ADL Disappointed that "WhyIslam" Campaign Continues to Link to Anti-Semitic Web Sites

Date: August 16, 2009

New York, NY, September 16, 2009 … A campaign in New York City to educate the public about Islam is undermined by its Web site which provides resource links to anti-Semitic Internet sites, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

Advertisements for the "WhyIslam" campaign are currently running on New York City metropolitan buses, timed to coincide with Ramadan -- the month-long holiday of fasting for Muslims. Each ad features the "WhyIslam" Web address, which in turn provides links to external sites that promote anti-Semitism and hatred of Israel.

"While the goal of the 'WhyIslam' campaign to educate about Islam is commendable, the effort is undermined by the campaign's connection with blatantly anti-Semitic Web sites," said Ron Meier, ADL New York Regional Director. "We are disappointed that at the conclusion of a month-long campaign in New York City, ICNA has yet to remove these links from their Web site."

ADL previously expressed concern about the ad campaign, which is organized by the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA). ICNA indicated that it would look into the issue, but has yet to remove the external links.

The "WhyIslam" campaign, created by the New York and New Jersey chapters of ICNA, has appeared on buses and billboards in a number of cities across the United States since fall 2008, including Seattle, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Additional information on the "WhyIslam" campaign and its links to anti-Semitic materials is available on the League's Web site.

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.