AJC OPED: Cartoon Controversy

Controversy missing honest discussion, sensitivity By David A. Harris February 22, 2006 Had it been our call, we would not have published the cartoons. As an organization actively involved in efforts to strengthen mutual respect and mutual understanding among the world's faith communities, the American Jewish Committee does not engage in religious satire. Disregard for the core tenets and sensibilities of particular religious groups -- such as the graphic portrayal of the prophet Muhammad in an editorial cartoon -- runs counter to our principles, and by giving offense to others, offends us as well. At the same time, as citizens of open and democratic societies, we recognize that the bedrock principles of freedom of speech and freedom of the press can, at times, produce things that are not to our liking or taste. We have witnessed, in recent years, articles, cartoons, films and art that have been deemed anti-Semitic, anti-Christian, and anti-Muslim. But when we find something objectionable, even offensive, we respond within the norms of democratic societies, which invite peaceful protest and public debate. Three things in particular disturb us about the response of some in the Islamic world to the cartoons, first published in a newspaper in Denmark last year. First, peaceful protest and public debate have been replaced by angry mob scenes, violence, intimidation and destruction of property. This is totally unacceptable. Second, while editorial cartoons may not be the most refined forum to examine social and political ills, and these cartoons clearly gave offense, the broad message they sought to convey -- that Islam and the name of the prophet Muhammad are invoked frequently by fanatical murderers whose horrific crimes have touched every continent -- is a serious one, which cannot be ignored either in the West or in the Muslim world itself. And third, the story drips with hypocrisy. Saudi Arabia, which withdrew its ambassador to Denmark, removed Danish products from supermarkets and lodged a formal protest with Norway, is among the world's most intolerant nations. As the U.S. State Department International Religious Freedom Report of 2005 declared regarding Saudi Arabia, "The law requires that all citizens be Muslim … and the public practice of non-Muslim religions is prohibited." Moreover, as an American Jewish Committee co-sponsored study in 2003 documented clearly, Saudi government-sponsored schools teach children contempt and distrust of Christians and Jews (the study is available at www.ajc.org). Some of the other countries protesting the loudest are also purveyors of unadulterated religious hatred and bigotry. When Syrian television recently carried a multi-part series depicting Jews in the most venal manner, inspired by a notorious anti-Semitic forgery, there wasn't a peep of protest from within Syria; to the contrary, the series was wildly popular among viewers. In stark contrast, the Syrian regime was complicit in the attacks on European embassies in Damascus. And when the former Malaysian prime minister, Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, stood before heads of government of the Organization of the Islamic Conference on Oct. 23, 2003, and expressed unambiguous anti-Semitic views, what was the audience reaction? A standing ovation. We hope that the outcome of the events instigated by the cartoons could be general agreement around the world to promote interfaith harmony and heightened sensitivity. That might prove a silver lining. But if the result is only to prove that violence achieves its intended effect, and that honest discussion of the most difficult religious and political issues is impermissible, then that would be a tragic day for all who cherish the values of a free society. David A. Harris is national executive director of the American Jewish Committee.

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