Just how far is too far left for Wikipedia editors? It appears there is no limit. From careful editing and censorship of conservative viewpoints to liberal bias regarding political content, Wikipedia has turned into a propaganda machine for leftist ideology.
The latest ruling by Wikipedia would be laughable if it were not so dangerous. Last week, volunteer moderators for one of the world’s most popular information websites voted to label the ADL as a “generally unreliable” source on the Israel-Palestine conflict. This means the ADL should usually not be cited in Wikipedia articles on this topic except in rare cases.
Other sources considered generally unreliable by Wikipedia editors include Russian state media, Fox News’ political coverage, and Amazon reviews.
Additionally, the ADL may also be labeled as unreliable on the topic of antisemitism following another vote from Wikipedia editors.
To be clear, a group of volunteers has decided that the world’s largest resource for uncovering and combatting antisemitism has now been labeled “unreliable” in its fight to defend Israel.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), established in Chicago in 1913, is a global leader in combating antisemitism and bias. They work to protect democracy and ensure an inclusive society by fighting all forms of antisemitism and bias through innovation and partnerships.
The ADL tracks online harassment trends to protect vulnerable communities from cyber threats and addresses the rising antisemitic incidents on college campuses across the U.S. Additionally, the ADL advocates against bigotry and discrimination, serving as a resource for government, media, law enforcement, educators, and the public. In 2023, the ADL recorded 8,873 antisemitic incidents in the U.S., the highest number since they began tracking data in 1979.
The ADL has been instrumental in shaping hate crime legislation in the U.S., resulting in stronger protections against crimes targeting religious, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ communities. They play a crucial role in promoting Holocaust education and remembrance by providing resources for educators, organizing events, and collaborating with museums to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust are not forgotten.
The ADL actively combats online hate speech, extremism, and misinformation by working with tech companies, policymakers, and civil society to create safer digital spaces. They foster interfaith dialogue by engaging with religious leaders and communities to promote tolerance and cooperation across different faiths. Additionally, the ADL investigates and exposes extremist groups and ideologies, aiding law enforcement and policymakers in countering radicalization.
But now, Wikipedia editors claim that the ADL is unable to provide “unbiased” information regarding Israel and antisemitism.
An editor with a username of Loki, who has worked on over 3,000 Wikipedia articles, wrote in an online forum that the ADL is very biased on the Israel/Palestine issue, often acting like a pro-Israel lobbying group. This bias, according to Loki, affects the ADL’s ability to accurately report facts about people and organizations that disagree with its stance, especially non-Zionist or anti-Zionist Jews and Jewish organizations.
Wikipedia’s designation of the ADL as an “unreliable source” on antisemitism follows the rise in antisemitic views during the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Before the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, the ADL was primarily focused on addressing the global rise in antisemitism, including threats from White supremacist groups. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt frequently appeared on news programs like CNN to discuss these issues.
After the attack and the ensuing conflict, the ADL reported an increase in antisemitic incidents, especially on college campuses, and issued failing grades to over a dozen universities for their protection of Jewish students. Antisemitism among their ranks is a dirty little secret that progressives and their cheerleaders prefer to keep hidden, and the ADL pulls it into full sunlight.
Now, the ADL faces criticism for what some viewed as an overly broad definition of antisemitism that included anti-Zionism and certain anti-Israel speech. James Loeffler, a professor at John Hopkins University, noted that the ADL’s aggressive stance blurred the line between anti-Zionism and antisemitism. Wikipedia editors were influenced by these comments, with one editor, Sameboat, stating that the ADL’s position made it unreliable on the Israel-Palestine issue.
The decision does not bode well for users who rely on AI for research and information. AI, already outrageously slanted to the far left, frequently depends on Wikipedia to inform its results. Now, truth seekers will find yet another obstacle hindering their search for data regarding antisemitism in America.
Wikipedia’s denouncement of the widely revered ADL is a form of soft censorship and propaganda that liberal extremists find necessary to move their agenda forward. It’s also an acknowledgment that an America armed with the truth is a formidable opponent to progressivism.
