Israel's Envoy Accuses NYT of Antisemitic Narratives

Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, has accused The New York Times of promoting antisemitic narratives that could incite hatred against Jews and pave the way for genocide. Leiter made these strong remarks following a meeting with 20 editors from the newspaper.

According to the ambassador, during the discussion, NYT representatives repeatedly accused Israel of intentionally killing civilians in Gaza, creating famine conditions, and causing child deaths. Leiter stated that the editors acted as prosecutors, jury, and judge, showing no interest in the facts he presented. He admitted he anticipated a difficult conversation but felt obligated to attend as part of his professional duties.

Leiter explained that he attempted to refute the accusations with specific data but found the editors unwilling to consider his arguments. He drew historical parallels, comparing the current demonization of Israel to the decades-long campaign of discrediting Jews in Europe before Hitler's rise to power. "Hitler did not appear out of nowhere. He was preceded by decades of demonization and discreditation of Jews," the diplomat stated, also drawing parallels to the persecution of Jewish families in European ghettos about 80 years ago.

The ambassador labeled these accusations as a "blood libel" and urged Israelis to identify their enemies. He also shared a personal tragedy, noting that his son was severely wounded two months prior in an attack by a Palestinian terrorist. The article also briefly mentions a separate incident where police in Manhattan arrested a 32-year-old woman on suspicion of antisemitic assaults.