American Jewish Committee Deplores Desecration Of Islamic Symbol In Washington

American Jewish Committee
Monday, 29 December 1997

The American Jewish Committee deplores the recent desecration of an Islamic star and crescent displayed on the Ellipse in Washington, DC. The spray-painting of a swastika, onto any symbol of any faith or directed at any group or individual, is clearly an act of hate and must be condemned.

Also despicable are the outrageous comments made by M.T. Mehdi, president of the Arab-American Relations Committee, in which he uses this ugly incident to debase the destruction of European Jewry during the Holocaust and the creation of the State of Israel. His language is verbal desecration and should also be condemned.

This act of vandalism is an affront to all Americans. And while Mr. Mehdi's vile rhetoric may further his own self-serving agenda, it fuels the very atmosphere of bigotry that has no place in our society.

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org