New York, NY, November 27, 1995...The notion of a secret Jewish conspiracy seeking to control the world manifests itself again and again. Promoted by anti-Semites from time immemorial, such theories were organized about a hundred years ago into The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, one of the most effective tools of anti-Jewish forces ever. Fact or Fraud: The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a new book published by AMI-Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies and Research, in cooperation with the Anti-Defamation League, traces the roots of the notorious Protocols. Written by Judaic studies scholar Dr. Goran Larsson, Director of the Swedish Theological Institute in Jerusalem, Fact or Fraud exposes the falsehoods of this insidious myth, and shows why so many people continue to believe it.

"Goran Larsson," said ADL National Director Abraham H. Foxman, "has made a significant contribution to the understanding of the origins, history and ongoing impact of this paranoid, racist fraud. Supposedly the minutes of an alleged 19th-century conference of Jewish leaders plotting to take over the world, The Protocols was invoked by Hitler to justify anti-Semitic legislation, suppression of all opposition to the Third Reich and genocide. Although it has been throughly discredited, The Protocols is still being used to stir up anti-Semitic hatred.

"We're not talking about ancient history," Mr. Foxman continued, "the Nation of Islam was distributing The Protocols at the Million Man March in October. Arab and Islamic propaganda, Japanese bestsellers and Ku Klux Klan materials have all been influenced by this noxious document." Referring to reports that The Protocols is second only to the Bible in numbers printed during this century, Mr. Foxman said that was "especially disturbing in view of recent statistics indicating the increase in violent anti-Semitic activities worldwide last year."

To order Fact or Fraud, contact the ADL Materials Library, Dept. VPR, at 1-800-343-5540, or fax order to (201) 652-1973. Cost is $4.95, including shipping. Make checks payable to the Anti-Defamation League.

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.