Philadelphia, PA, July 24, 2020… ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) today condemned a reported incident in which Rodney Muhammad, president of the Philadelphia branch of the NAACP and Minister of Nation of Islam Mosque #12 in Philadelphia, shared a vile antisemitic meme on Facebook related to the widespread criticism of Black athletes and celebrities who themselves engaged in antisemitic rhetoric in recent weeks.
The meme included a depiction of “the Happy Merchant,” an antisemitic image frequently used by extremists, which ADL categorizes as a hate symbol. The meme also included a quote from an American neo-Nazi that was falsely attributed to Voltaire. According to media reports, although Muhammad removed the post, “he did acknowledge a general understanding of the meme’s context” and called allegations of antisemitism “a trick.”
“We denounce the antisemitic meme posted by Rodney Muhammad in the strongest possible terms,” said Shira J. Goodman, ADL Philadelphia Regional Director. “It is inconceivable that a person who theoretically works to uphold civil rights would engage in such blatant hate. To defend the antisemitic rhetoric of others is bad enough, but to post virulently anti-Jewish symbols and conspiracy theories is simply unacceptable.”“For generations, ADL has worked closely with NAACP at the national level and in communities across the country. We deeply value our historic partnership and our joint efforts to fight racism, antisemitism and all forms of bigotry,” said Goodman. “In this moment, it is more important than ever for the African-American and Jewish communities to work together. We must combat the toxic environment of intolerance and division as well as the challenges facing both of our communities. We hope leaders will see this as a teachable moment and engage in learning and listening to strengthen our common bonds in the shared struggle against hate.”
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ADL is the world’s leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of bigotry, its timeless mission is to secure justice and fair treatment to all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education and fighting hate online, ADL is the first call when acts of bigotry occur. ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate. More at www.adl.org.