Israelite is a biblical term. It has been used by many groups and organizations for thousands of years. Therefore, your news organization must be specific—particularly when identifying hate groups. As president of the International Israelite Board of Rabbis, an organization founded in 1919 that represents thousands of peace-loving black Jews who prefer the term Israelite because of its scriptural significance, we demand that you not mislead the public by slandering all Israelites.
We condemn and abhor the hate speech of a radicle group that appropriates the term “Israelites.” In fact, they are members of a specific organization called the Israelite School of Universal Practical Knowledge (ISUPK) or one of its offshoots. They are not affiliated with the overwhelming majority of Israelites around the world. Just as members of the responsible media have learned not to label all Muslims as terrorists, but instead refer to specific terrorist organizations such as Isis or Al Qaeda. You must stop using the term Israelite is such a broad manner. Refer to specific organizations, congregations, or individuals. Hebrew and Israelite refer to an entire religion. Black refers to a race of people. Unless you intend to slander a race of people who practice a religion you should not use the term “Black Hebrew Israelite.” Do the research necessary to identify the organizational affiliations of the people in your news stories.
The recent articles describing an altercation between a Native American veteran and a group of youth in Washington, D.C., did not slander white people, Christians in general, or Catholics—it identified the name of the school that sponsored the trip and the person who obstructed the path of the Native American priest. Likewise, you must educate the public about the ISUPK without slandering an entire religion or race.
Reliable information about our organization and those hate groups can be found at these sites:
The International Israelite Board of Rabbis
Anti-Defamation League
Southern Poverty Law Center
Rabbi Sholomo Ben Levy
International Israelite Board of Rabbis
189-31 Linden Blvd, Saint Albans, New York 11412
rabbilevy@blackjews.org (718) 712-4646