While the Sanders have apparently removed the vile anti-Semitic article by Israel Shamir from their web site, they continue to defend it as "prophetic words of Jewish self-criticism."

The Sanders have "sanitized" their site; the page linked below is dated Feb. 9, but was changed after that date.

The Sanders still write

"We found his article "The Handwriting on the Wall," which we included with our February 16, 2001, update, to be prophetic words of Israeli Jewish self-criticism. His sentiments expressed in this article are in keeping with critiques expressed by other Jewish Israeli individuals and organizations (a selection of which can be found on our links page). He is an Israeli of Jewish descent - that is clear from his own origins, from the stories he tells, and the scripture and history on which he draws. As such, he is a Jew speaking to Jews.

"When we posted his message, we had found some of Israel Shamir's writings to be more provocative than we are comfortable with, and we never listed his website on our links page. As time passed, Shamir's writings and statements changed."

Sander s still recommend Shamir essay

I think this is still totally inadequate. It shows a continuing bias that should disqualify the Sanders from leading roles in shaping the Presbyterian Church's positions on the Middle East.

Interesting. Yes, I see you're right. They're still recommending people seek out the article - and pointing to a page that warns people off Shamir altogether no less.

Of course nothing can change the fact of the Sanders....profound lack of judgement at this point. Even if they were to remove all trace of the article and pointers to it, it would change about the people who saw fit to post and fight for it in the first place.