The Anti-Defamation League & Jewish Community Relations Council Welcome Statement from KGO Radio Condemning Bigotry Following the Broadcast of Anti-Semitic Comments

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) today welcomed a statement from the management of KGO radio expressing regret over the broadcast of a recent interview with a guest who spewed anti-Semitism.  

The statement comes in wake of a February 11, 2011 broadcast hosted by KGO radio personality Pat Thurston and featuring guest Ray McGovern, a former U.S. government intelligence analyst.  While the interview with McGovern was supposed to be a one-hour segment focused on the uprising in Egypt, McGovern instead shifted the conversation to Israel.  Under the guise of criticism of Israel, McGovern made statements consistent with age-old anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.  He also equated Zionism with terrorism.  Listeners of all faiths were outraged by these comments and dismayed that not only were McGovern's comments not adequately challenged or rebuked at the time they were made, but the interview time was extended.

"Even in the most heated discussion about Israel and events in the Middle East, there is absolutely no legitimate place in our discourse for spewing anti-Semitism or venomous attacks against Israel," stated Dan Sandman, Regional Director of the ADL and Rabbi Doug Kahn, Executive Director of the JCRC.  "We are encouraged by this strong statement from KGO condemning bigotry in all its forms.  KGO management has made it clear that it deeply regrets the pain caused to the Jewish community and that appropriate steps are being taken to address the matter internally," Mr. Sandman and Rabbi Kahn stated.

During the course of the broadcast and continuing thereafter, it was also learned that threats had been made against KGO radio, its staff and their family members, and KGO advertisers.  "Threats of any kind are deplorable and cannot be tolerated by civil society," added Rabbi Kahn and Mr. Sandman.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.

The Jewish Community Relations Council is the public affairs and community relations umbrella for the organized Jewish community.  Representing over 70 Jewish organizations and synagogues, JCRC works to pursue a just society and secure Jewish future.

SOURCE Anti-Defamation League

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