Denver, CO, October 21, 2013 … Scott Levin, Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League’s Mountain States Regional Office, today issued the following statement on anti-Israel ads that are scheduled to appear on Regional Transportation District (RTD) light rail cars and 16th Street Mall shuttle buses through November 11, 2013, during which time the Jewish National Fund’s 2013 National Conference will be held in Denver:
We are deeply disturbed by ads that falsely accuse Israel of “ethnic cleansing” that have appeared on RTD light rail trains and buses. These ads, placed by anti-Israel groups, are part of a larger campaign to delegitimize and demonize the Jewish state.
While we believe that the ads are a form of protected speech under the First Amendment, we strongly object to their offensive message. Ads like these are inaccurate, inflammatory, and divisive. They do nothing to advance peace.
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.