Arab rioters (illustration)
Arab rioters (illustration)Flash 90

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) expressed alarm Thursday at the weeklong wave of violence which has erupted across Israel, including shootings, stabbings, rock throwing and fire bombings, which have killed four people and wounded numerous Israeli civilians and security personnel.

"The ongoing and intensifying wave of violence and terrorism across Israel is deeply alarming," Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL National Director, stated. "It is incumbent on all – Israeli, Palestinian and the international community – to work toward preventing a further escalation of violence and incitement, and take steps to restore security, calm and public confidence." 

"We are cognizant and supportive of the government of Israel’s efforts to provide the necessary security for its citizens, while also taking serious steps to de-escalate tensions through a variety of public statements and measures related to reaffirming the status quo on the Temple Mount," he continued. "Israel’s security officials have asserted that the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian Security Forces are working to contain the violence, and we strongly encourage (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas to remain publicly committed to nonviolence and intensify efforts to reduce tensions." 

The ADL also took a stand against the rampant incitement in PA media, as well as by frustrated Jewish Israelis.  

"Throughout this period, we have also been appalled by violent social media postings on Palestinian and regional sites celebrating the murder of Israelis and calling for additional attacks," Greenblatt said. "Some of these postings echo the charges made by Palestinian and other Arab leaders alleging Israeli conspiracies related to holy sites in Jerusalem, while others blatantly call for the killing of Israelis and Jews."

"There have also been incendiary calls among groups of Israeli Jews for violence against Israeli Arabs and Palestinians," he added. "Such behavior cannot be the answer to terror. All forms of incitement must stop."