "anti-Semitism." The URL for the site in English is www.islamweb.net/english

ADL has communicated this request to the Qatari Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Hamad bin Jasim bin Jabir al-Thani. For the full text of the letter to Minister al-Thani, please see www.adl.org/israel/letter_qatar.asp

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.