Fawaz Turki rightly speaks out on the issue of anti-Semitism in the Arab world at a time when the Egyptian television series "Horseman without a Horse," based on the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, has brought the issue to the forefront ("Strange career of Arab anti-Semitism," Nov. 21).

Turki's firm articulation that anti-Jewish sentiment in the Arab world is not a legitimate function of Arab anger at Israel is right on target. This message should not be for Egypt alone, but in the Saudi media as well, where the media continues to be full of anti-Semitic articles and representations.

A January 2002 article in the Arab News by Hassan Tahsin titled "Sharon plan is to destroy the PA" quotes a section of the Franklin Prophecy, the classic anti-Semitic canard that falsely claims that American statesman Benjamin Franklin made anti-Jewish statements during the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

While legitimate criticism of Israel is certainly acceptable, the constant demonization of the Jewish state has clear implications for anti-Semitism worldwide. Turki should be extremely careful not to cross over the line to anti-Semitism when he justifies the continued hatred towards Israel "if need be, till the end of time."

Political conflicts should not be used as a means through which to demonize a religion and responsible Arab leaders must go on the record to oppose this incitement and lay down a marker that teaches the next generation that demonizing a religion is not an acceptable way to express political opinions.

We are extremely pleased that Fawaz Turki has taken the important step of identifying this increasingly troubling phenomenon in the Arab world.

Sincerely, Abraham H. Foxman National Director