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Jewish Groups Lambast Wikipedia for Its ‘Attack on ADL’s Credibility’ About Antisemitism, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Anti-Defamation League (ADL) CEO Jonathan Greenblatt speaks during the organization’s “Never Is Now” summit at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan in New York City, US, Nov. 10, 2022. Photo: REUTERS/Jeenah Moon

A total of 43 Jewish organizations signed a letter sent to the Wikimedia Foundation on Monday night that criticized Wikipedia’s conclusion last week that the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is not a credible source for information about antisemitism and the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

The Jewish groups — which include B’nai B’rith International, the American Jewish Committee, and American Jewish Congress —  expressed concerns regarding Wikipedia’s “attack on ADL’s credibility” and accused the free online encyclopedia of “stripping the Jewish community of the right to defend itself from the hatred that targets our community.”

“We urge you to immediately launch an investigation into this decision and the motivations behind it, and to start the process for administrative reconsideration” stated the letter, which was spearheaded by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and sent to the Wikimedia Foundation board of trustees. “We hope that you will simultaneously speak out clearly and unequivocally in support of the Jewish community’s right to defend against antisemitism.”

Wikipedia’s editors, who are a group of volunteer moderators, voted last week in support of labeling the ADL as a “generally unreliable” source on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Other “generally unreliable” sources, according to Wikipedia’s editors, include Amazon reviews, Russian state media, the National Inquirer, and Newsmax.

The editors also overwhelmingly agreed that the ADL is unreliable on the topic of antisemitism, but a formal declaration on that matter has not been made as of yet. The Wikipedia editors said in an online forum that the ADL’s role as both a pro-Israel advocacy and research organization prevents it from being able to provide unbiased information about Israel or antisemitism.

In their letter to the Wikimedia Foundation, the Jewish organizations — including the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis (CAMERA) and Hillel International — said antisemitism is not only “one of the oldest and most pernicious forms of hate,” but also “in many ways, one of the most often misunderstood.” They said they are worried that Wikipedia’s decision about the ADL “will enable others to undermine our community’s claims or charges of antisemitism and simultaneously use Wikipedia’s decision as cover to perpetuate antisemitism.”

“At a time when antisemitic attitudes are increasing, and antisemitic incidents are skyrocketing, this is simply unacceptable, and it puts our entire community at risk,” they added.

The Jewish groups additionally noted that they, as well as the ADL, rely on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism — which is the world’s most widely accepted definition of antisemitism. It has been adopted or endorsed by more than half of the United States and the District of Columbia, and is also used by over 1,000 global entities, including governments, universities, institutions, and other organizations.

“We are firmly united in the belief that an attack on ADL’s reliability over its use of the IHRA definition and advocacy on behalf of the Jewish people weakens us all,” the letter stated in conclusion. “Again, we urge the reconsideration of these actions and encourage Wikipedia to join us in combating antisemitism, rather than acting as a cover for those who seek to perpetuate the scourge of Jew hatred.”

The signatories included the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, American Sephardi Federation, Hadassah, Maccabi USA, Rabbinical Council of America, Iranian American Jewish Federation, and JCC Association of North America, among others.

The ADL criticized Wikipedia’s decision regarding its credibility when it was first announced last week. The civil rights organization called the decision “a sad development for research and education” and “devastating for the Jewish community and society.”

“It is deeply disturbing that the many editors who flagged the severe flaws and inaccuracies in both the reasoning and sources being used in this campaign to delegitimize ADL are being ignored,” an ADL spokesman said in a statement. “They have provided point by point refutations, grounded in factual citations, to every claim made, but apparently facts no longer matter.”

“Who made Wikipedia the arbiters of truth?” asked ADL Director Emeritus Abraham Foxman. “For over 110 years the ADL has jealously guarded its credibility — gaining the respect of the public, media, and government. Who evaluates Wikipedias’ credibility?”

Wikipedia “only discredits its own site when it tries to bar ADL from pages on Israel or antisemitism,” said B’nai B’rith International, which founded the ADL in 1913, in a post on X/Twitter. B’nai B’rith added that it “proudly stands” with the ADL “against all attempts to stifle Jewish perspectives on issues affecting the Jewish people first and foremost.”

The post Jewish Groups Lambast Wikipedia for Its ‘Attack on ADL’s Credibility’ About Antisemitism, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict first appeared on Algemeiner.com.

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Anti-Israel Protests Force Early End to Vuelta a Espana Cycle Race

Cycling – Vuelta a Espana – Stage 21 – Alalpardo to Madrid – Madrid, Spain – September 14, 2025 Protesters clash with police during Stage 21. Photo: REUTERS/Ana Beltran

Anti-Israel protests forced the abandonment of the Vuelta a Espana cycle race at its finale on Sunday, with Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard declared the winner as police sought to quell demonstrations against an Israeli team’s participation.

Protesters overturned metal barriers and occupied the Vuelta (Tour of Spain) race route at several points in the Spanish capital Madrid as police attempted to push them back.

“The race is over,” a spokesperson for the race organizers told Reuters.

The protests have targeted the Israel-Premier Tech team over Israel’s actions in Gaza. Some riders had threatened to quit last week as routes were blocked, causing some falls.

More than 1,000 police officers were deployed on Sunday as cyclists reached the final stage of the 21-day race in Madrid.

It had been due to end at 7 p.m. (1700 GMT).

Earlier in the day, Spain’s Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he admired the protesters.

“Today marks the end of the Vuelta,” Sanchez told a party rally in the southern city of Malaga.

“Our respect and recognition for the athletes and our admiration for the Spanish people who are mobilizing for just causes like Palestine.”

After the race was cancelled, clashes continued with protesters throwing bottles of water and other objects at police.

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Oct. 7 Documentary Wins People’s Choice Award in Toronto

A view of the Toronto area, which is home to Canada’s largest Jewish community. Photo: John Vetterli via Wikimedia Commons.

i24 News – A documentary chronicling retired Israeli General Noam Tibon’s daring rescue of his family during the Hamas attacks in 2023 has taken home the People’s Choice Award for best documentary at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

“The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue,” directed by Barry Avrich, depicts Tibon’s efforts amid the October 7 attacks, which left over 1,200 people dead and more than 250 abducted. The film has sparked heated debate, drawing both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrations outside its screenings this week.

TIFF organizers confirmed the award via email Sunday morning, before CEO Cameron Bailey could present it during the festival’s ceremony at the TIFF Lightbox.

Avrich accepted the honor to subdued applause, thanking the festival for its support.

The documentary had previously faced a brief removal from TIFF’s schedule over security and rights concerns, a decision that drew criticism from politicians, Jewish organizations, and industry figures. The festival reinstated the film days later, with Bailey vowing clearer communication regarding programming choices.

Despite the protests, the film went on to screen as planned on Sunday afternoon. Some demonstrators had labeled the documentary “Israeli propaganda” without attending a showing.

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US Secretary of State Rubio Visits Western Wall with PM Netanyahu

Benjamin Netanyahou and Marco Rubio. Photo: David Azagury, US Embassy Jerusalem

i24 News – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio kicked off his official visit to Israel on Sunday with a symbolic visit to Jerusalem’s Western Wall. He was accompanied by his wife Janet, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, as well as US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and his wife.

The delegation participated in the reading of a psalm and a prayer honoring the US president for his support of Israel, commitment to regional security, and efforts toward peace. A separate prayer called for the swift return of hostages held in Gaza.

Rubio and the officials then toured newly uncovered archaeological tunnels beneath the Western Wall, where Mordechai (Suli) Eliav, director of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, presented artifacts dating to the destruction of the Second Temple.

Netanyahu hailed Rubio’s visit as a demonstration of the enduring strength of the US-Israel alliance. “This visit is a testament to the resilience and strength of the American-Israeli alliance, which is as durable and strong as the stones of the Western Wall,” he said. “Under President Trump, Secretary Rubio and their entire team, this alliance has never been stronger.”

At the conclusion of the visit, Rubio signed the Western Wall guest book, writing: “May peace arise over this Holy Land and the entire world.” The gesture marks the start of a diplomatic trip aimed at reinforcing US-Israel cooperation amid heightened regional tensions stemming from the conflict in Gaza.

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