AJC Urges HarperCollins to Ensure Maps Include Israel

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Jan 01, 2015, 09:51 ET

NEW YORK, Jan. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC welcomed an apology from HarperCollins for excluding Israel from one of its map books, and urged the global publishing house to do an immediate internal examination to understand what happened and ensure that it will not occur again.

"The fact that a major publishing corporation would exclude the State of Israel from some of its maps is inexcusable," said Harris. "Erroneous, politically motivated maps only serve the interests of those who continue to reject the existence of Israel and seek its eradication. Shame on HarperCollins for contributing to the campaign to delegitimize Israel."

HarperCollins, part of News Corp, issued an apology after reports emerged that one of its atlas books sold in some Arab countries omits Israel on Middle East maps.

"HarperCollins regrets the omission of the name Israel from their Collins Middle East Atlas," stated the publisher on Facebook. "This product has now been removed from sale in all territories and all remaining stock will be pulped. HarperCollins sincerely apologizes for this omission and for any offense caused."

Harris pointed out that the atlas, used mainly in schools, encouraged hatred towards Israel. "Peace will come only when Arab states and societies reconcile themselves to Israel's permanent presence in the Middle East," said Harris.

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SOURCE American Jewish Committee