Emblem courtesy of San Francisco State University website
Barack Obama‘s statement strongly condemning the anti-Semitism of Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan was welcomed by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). When reports appeared that minister, Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., leader of the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, had honored Farrakhan as one who “truly epitomized greatness,” the Senator prepared a statement in response to his minister, Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr.
Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:
“We welcome Barack Obama’s condemnation of the anti-Semitic rhetoric of Minister Louis Farrakhan, and his making clear that he (Barack Obama) did not agree with his church’s decision to honor Farrakhan with the Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. Trumpeter Award.”
Mr. Foxman continued, “Issues of racism and anti-Semitism must be beyond the bounds of politics. When someone close to a political figure shows sympathy and support for an individual who makes his name espousing bigotry, that political figure needs to distance himself from that decision. Senator Obama has done just that.”
For nearly 30 years as the leader of the Nation of Islam, Louis Farrakhan has repeatedly made hateful statements targeting Jews, whites, and homosexuals. Farrakhan’s bigoted and anti-Semitic rhetoric has included statements calling whites “blue eyed devils” and Jews “bloodsuckers” that controlled the slave trade, the government, the media, and various Black individuals and organizations.
For the ADL report, Louis Farrakhan: In His Own Words, please visit their webpage: http://www.adl.org/main_Nation_of_Islam/default.htm
About the Anti-Defamation League:
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.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, ADL neither supports nor opposes any candidate for political office.
Source for this post: Anti-Defamation League
Website and webpage: http://www.adl.org/
http://www.adl.org/main_Nation_of_Islam/default.htm