Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at the Center for Special Studies (C.S.S)
   
 
 
Special Information Bulletin
        November 2003
   
   
 

ARAB MEDIA REVIEW:

ANTI-SEMITISM AND OTHER TRENDS *
   
 
   
 

 

  Table of Contents
 
Introduction
Bahrain
Egypt
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Syria
United Arab Emirates
Reactions to Eurobarometer Survey
Arab Newspapers
 

  Introduction
 

Anti-Semitism is widespread throughout the Arab and Muslim world, manifested in every segment of society. The following report is a compilation of select anti-Semitic expressions in the Arab and Muslim world in November 2003. Such periodic surveys are part of ADL's campaign to expose and combat anti-Semitism in this region.

This issue also includes a special focus section on the Arab media's reaction to the November Eurobarometer poll in which Israel was listed as the country most Europeans see as a “threat to world peace.”

In general, there are “ups and downs” in the wave of anti-Semitism, fueled mainly by political events. However, there are common elements in these expressions, mixing classical and modern anti- Semitic hate. Such themes include:

   

Demonizing the Jews – presenting the Jews as animals
(usually representing negative characteristics as snakes, eagles etc.)

   

Comparing Jews and Israelis to Nazis using symbols as Swastika and Seig Heil

   
Conspiracy theories of Jews wanting to control the world, Jews controlling the Western governments, Jews controlling the world media, Jews owning the world's capital etc. Some of the conspiracy theories lift theme from the Protocols of the Elders of Zion
   
Blood libels from the Middle Ages in different variations
 
   
Illustrating the stereotypical Jew (big nose, black coat and hat, skull cap etc.), along with Jewish symbols as the Star of David and the menorah
   

Holocaust denial is very common in the Arab and Muslim world, using the claims of western Holocaust deniers such as David Irving and Roger Garaudy. These expressions include claims concerning the numbers of Jewish victims during the Holocaust or denial of the Holocaust itself.

   
*All material in this compilation was translated by ADL from the original Arabic or are from English language sources in the Middle East.
   
 
   
 
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