The Museum of Manuscripts at Egypt's recently renovated Alexandria Library is exhibiting a copy of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion -- next to the Torah in a display of "holy books for the monotheistic religions". The director of the Museum of Manuscripts, a one Dr. Youssef Ziedan decided to include the Protocols in the display of holy books because:
When my eyes fell upon this rare copy of this dangerous book, I decided immediately to display it next to the Torah. Although it is not a monotheistic holy book, it has become a holy book for the Jew, their primary law, their way of life.
MEMRI also mentions Dr. Ziedan's Holocaust denial essays at his personal website (in Arabic) and quotes his blood libelous remarks at a recent Egyptian forum on Jews, Judaism and Zionism .
The Museum of Manuscripts was created with funding and support from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
UPDATE MEMRI now has an English language article about Ziedan and the Alexandria library.
Posted by Stefan Sharkansky at November 25, 2003 10:38 AMThe Protocols of the Elders of Zion has proven to be a fraud and a forgery. It has no place in a Museum of Manuscripts, unless, of course, it was a Museum of Fake and Fraudulent Manuscripts.
Would anybody put a fake painting deliberately in an art museum? Would anybody put a bootleg album deliberately in a record store?
John Hays,
The Egyptians just did. And they appear even to be very proud of it.
Posted by: marek on November 25, 2003 04:03 PMLooks like they're parroting the new antisemitic line - "Okay, so it's a forgery, BUT it accurately describes what those pesky J-E-W-S are up to."
Posted by: Brendan on November 25, 2003 04:15 PMThe Islamic world still has one foot stuck in the dark ages.
The protocols will still be around in a centuries time, despite the fact that it isn't adhered to by a single Jewish person.
Posted by: Jono on November 25, 2003 04:43 PMSure, it's a holy book. They just got the religion wrong.
Regards,
Tony
Public Statement by Dr. Ismail Serageldin
Alexandria, 4 December—The following statement is attributable to the Director of the Library of Alexandria, Dr. Ismail Serageldin:
“Recent press reports concerning the presence of the first Arabic translation of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion in an exhibition in the Bibliotheca Alexandrina deserve a prompt and clear reply. Preliminary investigation determined that the book was briefly displayed in a showcase devoted to rotating samples of curiosities and unusual items in our collection. The book was never displayed alongside the Jewish Torah nor has it ever been stated that it is a holy book or the basis for a Jewish constitution. The book is a well-known 19th century fabrication to foment anti-Jewish feelings.
“The book was promptly withdrawn from public display, but its very inclusion showed bad judgment and insensitivity, and an internal administrative hearing is underway to determine whether further action is to be taken.
“The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is profoundly committed to its role as a center of learning and a place promoting tolerance, dialogue and understanding between peoples, cultures and civilizations. We are honored to work with distinguished international partners in promoting these universal ideals”.