ZOA criticizes ADL for labeling Steve Bannon as ‘anti-Semitic’

Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) President Morton A. Klein accused the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) of falsely labeling Stephen Bannon as an anti-Semite.

“It is painful to see Anti-Defamation League (ADL) president Jonathan Greenblatt engaging in character assassination against President-elect Trump’s appointee Stephen Bannon and Mr. Bannon’s company, Breitbart media,” he stated.  Klein said Greenblatt had essentially accused Bannon and his media company of ‘anti-Semitism’ and Israel hatred, when he had tweeted that Bannon “presided over the premier website of the ‘alt right’ – a loose-knit group of white nationalists and anti-Semites.”

Klein cited pro-Israel writer (and Orthodox Jew) Joel B. Pollak, who has written that Bannon is “an American patriot who defends Israel & has deep empathy for the Jewish people.”

Klein said the ZOA’s own experience and analysis of Breitbart articles has confirmed “friendship and fair-mindedness towards Israel and the Jewish people.”  Klein classified the ADL accusations as “Orwellian.” :

In support of his arguments, Klein stated that Bannon joined ZOA in fighting anti-Semitic rallies at City University of New York (CUNY) by requiring Breitbart reporters to call CUNY officials as well as aides to Gov. Andrew Cuomo to advise them of the nature of the rallies.

Under Bannon’s leadership at Breitbart, they published several articles citing how the Palestinian Authority “defames Israel with blatant falsehoods.”

As recently as November 14, 2016,  Breitbart reported on a a perceived threat to students at the New School whose dorm room doors were stained with swastikas.

“The ZOA welcomes the appointment of Stephen Bannon as chief strategist to the incoming Trump/Pence administration.  We wish Mr. Bannon every success in his new position.  We urge Jonathan Greenblatt/ADL to withdraw and apologize for their inappropriate character assassination of Mr. Bannon and Breitbart Media.”