National Jewish Organizations Blast Prager’s Remarks

Conservative radio talk show host Dennis Prager is taking the heat for suggesting that Congressman-elect Keith Ellison’s plan to take the oath of office on the Koran would damage “the American civilization.”

National Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League and the Reform Movement’s Religious Action Center, criticized Prager, who was recently appointed to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, for uttering remarks seen by many as an anti-Muslim bigotry.

“Prager’s argument that Representative-elect Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to Congress, should not be permitted to take his oath of office on a Koran is, intolerant, misinformed and downright un-American,” said the Anti Defamation League in a statement on their website.

“If Prager were merely a blogger and radio talk-show host trying to be relevant and provocative, these views might not merit a response.  But as a newly-appointed member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, Prager and his views must be held to a higher standard.”

The Reform Movement characterized Prager’s statements as “shameful argument” that “would harm Jews were it to gain currency