ADL’s Statement on the Reported Anti-Israel Presentations at “Ummah Day” at the Philadelphia Chapter of the Muslim American Society:

  • May 3, 2019

Here is an update on the recent incident at the Philadelphia Chapter of the Muslim American Society:

“We have been closely monitoring this incident. ADL was able to independently verify the translation in the videos, and we have been coordinating with a wide variety of organizations to develop a multifaceted response.

While we recognize that MAS released a statement ‘rejecting’ remarks at the event, and were encouraged to hear reports that the individual responsible for organizing the event was ‘dismissed,’ important questions remain. MAS claims that the event was organized by an unaffiliated entity, but has not disclosed the name of the organization for independent verification. MAS also states that the organization responsible is looking to implement ‘sensitivity training,’ but has not clarified who will provide the training, who will receive the training or the intended curriculum. These are critical questions that must be answered in order for the public to feel that this incident is being addressed effectively and responsibly.

We support the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations’ reported probe into this matter, and we look forward to learning the answers to these questions and more. ADL will keep a close eye on this situation, and will continue to provide expertise and resources to all organizations and individuals working to challenge hate in the region.”


ADL’s Initial Statement from Friday, May 3, 2019:

“If the translation is accurate, this incident is extremely disturbing. Children should not be indoctrinated to hate. These young people should never have been asked to make speeches and dance and lip-sync to songs that glorify violence against Jews and the State of Israel. The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is deeply complex and painful on all sides, and the only chance for a peaceful future is to teach our children to pursue peace. In a time of elevated anti-Jewish hate, all people must forcefully reject anti-Semitism wherever and whenever they see it.

The Arutz Sheva/Israel National News article, however, is misleading. It includes a photo of children in front of a bazooka-wielding extremist that apparently was not taken at this event. Additionally, by saying the kids are ‘Philadelphia schoolchildren,’ the article implies that this occurred at a Philadelphia school, when it appears to have taken place at a private religious institution – still inexcusable, but an important distinction to note. These inaccurate messages are already spreading widely on social media. The incident is bad enough without throwing fuel on the fire – media outlets must be more responsible in their reporting.”