New York, NY, December 10, 2001 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), learning that a series dramatizing the infamous anti-Semitic forgery "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion" will be broadcast on Arab television, has called on Arab leaders to "put a stop to programming that appeals to ignorance, hatred and anti-Semitism."

During the second half of Ramadan, a number of television stations in Egypt are planning to air the 30-part series, "Horseman Without a Horse," produced by Arab Radio and Television of Saudi Arabia. The series reportedly portrays the "Protocols" as historical fact and a guiding principle of Israeli policy.

"Once again, the Arab media is demonizing Israel and Jews, and no one is speaking out," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "Arab leaders must put a stop to programming that appeals to ignorance, hatred and anti-Semitism. It is unconscionable that Arab Television has created an entire series of programming based on one of the most hateful documents in Jewish history."

One Egyptian newspaper said the series, "courageously tackles the 24 Protocols of the Elders of Zion, revealing them and clarifying that they are the central line that still, to this very day, dominates Israel's policy, political aspirations and racism."

ADL repeatedly has urged President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt to condemn anti-Semitism in the Egyptian media. In response to "Horseman Without a Horse," the League has appealed to leaders in both Saudi Arabia and Egypt to speak out against anti-Semitism.

This latest manifestation of anti-Semitism in the Arab media comes on the heels of an outrageous blood-libel comedy skit that aired last month on Abu Dhabi Television. The skit portrayed Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as a Dracula-like figure thirsting for Arab blood. There are many other examples of anti-Jewish incitement in the world on the ADL Web site.

Translations of Egyptian articles on this subject were made available by MEMRI.

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.