Mr. Mohammed Salman Iqbal
Publisher, Newsweek Middle East
Dubai Media City, U.A.E
Dear Mr. Iqbal:
We are writing to express our great outrage and concern regarding anti-Semitic social media postings by Newsweek Middle East senior deputy editor Leila Hatoum.
Ms. Hatoum’s base anti-Jewish rants on Twitter promoted age-old anti-Semitic canards and tropes, including regarding the “true” origins of Ashkenazi Jews who she claims have no connection to the Land of Israel, the fact that she, not Jews are the real “Semites,” and allegations of Hitler’s Jewish origins.
Ms. Hatoum's open expression of hatred towards Jews and Israel not only reveals her personal bias, but raises serious questions about her ability to work objectively on articles and features regarding the Jewish state.
Mr. Iqbal, as one of the region’s largest media entrepreneurs, we urge you to ensure Newsweek Midde East and its staff uphold the highest journalistic standards, and speak out against the stereotypes, conspiracy theories and hatred that have so marred journalism across the Middle East.
Sincerely,
Jonathan A. Greenblatt
CEO and National Director
Anti-Defamation League