John, we are relieved to report that a ‘Nakba Day’ event planned to be held today in the U.S. Capitol Visitor’s Center by Rep. Rashida Tlaib and several organizations with track records of rhetoric that demonize and delegitimize Israel and stereotype Israel’s supporters will no longer take place.

Last night, Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy blocked the event from being held in that prominent space, a decision that came soon after I sent an open letter from ADL to him and cc’d House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, expressing concern about the record of some of the speakers and organizers of the event, including JVP and AJP Action.

Nakba is an Arabic word meaning catastrophe. Nakba Day events are held annually by Palestinians and their supporters, including many anti-Israel activists, to mourn the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 and to articulate the Palestinian experience. These events have all too often been marred by antisemitic and other highly inflammatory rhetoric, including calls for Israel’s dissolution, the eradication of Zionism and the endorsement of violence from terrorist organizations.

While there is always room to talk about the issues, including disagreements over Israel’s policies and actions, this event was particularly concerning given the record of antisemitism and hate from the groups involved. It is notable that on a day when Israelis are sheltering from renewed rocket attack from Gaza, the space that was to host the Nakba event will instead host a bipartisan briefing honoring the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Israel relations.

Thank you for speaking out with ADL to Fight Hate for Good.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Greenblatt

CEO and National Director

ADL