Local Jewish group: Out of towners just causing trouble with ads calling Palestinians savages

The American Jewish Committee of Boston says the Muslim-hating group suing the T for the right to put up ads declaring Palestinians savages is doing more harm than good for the cause of Israel in the US. In a statement issued today, the group's leaders say:

Without speculating on the larger meaning intended by the proposed ad, one is left to wonder whether such inflammatory language that insinuates much more than it overtly states does anything to advance understanding of Israel’s just case. In fact, it might reinforce the perception of some that supporters of Israel are angry, extreme and unreasonable.

Rash language can also complicate efforts to right evident wrongs. According to the Globe, the MBTA rejected the proposed AFDI posters because they violate guidelines that bar advertisements that are “demeaning or disparaging.” Ironically, however, only last week the MBTA allowed ads that falsely and misleadingly suggested that Israel has wantonly dismembered Palestine and by extension its people. Is this any less demeaning or disparaging than the advertisement they have now disallowed? The MBTA is on thin ice and should reconsider. The problem for Israel advocates, however, is that it is hard to advocate for an ad that is so transparently crude and extreme.

The statement uses similar language to condemn efforts by another group to excoriate Newton school officials.