UNESCO Must Disassociate Itself from Antisemitism-Racked Book Fair
October 19, 2016
| SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTRE-EUROPE Tel.: +33(0)1 47 23 76 37 Fax: +33(0)1 47 20 84 01 Email: csweurope@gmail.com “The Tsarist Russia forged claim of a Jewish conspiracy for global domination, ‘The Protocols of the Elders of Zion’, was highlighted at the 2015 Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF).” Frankfurt, 19 October 2016 In a letter to UNESCO Director-General, Irina Bokova, the Simon Wiesenthal Centre Director for International Relations, Dr. Shimon Samuels, expressed surprise that “UNESCO had accepted to be the Honoured Guest of the 2016 Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) opening on 2 November. Samuels, currently attending the Frankfurt Book Fair, explained, “The Simon Wiesenthal Centre annually monitors hate on the shelves of six Arab Book Fairs and at Frankfurt in cooperation with the latter authorities. These included Sharjah and its other United Arab Emirates neighbours.” The letter lamented that “the Tsarist Russia forged claim of a Jewish conspiracy for global domination, ‘The Protocols of the Elders of Zion’, was highlighted at the 2015 Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF),” adding, “What has become known as a 'warrant for genocide' and a 'a catalyst for the Holocaust' was published by Dar Ruslan and featured in multiple copies on the Syria stand #A6 as one of the publishers displaying the Protocols. Our attached photos identify these books within a red rectangle.”
Samuels stressed, “This is not an isolated example related to the 'Protocols'. The SIBF 2015 honoured guest was Egyptian actor, Mohammed Sobhy, who was co-writer and actor of a 30-part mini-series called ‘Horseman Without a Horse’, based on, 'The Protocols of Zion'. Televised each year on Ramadan throughout the Arab world, this poisonous series has reinforced antisemitic stereotypes more than any other production. Source: Simon Wiesenthal Center "Famous Egyptian actor and comedian Mohamed Sobhy will be appearing at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2015.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), and Director of Sharjah Book Fair, said, ‘Mohamed Sobhy is one of the most well-known artists and intellectuals, who has a lot to say about the cultural, social issues experienced by the Arab world. We are looking forward to hosting Sobhy at the fair and to hearing him share his vision about the Arab cultural scene with us, particularly how to counter dark and destructive ideology, as well as the possible ways of promoting the intellectual and cultural awareness of Arabic people. On his journey to stardom, Sobhy appeared in dozens of stage plays, movies and TV programmes, most notably in dramas; ‘Mama America’, ‘Bel Arabi Al Faseeh’ (In Classic Arabia) and ‘Takhareef’ (Tales). On the silver screen Sobhy starred in ‘Agent No.13’, ‘Al Jareeh’ ‘The Wounded’ and ‘Money and Monsters’. Sobhy’s popular TV series’ are ‘Shamlool’ (Smartass) ‘Faares Bela Jawad’ (A knight without a horse) and ‘Ayesh Fi Al Ghaybooba’ (Living in Coma). Source: SIBF http://www.sharjahbookfair.com/en/newsdetails/400 Here is what the Ruler of Sharjah, ironically, had to say about SIBF 2015:‘In his keynote speech, Dr Shaikh Sultan said ‘the book is the light against ignorance’. He added that all books are welcome at SIBF as long as they don't preach hate against anyone.’ The Wiesenthal Centre likewise protested the co-sponsorship of the 2015 SIBF by The American Library Association. “Madam Director-General, you have often spoken out against antisemitism. We urge you to disassociate UNESCO from what is likely to be yet another hatefest and, thereby, prevent any possible perception of UNESCO appearing to endorse antisemitism,” concluded Samuels. For further information please contact Shimon Samuels 00 33 609 770 158, join the Center on Facebook, www.facebook.com/simonwiesenthalcenter, or follow @simonwiesenthal for news updates sent direct to your Twitter feed. The Simon Wiesenthal Center is one of the largest international Jewish human rights organizations with over 400,000 member families in the United States. It is an NGO at international agencies including the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the OAS, the Council of Europe and the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino). |
UNESCO to be guest of honour at Sharjah book fair
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