The General Delegation of the PLO to the United States strongly condemns the recent inflammatory statements against Palestinians made by radio host, Howard Stern, as well as his shameful attack of human rights activist, Roger Waters. Mr. Stern’s contention that Palestinians “did not live there [Palestine]” is a claim grounded in racist assumptions that the indigenous Palestinian population does not exist. Such baseless allegations only serve to foment violence and hatred, and do little to promote the interests of peace and reconciliation.
Unfortunately, Mr. Stern has a track-record of misusing his national radio platform to espouse vitriolic and genocidal views against Arabs and, in particular, Palestinians: “The Arab world has to be taught a lesson, that we are the boss and you are going to be our dogs…let Israel loose…it could be taken care of in an hour; you could wipe them off the face of the earth…I’d blow up…the Palestinians…blow them all up and be done with them, and you won’t miss a night’s sleep…”
If similar remarks were made about other ethnic groups, including Jews, the public outcry would rightly be fierce and there would be immediate consequences; yet racism against Arabs continues with impunity. We will not allow anyone, including Mr. Stern, to disseminate misguided, racist, or genocidal views into the public sphere without being held to account.
The General Delegation of the PLO to the United States calls on Mr. Stern to retract both current and past statements and issue an immediate apology, and urges Sirius XM Radio, who we are confident does not condone such views, to hold Mr. Stern responsible.