WASHINGTON: The American Jewish Committee has come out against the publication of blasphemous cartoons commissioned by a Danish newspaper last year and republished by several European and other newspapers in the last couple of week after protests erupted across Muslim countries.
In a statement, the committee said that “had it been our call, we would not have published the cartoons,” stressing that as an organisation involved in efforts to strengthen mutual respect and mutual understanding among the world’s faith communities, it does not engage in “religious satire”.
The committee said, “Disregard for the core tenets and sensibilities of particular religious groups – such as the graphic portrayal of the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) in an editorial cartoon – runs counter to our principles, and by giving offense to others, offends us as well.” The statement added that as citizens of open and democratic societies, “we recognise that the bedrock principles of freedom of speech and freedom of the press can, at times, produce things that are not to our liking or taste. We have witnessed, in recent years, articles, cartoons, films and art that have been deemed anti-Semitic, anti-Christian, and anti-Muslim. But when we find something objectionable, even offensive, we respond within the norms of democratic societies, which invite peaceful protest and public debate.”
The committee found three disturbing elements about the response of some in the Islamic world. First, peaceful protest and public debate had been replaced by angry mob scenes, violence, intimidation and destruction of property, which is “totally unacceptable.” Second, while editorial cartoons may not be the most refined forum to examine social and political ills, - and these cartoons clearly gave offense - the broad message they sought to convey – that Islam and the name of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are invoked frequently by fanatical murderers whose horrific crimes have touched every continent – cannot be ignored either in the West or in the Muslim world itself. Lastly, the story “drips with hypocrisy.” The committee called it a “case of the pot calling the kettle black,” pointing out that Saudi Arabia, which had lodged a formal protest with Denmark and Norway, is among the “world’s most intolerant nations.” A study co-sponsored by the American Jewish Committee in 2003 documented that Saudi government-sponsored schools teach children contempt and distrust of Christians and Jews.
“We hope that the outcome of the events instigated by the cartoons could be general agreement worldwide to promote interfaith harmony and heightened sensitivity. But if the result proves that violence achieves its intended effect, and that honest discussion of the most difficult religious and political issues is impermissible, that would be a tragic day for all who cherish the values of a free society,” the statement proposed. khalid hasan
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In a statement, the committee said that “had it been our call, we would not have published the cartoons,” stressing that as an organisation involved in efforts to strengthen mutual respect and mutual understanding among the world’s faith communities, it does not engage in “religious satire”.
The committee said, “Disregard for the core tenets and sensibilities of particular religious groups – such as the graphic portrayal of the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) in an editorial cartoon – runs counter to our principles, and by giving offense to others, offends us as well.” The statement added that as citizens of open and democratic societies, “we recognise that the bedrock principles of freedom of speech and freedom of the press can, at times, produce things that are not to our liking or taste. We have witnessed, in recent years, articles, cartoons, films and art that have been deemed anti-Semitic, anti-Christian, and anti-Muslim. But when we find something objectionable, even offensive, we respond within the norms of democratic societies, which invite peaceful protest and public debate.”
The committee found three disturbing elements about the response of some in the Islamic world. First, peaceful protest and public debate had been replaced by angry mob scenes, violence, intimidation and destruction of property, which is “totally unacceptable.” Second, while editorial cartoons may not be the most refined forum to examine social and political ills, - and these cartoons clearly gave offense - the broad message they sought to convey – that Islam and the name of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are invoked frequently by fanatical murderers whose horrific crimes have touched every continent – cannot be ignored either in the West or in the Muslim world itself. Lastly, the story “drips with hypocrisy.” The committee called it a “case of the pot calling the kettle black,” pointing out that Saudi Arabia, which had lodged a formal protest with Denmark and Norway, is among the “world’s most intolerant nations.” A study co-sponsored by the American Jewish Committee in 2003 documented that Saudi government-sponsored schools teach children contempt and distrust of Christians and Jews.
“We hope that the outcome of the events instigated by the cartoons could be general agreement worldwide to promote interfaith harmony and heightened sensitivity. But if the result proves that violence achieves its intended effect, and that honest discussion of the most difficult religious and political issues is impermissible, that would be a tragic day for all who cherish the values of a free society,” the statement proposed. khalid hasan
Link