ADL National Director Abraham H. Foxman (archive photo)
צילום גבי מנשה
ADL slams TV personality’s ‘Arab look’ comment
Popular television presenter Anastasia Michaeli reportedly urges committee picking Israeli representative to Eurovision song contest not to pick someone ‘with Arab look’; ADL: Inappropriate, prejudicial remark borders on racism
The Israel office of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) on Monday said it was “deeply disappointed by the inappropriate and racist comments made by popular television presenter Anastasia Michaeli."
The ADL also called on MKs from the Russian-speaking community to speak out against these statements.
Michaeli, who ran unsuccessfully for a slot in Ehud Olmert’s Kadima party, reportedly urged the committee picking the Israeli representative to the Eurovision song contest not to pick someone “with an Arab look.”
Michaeli, who was a member of the committee, indicated that a European looking contestant had a better chance of winning. The committee ultimately chose the popular band Teapacks, which uses traditional oriental music.
The ADL issued a statement saying, “We are deeply disappointed by Anastasia Michaeli’s inappropriate and prejudicial remark that borders on racism. Michaeli should step back from partisanship and use her role as an opinion maker in the Russian-speaking immigrant world to vigorously embrace the diverse character of the state.
“The ADL also calls on Israeli leaders from the former Soviet Union to speak out against such remarks that ironically besmirch their own community and reinforce prejudicial beliefs that they are bigoted and racists,” the statement said.
“It is an opportunity to reach the Russian-speaking youth with a message that this country’s greatness is its diversity.
