The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding has recently announced the launch of a campaign aimed at fighting anti-semitism. Titled “I am a Jew,” it is being spearheaded by Rabbi Marc Schneier and hip hop mogul Russell Simmons. Said Simmons about the campaign:
Anti-Semitism is growing so quickly around the world… I want to do everything I can to fight it … People forget how quickly the world can change. I mean, it was only yesterday that [Jewish] people were being put in ovens.
But that’s not good enough for the highly paid Abraham Foxman of the Anti Defamation League. The ADL recently released a statement where they insisted Simmons immediately and publicly distance himself from Farrakhan. Good move Abe. Way to alienate a good friend.
The ADL’s actions in this case have been described as bizarre, and it has been noted that the “I am a Jew” campaign is similiar to the ADL’s 2004 “Anti-Semitism is me” campaign. Responding in the past to his association with Farrakhan, Simmons said “I have actively encouraged a dialogue between all of the leaders of the African-American and Jewish communities in hopes of improving relations.” Can’t we just leave it at that? Or do we really need Foxman to go apeshit every single time even a whiff of anti-semitism rears its ugly head. Shouldn’t we encourage the ADL to pick its battles a little better?
* Well Photoshopped photo of Leonardo courtesy of The Wandering Jew.
*from me** This campaign was reported about in 2005 but I recently came across the press releases and was taken aback by the campaign, its intention, direction, and those involved.
