Once again the SF Reporter editor, Julie Ann Grimm, exhibited poor judgment by re-printing the anti-Semitic Claytoonz cartoon that we first reported in a posting on May 17. There was no cause to repeat such repugnant behavior.
Grimm felt the compulsion to print letters (see below) by Harrison and O’Keefe that reinforce the anti-Semitism of the cartoon by their own words. Having 2 pro- and 2 anti-cartoon letters may make her feel redeemed of balance, but a 2:2 proportion does not make the news or viewpoint any less grotesque or right.
The editor’s headline of O’Keefe’s letter “Spade” and O’Keefe’s own use of the term in his letter evokes offensive racist undertones. Meanwhile O’Keefe’s incoherent argument about the definition of anti-Semitism was not cut by the editor, and his putting the spilling of blood solely onto Israel’s action shows his justification by omission of the reprehensible use of human shields and violence started and perpetuated by Hamas and complicit Gazans. Are Grimm and O’Keefe so blind?
Harrison seems to support the concept of fake news when she states that the Reporter was depicting reality.
Kudos to Scott Levin from the ADL regional office, and Kristina Harrigan from Santa Fe, for responding directly and forcefully, and for Julia Bell for bringing the issue to Levin’s attention.
Below are the letters published in the SF Reporter’s June 6, 2018 edition. Tell the editor what you think: editor@sfreporter.com. Or call Julie Ann Grimm directly: 505-988-5541 Ext 1215.
Let there be light?
The Santa Fe Reporter‘s May 16, 2018 editorial cartoon depicts the smiling caricatures of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ivanka Trump, as the Prime Minister holds his coat over the blood of dead Gazans so that Ms. Trump does not soil her boots. Representing the Prime Minister and Ms. Trump—proxies for Israel and the United States—as taking pleasure in the deaths and wounding of people in Gaza is a gross and unfair fabrication. It presents a very difficult and complex situation in a simplistic light: ignoring the role of Hamas in mobilizing the breaching of the border and Israel’s very real dilemmas in trying to defend that border. All involved—including Israelis and Americans—unquestionably recognize it as a horrific tragedy that so many people have been killed and wounded at the Gaza border. The editorial cartoon’s biased view makes light of a very serious and complex situation.
Scott L Levin
Anti-Defamation League, Mountain States Region, Denver, Colorado
Shoe = Other Foot
This cartoon was shocking for its blatant anti-Semitism, disguising itself as “mere anti-Israel” political comment.
How would you and your readers have reacted if “mere anti-Obama” commentary had been delivered in the form of a caricature presentation of Little Black Sambo from 60 years ago? Would you have published and defended such a cartoon as a simple political statement?
The depiction of the democratically elected leader of the only democracy in the Middle East, using the traditional iconography employed by the Nazis 80 years ago demonstrates a truly depraved taste and an utter lack of historical information on the part of the creator of the cartoon, and a total lack of editorial responsibility on the part The Reporter.
You should apologize in print and on your website for disseminating this disgusting cartoon.
Kristina Harrigan, Santa Fe
Reality
Thank you for your courage in standing up for Palestine in your recently published cartoon. I’m sure you’re getting blasted with accusations of anti-Semitism, but how can portraying reality be anti-Semitic?
Naomi G Harrison, Santa Fe
Spade
I applaud the Reporter for printing the cartoon lampooning the horrors of the Gaza massacre as Ivanka Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu celebrate the move of the US Embassy to Jerusalem; a clear violation of the status of the city as determined by the UN to be a multi-national/cultural city. …
While many would call the cartoon at least anti-Israel, more will call it anti-Semitic while ignoring the definition of Semitic. … Not all of the people of Palestine are semitic, including many Jews. But what users of the term mean is “anti-Jew.”
It matters not one wit if the Israelis led by Netanyahu are Jews, Arabs (some are) or bananas, the same international ethics and morality apply. A massive amount of blood was spilled by Israel’s actions. Ivanka Trump made the presentation at the new US embassy while the massacre was going on and Gazans died and bled per Israel’s decisions. …
Don’t be afraid to call a spade a spade.
Brian O’Keefe, Santa Fe
SFMEW is a beneficiary organization of the Jewish Federation of New Mexico.