Wikipedia editors have recently declared the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) as an "unreliable" source for information on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and antisemitism. This decision has sparked significant controversy, given the ADL's longstanding reputation as a leading advocate for Jewish rights and a prominent authority on anti-Jewish hatred.
The decision means that data or messages from the ADL will generally not be cited in Wikipedia articles related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, except in exceptional cases. This move places the ADL in the same category as other sources deemed unreliable by Wikipedia, such as Russian state media and Fox News political coverage.
The ADL is also facing a vote by Wikipedia editors on whether to label the organization as unreliable on the issue of antisemitism. Supporters of the decision argue that the ADL's dual role as an advocacy and research organization compromises its ability to provide unbiased accounts.
An editor known as "Loki," who has edited over 3,000 Wikipedia articles, stated that the ADL often acts as a pro-Israel lobby organization, which harms its ability to accurately report facts about people and organizations that disagree with it, especially non-Zionist or anti-Zionist Jews.
Despite these arguments, some editors opposed the decision, stating that no evidence has been provided to prove that the ADL made false claims due to its advocacy work. The ADL itself has strongly criticized the decision, calling it "a sad development for research and education" and "devastating for the Jewish community and society."
The ADL has historically focused on educating and advocating against the rise of antisemitism worldwide. Following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, the organization reported increased antisemitic hate speech and incidents, particularly on college campuses. However, the ADL has faced criticism for its stance that anti-Zionism equates to antisemitism.
James Loeffler, a professor of Modern Jewish History at John Hopkins University, noted that the ADL's leadership has blurred the distinction between anti-Zionism and antisemitism more aggressively than most academic researchers. This stance has influenced Wikipedia editors' decision.
The ADL's CEO, Jonathan Greenblatt, has emphasized that political opposition to Israel's government and policies is not antisemitic, but denying Jews the right to self-determination in their homeland is. This position has not resonated well with some Wikipedia editors, who view it as biased.
The ADL's balancing act between advocacy and research is not new, but Wikipedia's decision may reflect a changing landscape. This could impact how media, academics, and advocacy organizations approach ADL data in their efforts to inform the public about antisemitism. The ADL may need to separate advocacy from data to maintain credibility in its role.
- The ADL spokesperson expressed deep concern over the decision, stating that it ignores the many editors who pointed out flaws and inaccuracies in the reasoning and sources used to delegitimize the ADL. The spokesperson emphasized that the organization will continue its work to fight antisemitism but warned that Wikipedia's action will prevent reliable information about antisemitism from reaching the public.
- Following the events of October 7 and the ongoing conflict, the ADL produced reports on increased antisemitic incidents, particularly on college campuses. The organization issued report cards on universities' actions to protect Jewish students, giving failing grades to more than a dozen institutions.
- James Loeffler highlighted that the ADL's work in tracking antisemitic threats and hate groups is valuable, given the lack of other organizations conducting similar research. However, he noted that the ADL's challenge is to separate advocacy from data to maintain credibility.
- The decision by Wikipedia editors to distance themselves from the ADL may suggest that other media, academic, and advocacy organizations will reconsider how they use ADL data in their efforts to inform the public about antisemitism. This situation may provide an opportunity for the ADL to engage in self-reflection and adjust its approach.
