This is an absolutely amazing development. The Anti-Defamation League, an organization that has been a stalwart against bigotry of all kind, especially antisemitic behavior, has joined forces with those who oppose the Ground Zero Mosque. This decision is surely not consistent with their policy over the years.
Their statement: (The link is no longer working.)
The controversy which has emerged regarding the building of an Islamic Center at this location is counterproductive to the healing process. Therefore, under these unique circumstances, we believe the City of New York would be better served if an alternative location could be found.
Proponents of the Islamic Center may have every right to build at this site, and may even have chosen the site to send a positive message about Islam. The bigotry some have expressed in attacking them is unfair, and wrong. But ultimately this is not a question of rights, but a question of what is right. In our judgment, building an Islamic Center in the shadow of the World Trade Center will cause some victims more pain – unnecessarily – and that is not right.
Plum Line article: ADL: Some opponents of Ground Zero mosque are bigots, but we should let them win anyway.
This is basically a concession that some of the opposition to the mosque is grounded in bigotry, and that those arguing that the mosque builders harbor ill intent are misguided. Yet ADL is opposing the construction of the mosque anyway, on the grounds that it will cause 9/11 victims unnecessary ‘pain.’”
Sargent concludes: “On this one, you’re either with the bigots or you’re against them. And ADL has in effect sided with them.”
Alternet: Anti-Defamation League Continues its Journey to Irrelevance by Embracing Ridiculous, Racist Mosque Protests
Founded in 1913 by the B’nai Brith, the ADL was created in response to the conviction of Jewish businessman Leo Frank, who was found guilty in the murder of a 13-year-old girl in a case many said was a racially-motivated miscarriage of justice. Frank was kidnapped from prison and lynched by a mob in 1915.
The group today describes itself as “the nation’s premier civil rights/human relations agency.” The group “fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, defends democratic ideals and protects civil rights for all.”
In the wake of the controversy surrounding the Muslim center in lower Manhattan, there has been a growing tide of opposition among some groups to the construction of mosques across the United States. In one case, residents of Mufreesboro, Tennessee, came together to oppose the construction of a mosque there.
In another incident, an anonymous protest organizer urged followers to bring dogs to a protest outside a mosque in Riverside County, California, during Friday prayers because Muslims “hate dogs.”
Talking Points Memo: Anti-Defamation League Joins The Bigots..Opposing Ground Zero Mosque
The ADL has joined some of the worst bigots in America and is opposing construction of the Islamic community center at the site of the World Trade Center.
I have nothing to add to this story from The Tablet. (The Tablet, a Jewish publication, clearly is disgusted by ADL’s action. Bravo).
For those who will say “what else is new,” the answer is “a lot.” Although the ADL has switched from being a civil rights organization to a subsidiary of LIKUD USA, this is a new low.
ADL has been around since 1913 (it was created following the lynching of Leo Frank). I guess it has decided that a century of opposing bigotry is enough.
Leo Frank must be spinning in his grave. (As for Abe Foxman, the anti-Muslim ADL chieftain, he should be ashamed. Rest assured, he’s not).
RIP ADL.
