New York, NY, August 1, 2014 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today urged the government of Spain to take “decisive action” on anti-Semitic incitement emanating from anti-Israel demonstrations.
On July 25, an anti-Israel demonstration was held in Ceuta, in which a speaker addressed the protestors with threatening statements against Jews including, “The Jews, for decades, for thousands of years, have wanted to exterminate the prophets and everyone on the face of the Earth who is not a Hebrew. Muslim brothers, Allah-hu akbar! In the Torah of the Jews, it says that they are the chosen people, that they are the chosen people. I swear to G-d that we will put fear into you until Judgment Day. Allah-hu akbar! Allah-hu akbar! Allah-hu akbar!”
“The fact that someone can make such a public display of hate, just 50 yards from a synagogue no less, and not be condemned by local politicians in attendance at the rally is shameful,” said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. “The government of Spain must live up to its commitment to combat anti-Semitism, particularly at a time when such vehemently anti-Israel and anti-Semitic rhetoric is rearing its ugly head throughout Europe.”
In a letter to Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo, Spain’s minister of foreign affairs, ADL called on the Spanish government to combat anti-Semitism and noted the “urgent need to put that commitment into practice,” citing anti-Semitic events in Spain over the past week.
“Decisive action by your government in the Ceuta case and the application of a zero-tolerance policy towards anti-Semitic incitement or acts would be an appropriate response and a fitting fulfillment of your commitment,” Mr. Foxman wrote.
A recent ADL poll in 100 countries found that 29 percent of those surveyed in Spain harbor anti-Semitic attitudes.