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.
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,
