Dear Sir,
The FIDH and the LDH are particularly concerned about two acts of anti-semitism which have occurred in your country, both of which are founded on the same text.
A few months ago, the newspaper AL AHRAM published an article which drew its inspiration from the “protocols of the wise men of Zion”. These protocols are an anti-semitic fabrication of the Tsarist police at the end of the 19th century. This article has been the subject of legal action in France, but as far as we know, this has not been the case in Egypt.
A soap opera entitled “a horseman without a horse” is currently being broadcast on television channels. This programme also draws its inspiration from the “protocols of the wise men of Zion”.
Furthermore, we would like to add that this broadcast is taking place during the month of Ramadan, something which is not void of symbolic meaning.
In France, and throughout the world we have never ceased to fight against all types of discrimination. It is for this reason that we wish to state that we find these acts of racism unacceptable and totally unjustifiable. With this call to hatred and racial discrimination, freedom of press is reaching its limits. Even if creative works do not necessarily come under the same rules, we have not failed to notice that a warning or caution for viewers has not been envisaged, especially regarding the inaccuracy of the facts which are presented as being true.
Those who believe they are illustrating the intolerable politics of the Israeli government in relation to the Palestinians, are only reinforcing the mutual sentiment of hatred and suspicion. They are in fact doing a disservice to the cause they claim to serve. If criticising the policies of the Israeli government is anything but an expression of anti-semitism, indulging in anti-semitic attacks should not go hand in hand with the criticism of these policies.
In terms of the current international conventions in force, your government should not tolerate behaviour which could not only undermine the future of people in the region, but which could also tarnish Egypt’s image abroad.
We would be happy to meet with you to discuss these problems and we are at your disposal for any meeting you might wish to arrange with us.
We would like to inform you that this letter will be made public.
Yours sincerely,
Sidiki KABA
Michel TUBIANA