AJC Applauds Court Condemnation of Holocaust Denier

American Jewish Committee
Tuesday, 11 April 2000

The American Jewish Committee today called the verdict in David Irving vs. Penguin Books Ltd. and Deborah Lipstadt a landmark victory for historical truth.

"Truth prevailed and the anti-Semitism and historical fraud of Holocaust deniers were exposed for all to see," said David A. Harris, Executive Director of the American Jewish Committee. "The court has shown that the insidious efforts of David Irving and other Holocaust deniers to manipulate historical facts do have limits."

Mr. Harris commended Dr. Lipstadt for her "courageous defense" and Penguin Books for standing by her. "Many publishing houses would have looked at the cost of libel litigation and settled. Not Penguin, to its credit," Mr. Harris said. "Penguins' steadfast support of Dr. Lipstadt has been a profile in courage."

Justice Charles Gray held that Dr. Lipstadt was justified in calling Mr. Irving a Holocaust denier in her book "Denying the Holocaust: The Growing Assault on Truth and Memory," published in England by Penguin Books Ltd.

"This case was a true test of free speech," said Mr. Harris. "Real historians settle differences in debates in academic settings and journals. Irving wanted to frighten those who would shine the light of truth on Holocaust deniers. He failed."

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