In The Media

Abusing the Holocaust

Kenneth Roth, the head of Human Rights Watch, opened a recent response to critics of his statements on Israel ...by referring to his fathers "escape" from Nazi Germany. Roth often uses this theme in addressing Jewish audiences. In a November 2004 interview with The Jerusalem Post Roth also began his defense by referring to his fathers "stories of life in Nazi Germany until he fled in summer 1938." Roths ...frequent use of this issue suggest that their parents relationship to the Holocaust gives [him] special standing and immunity to criticism. Roth states that "my personal existence is very much a product of human rights abuse," implying he has a moral duty to campaign against such abuse whenever and wherever it takes place, and that Israel should not receive special treatment...

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