New York, NY, August 26, 2015 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned hateful rhetoric directed against Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and other Members of Congress who have announced support for the nuclear agreement with Iran, and sharpened its call to reject “vicious ad hominem attacks” as part of the debate about the deal.

The comments section of Congressman Nadler’s Facebook page is replete with Nazi analogies, vulgarities and obscenities, including references to him as a “stinking kapo,” a coward and traitor to the U.S. and Israel, and one particularly appalling statement that read, “When you die there no place for you on Jewish cemetery.”

Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL National Director, and Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director, issued the following statement:

We are disgusted by many of the obscene and offensive comments that are being directed against Congressman Nadler on Facebook by individuals who resent his support for the Iran agreement, including many individuals in the Jewish community. Unfortunately, comments on social media platforms are poisoning the atmosphere. They have clearly crossed the line and gone too far.

Hateful rhetoric that invokes Nazism and demonizes an individual is unacceptable. It has absolutely no place in public discourse, particularly when referring to a widely respected public servant like Mr. Nadler.

No matter one’s politics or views on the Iran deal, vicious, ad hominem attacks are unacceptable in any circumstance. Political leaders, opinion leaders, and public figures across the spectrum should set an example by rejecting such rhetoric and forcefully speaking out against language that dehumanizes.

ADL previously voiced concern over reactions to Senator Chuck Schumer’s opposition to the Iranian nuclear deal, saying that accusations of disloyalty are a “slap in the face to his lifelong record of public service,” and in an op-ed in the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Mr. Greenblatt said that recent rhetoric on the Iran deal is “poisoning the political debate,” and urged those debating to “debate this policy on the facts, without engaging in personal attacks on the intent or character of our leaders.”

 

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.  Follow us on Twitter: @ADL_NY