November 14, 2002
His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al-Khalifa
Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain
3502 International Drive, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Dear Mr. Ambassador:
We are deeply troubled by reports that American white supremacist and former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke has been invited and is currently speaking at several venues in Bahrain.
David Duke is one of the most dangerous extremists in America who publicly promotes racism, anti-Semitism and bigotry. The subject of his talk, “Israelis and 9/11,” repeats the anti-Semitic canard that Jews and Israel were responsible for the September 11 attacks.
It is further troubling that Muhammad Zuhair, the manager of Discover Islam, the organization reportedly hosting David Duke, claims to be aware of Duke’s background but is prepared to dismiss it given Duke’s views on Israel and Zionism.
It is important that, at this sensitive time in the Middle East, responsible Arab leaders take the actions necessary to prevent the spread of anti-Semitism and anti-Western hate.
We respectfully urge you to speak out against David Duke and all that he represents.
Sincerely,
Abraham H. Foxman
National Director