Jewish Groups Mostly Silent on Israeli Beating of American Teen Tariq Khdeir
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
The videotaped beating of Tariq Khdeir, the American cousin of revenge attack victim Mohammed Abu Khdeir, has sparked protests from diplomats and worldwide anger.
But among American Jewish groups, the incident hasn’t prompted much comment.
While Jewish organizations across the political and religious spectrum condemned the killing last week of Mohammed Abu Khdeir once it became clear that Jewish extremists were responsible for abducting him and burning him to death, they have hardly remarked on Tariq’s beating.
One exception was J Street, which called it a “vicious beating.”
A spokesman for the Anti-Defamation League told JTA that it was withholding judgment for now, even though the videotape clearly shows the helpless teen being brutally beaten.
“Tariq Abu Khdeir was arrested for participating in a violent demonstration against Israeli authorities, and he remains under house arrest. The circumstances of his detention are currently under investigation,” the spokesman said. “We will await the outcome of that investigation before drawing any conclusion about his alleged treatment.”
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
