Israel Matzav

Is this cartoon anti-Semitic?

Is the cartoon above anti-Semitic? No, it's not. The cartoon was published on the web page of Im Tirtzu, which exposed the assistance that organizations supported by the New Israel Fund gave to the prevarications of the Goldstone Commission in 2009-10. Indyk is co-chairman of the New Israel Fund, and the cartoon was accompanied by a letter criticizing him for that.

The right-wing Israeli organization Im Tirtzu published a cartoon earlier this week, depicting newly appointed U.S. envoy for Middle East peace Martin Indyk as a puppet. Some have called the cartoon anti-Semitic, and claim that it is not the first time that the rightist group has used offensive cartoons to attack its targets. Im Tirtzu styles itself an "extra-parliamentary movement that works to strengthen and advance the values of Zionism in Israel."

The cartoon was published on the group's Facebook page, along with a letter written by Ronen Shoval, Im Tirtzu chairperson, to U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro. The letter criticizes Indyk for serving as head of the New Israel Fund, which Shoval wrote is "is known to support anti-Israel organizations that spearhead anti-Israel propaganda around the world."

Further, according to the letter posted on Facebook, Im Tirtzu seeks to "ask the U.S. government to appoint an 'honest broker,'" and claims that the Israeli public does not view Indyk as such. Indyk also twice served as U.S. ambassador to Israel, from 1995 to 1997, and 2000 to 2001.

Indyk is, as the cartoon implies, a puppet for the anti-Israel Israeli Left. What he really believes is anyone's guess. 

Labels: anti-Semitism, Im Tirtzu, Martin Indyk, New Israel Fund

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 10:38 AM