We know from past experience that such naked antisemitism in Arab media cannot be solved by merely publicizing it. Most Arabs are not even aware that there is anything offensive about describing Jews as murderous bloodsuckers.
However, a major advertiser for Al Kibar is Visa, with this ad popping up on most articles and shown on the main page:
I emailed to Visa’s media relations departments for Egypt ([email protected]), the US ([email protected]) and Europe ([email protected]).
Dear sir or madam,
Visa Middle East is a major advertiser for Egypt’s El Kebar magazine. Every online article seems to pop up your ad for the FIFA World Cup promotion.
The current issue includes a sickeningly antisemitic article by Firnas Hafzi that calls Jews “vampires,” that claims that Jews kill Christian children to drink their blood and mix them with Passover matzah, and that the Dracula story was made up by Jews to deflect from people realizing that they are the ones who suck people’s blood.
And that is just the beginning.
The article is here, the translation is here. Your ad is linked from the front page of the El Kebar website and pops up when viewing this vile antisemitic article.
I would hope that now that you are aware that your brand is being associated with the most disgusting kinds of incitement, that you will not only drop all sponsorship of this magazine but also demand that El Kebar issue a strong apology for publishing this filth.
What do you plan to do about this, and when?
I am a news blogger with thousands of readers, and I am writing about this article and your sponsorship of it.
I look forward to your speedy reply.
I urge you to write to Visa as well.
Here is a chance to make a difference.
Visit Elder of Ziyon. / Elder of Ziyon
UPDATE: The Jewish Press contacted Visa about this. Nehmat Barahdy, Visa’s Egyptian media affairs representative wrote back swiftly, with a form response. That’s good, it means they have received so many comments they had to fashion a form response. The substance of the response was Media Relations 101 – it sounded like they were concerned, they distanced themselves from the wrongdoing, they claimed to be investigating and they condemned intolerance.
We are aware that a Visa-branded advert has appeared in Egypt’s El Kebar magazine. We can confirm that the advert was not placed by Visa, nor do not directly advertise in this magazine. Visa provides marketing materials and use of its logo to its partners who wish to market Visa-branded products. We are investigating whether this is another parties’ advertisement making use of our brand and will address accordingly. Visa condemns intolerance of any kind and is working to resolve this quickly.
Regards, Naamat
Now for the next step. The Jewish Press wrote back to “Naamat,” pointing out that Visa must be aware, or can easily find out, who is using their materials and can then prohibit its use in this magazine which has already done so much harm. We await clarification on this point. We are still waiting.