Mr. A. G. Sulzberger, Publisher Mr. Mark Thompson, President and C.E.O. The New York Times 620 Eighth Avenue New York, N.Y. 10018 July 16, 2020 Dear Mr. Sulzberger and Mr. Thompson: We are writing on behalf of the Zionist Organization of America (the ZOA), the oldest pro-Israel organization in the United States. ZOA is well-known and highly respected for our 123 years of work combatting antisemitism and anti-Israel bias. As you are aware, journalist Bari Weiss’ shocking resignation letter this week described a hostile work environment at the New York Times, faced by journalists who call out antisemitism and stand up for Israel. Ms. Weiss revealed that her Times colleagues called her “a Nazi and a racist,” criticized her for “writing about the Jews again,” and even badgered persons considered to be friendly with Ms. Weiss. Ms. Weiss’ letter also described a pervasive atmosphere of fear, in which publishing op-eds that did not promote an explicit progressive agenda “would now get an editor or a writer in serious trouble, if not fired.” In light of these revelations of widespread serious problems at the Times, the Zionist Organization of America has established a hotline for journalists at the NY Times and other media outlets to call to report any antisemitism, anti-Israel bigotry, bullying, or harassment they are experiencing. We are writing to suggest that the New York Times and the ZOA should establish a special joint committee, or fair and impartial special process for resolving claims that are brought to ZOA’s attention, if the claimant wishes to engage in this process. It seems apparent that the Times’ internal violations reporting process set forth in the Times’ “Code of Ethics,” and the Times’ anti-harassment policy, referenced in the Times’ “A Handbook of Values and Practices for the News and Editorial Departments,” are inadequate to handle the serious issues of antisemitic and anti-Israel harassment at the Times, and that a new special process is needed. We further urge the Times to abide by the anti-retaliation policy set forth in its Code of Ethics, with respect to any special process established to deal with antisemitic harassment at the Times, and any parties who seek ZOA’s assistance due to harassment experienced at the Times. The anti-retaliation policy states that the Times “will not discharge, demote, suspend, threaten, harass or otherwise discriminate or retaliate against [an employee] in the terms or conditions of employment because of that activity.” We look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Morton A. Klein ZOA National President [email protected] Mark Levenson, Esq. ZOA National Chair [email protected] View the letter on our website here. ‌ ‌ ‌ About Us News Videos ZOA Report Events Founded in 1897, ZOA played a key role in the Jewish State's re-establishment. Today, ZOA is the leading major American Jewish organization courageously defending Israel and the Jewish people; fighting against all forms of antisemitism, including anti-Jewish boycotts; and promoting the Jewish people's lawful right to live in and settle historic Jewish lands. ZOA exposes that a Palestinian state would endanger Israel's existence; presents the facts about the Arab/Islamic war against Israel; and combats the anti-Israel lie that Israel is an "occupier" of her own land. ZOA spearheaded long battles to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, and apply civil rights protections to Jewish students. ZOA provides free legal assistance and programs to pro-Israel students at numerous college campuses. ZOA's bold, unapologetic voice has a significant impact on public discourse and policy. DONATE NOW Copyright © Zionist Organization of America 2020, All rights reserved. Zionist Organization of America | 633 Third Ave, 31 B, New York, NY 10017 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | About our service provider Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!