Anti-Defamation League Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Greenblatt is facing criticism after two separate interview clips circulated online this week. In one video, Greenblatt said that Christianity is "the origin of antisemitism," citing centuries-old claims that "the Jews killed Christ." The remarks were made during a discussion of religiously motivated hatred; no further context from the interview was immediately released. A second clip, recorded during an appearance on the Jewish Broadcasting Service on Monday, shows Greenblatt briefly referring to "Hatikvah," Israel’s national anthem, as "our national anthem" before correcting himself. Greenblatt, an American citizen born in Connecticut, told the host he "shouldn’t say our" but added that the song reflects the shared hopes of Jews worldwide. The comments have drawn sharp online backlash from critics who contend that the statements question Greenblatt’s impartiality as the head of a U.S. civil-rights organization. The ADL has not issued a public response as of early Wednesday.
The Apartheid Defense League @ADL
BREAKING: ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt claims Christianity is the root of anti-Semitism, pointing to “accusations that the Jews ki*led Christ.” https://t.co/jsHRbLDggZ
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, a Jewish Zionist, through this video describes himself as an Israeli He’s not a dual citizen. So even when they aren’t dual citizens, they feel more loyal to Israel. They see Israel as their homeland, not America. https://t.co/9UFBNe7ebX