I was disturbed to see defamatory statements against me in a recent letter by two Israeli writers, but not surprised. Sadly, attempted character assassination has long been used to try to silence those providing uncomfortable truths about Israel-Palestine.
The Israelis' recent letter refers to a lengthy, hostile and inaccurate dossier on me compiled by the Jewish Anti-Defamation League after I began writing and speaking about Palestine. While I used to greatly respect the ADL, believing it to work against bigotry, I've learned in recent years that much of its activity is focused on defending Israel and attacking those who support Palestinian rights.
Among the targets of its abuse have been a number of highly respected Jewish individuals and organizations and Christian individuals and organizations; including former President Jimmy Carter, human rights activist (and Jewish American) Medea Benjamin, distinguished former Princeton professor and UN official (and Jewish American) Richard Falk and many others.
The ADL's oft-repeated claims of a "rise in anti-Semitism" are deeply suspect. An ADL official admitted that their reports are non-scientific; the organization provides no spreadsheets by which their reports can be independently verified, and it frequently includes activism on behalf of Palestinian human rights as "anti-Semitism."
I won't attempt here to correct the numerous factual errors in the recent letter attacking me and my highly principled associate, Kathryn Shihadah, but will instead refer people to our website: IfAmericansKnew.org, which contains carefully sourced information on Israel-Palestine.
The U.S. gives Israel more than $10 million per day. It is essential that we all look into this issue for ourselves and determine whether we agree with this use of our tax money.
Having traveled to the region as a freelance reporter 17 years ago and on a number of trips since, where I've seen in person how my tax money is being used, I personally say no.
— Alison Weir, Executive Director, If Americans Knew