In a surprising turn of events, Wikipedia’s editors have declared the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) to be an unreliable source on the Israel-Palestine conflict and antisemitism. This decision represents a significant setback for the renowned organization, which has long been a leading authority on anti-Jewish hate and a strong advocate for the rights of American Jews.
Following a vote by volunteer moderators on the popular information website, the ADL has been labeled as “generally unreliable” on the topic of the Israel-Palestine conflict. This means that the organization should not typically be cited in Wikipedia articles on this issue, except in rare circumstances. Other sources deemed generally unreliable by Wikipedia editors include Russian state media, Fox News’ political coverage, and Amazon reviews.
The ADL is also facing a potential label of unreliability on the topic of antisemitism, with editors overwhelmingly supporting this decision. However, the debate is ongoing, highlighting the potential impact on the ADL’s credibility as a leading source of research and information on antisemitism.
Wikipedia editors raised concerns about the ADL’s dual role as both an advocacy and research organization, which they argue hinders the organization’s ability to provide unbiased accounts on Israel or antisemitism. Some editors believe that the ADL’s strong pro-Israel stance compromises its reporting on organizations and individuals that disagree with its views.
In response to the decision, an ADL spokesman expressed disappointment and criticized the lack of evidence provided by editors to support their claims. The organization warned that Wikipedia’s action could hinder efforts to combat antisemitism and limit the dissemination of information on the subject.
Prior to recent events, the ADL had been actively engaged in educating about and fighting against the rise of antisemitism worldwide. Following Hamas’ attack on Israel, the organization focused on documenting incidents of antisemitic hate speech, particularly on college campuses. However, the ADL faced criticism for its broad definition of antisemitism, which included anti-Zionism and anti-Israel speech.
The decision by Wikipedia editors to label the ADL as unreliable underscores a shifting landscape in perceptions of the Israel-Palestine conflict. It may prompt media, academic, and advocacy organizations to reconsider their use of ADL data in addressing antisemitism. Despite this setback, the ADL remains committed to its mission of combating antisemitism and advocating for the rights of Jewish communities.
