Anti-Defamation League President Jonathan Greenblatt has been under criticism for praising Elon Musk's "leadership" in combating online anti-Semitism while engaging in anti-Semitism.
Last week, Musk came under fire for praising an anti-Semitic posting on X in support of White Replacement Theory which has prompted several prominent corporations to stop advertising on Musk's platform.
Indeed, Greenblatt was among those who was critical of Musk:
At a time when antisemitism is exploding in America and surging around the world, it is indisputably dangerous to use one's influence to validate and promote antisemitic theories. #NeverIsNow
However, Greenblatt's tone towards Musk would change when Musk announced he would suspend accounts which used the term "from the river to the sea" and "decolonization" because they "necessarily imply genocide".
Greenblatt replied, "This is an important and welcome move by @elonmusk. I appreciate this leadership in fighting hate."
This praise of Musk garnered considerable dismay including from ADL Advisory Board Member Peter Fox who wrote an open letter to Greenblatt in The Forward:
I can imagine that leading the ADL in today’s polarized climate is no easy task, to say the least. But aligning with someone like Musk, who repeatedly dabbles in conspiracy theories and white nationalist rhetoric, is a misstep that undermines the ADL’s credibility and core principles.
What Musk called “the truth” on Thursday is the same conspiracy that motivated the Pittsburgh shooter to murder 11 Jews at the Tree of Life synagogue in 2018, the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history. This is nothing you don’t already know. Following his vile tweet, Comcast/NBCU, Paramount Global, Apple, Disney, Warner and Lionsgate have all paused advertising on X.
There’s no justification for playing sycophants with an unhinged leader who frequently engages in conspiracy theories and dangerous rhetoric that puts Jews and all marginalized groups at risk.
Fox stopped short of calling for Greenblatt's resignation or offering his own, but he went on to state:
I commend you for trying to walk the tightrope of finding consensus and common ground with problematic public figures. I’m a firm believer in pluralism and dialogue, which includes building relationships with people with whom we disagree.
But Musk consistently violates the basic tenets of decency, integrity and respect that ADL stands for. There comes a time when it’s just not worth it. And acquiescing to Elon Musk’s ego is certainly not worth compromising the organization’s integrity for.
We can be diplomatic without excusing vile, dangerous antisemitism — especially when it comes from a repeat offender like Musk. He’s not worth giving any further credibility to when he’s repeatedly violated our trust.
At best, Greenblatt is sending mixed messages. At worst, he is undermining ADL's credibility. Whether this will lead for calls for his resignation remains to be seen for the moment.
Because the next time Musk amplifies right-wing anti-Semitism (and he surely will) when Greenblatt criticizes him, he will throw his praise back in his face and then renew his threat to sue ADL.
It also remains to be seen if Musk will actually keep his promise and suspend accounts which use the term "from the river to the sea".
So how should have Greenblatt replied to Musk's post?
Perhaps something along these lines:
"This is a step in the right direction. However, @elonmusk has more work to do where it concerns anti-Semitism. If he is truly committed to combatting anti-Semitism, then he must never again amplify and give comfort or credibility to anti-Semitic posts from white supremacists/nationalists on X."
Of course, I am not the President of the ADL nor am I dealing with the richest man in the world much less the richest man in the world who is threatening a lawsuit against the ADL.
Perhaps all of this has intimidated Greenblatt and he is throwing Musk a bone.
But the dog is always going to want more.
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