Ten years after 9/11, anti-Semitic conspiracies 'still going strong'

'For ten years, the historical record has been warped and manipulated by anti-Semites intent on creating their false version of history', says Anti-Defamation League national director.

As the 10-year anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attack on the twin towers approaches, anti-Semitic conspiracy theories are "alive and well", according to a report by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

The conspiracy theories, which are fueled by a well-established industry of propaganda, claim Israel or Jews are responsible for the attacks instead of al-Qaida.

ADL National Director Abraham H. Foxman said he finds it sad that the tragedy of September 11, which united American people through their suffering, is being manipulated by anti-Semites to sell their own "sinister" agenda.

"It is shocking that nearly a decade after 9/11 we are still confronted with those who continue to deny the historical record of 9/11 or who hold fast to anti-Semitic myths about that horrific day," said Foxman.

"For ten years, the historical record has been warped and manipulated by anti-Semites intent on creating their false version of history. One of the saddest outcomes of 9/11 is that despite the fact that this national tragedy that brought Americans together, there remains this small group of vocal bigots who, nearly a decade later, are still seeking to promote and sell their own sinister agenda of blaming Jews and Israel."

According to the ADL, the most prominent promoters of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories today are members of anti-Israel groups who suggest the September 11 attacks were a "false flag" operation that served as part of an ongoing attempt by Israel to wage a war against its Muslim "enemies".

The accusation that Jews and Israel were responsible for planning and executing the attacks has remained a constant thread over the past decade, despite the changes in details of particular conspiracy theories.

The Internet has provided a luscious playing ground for anti-Israel conspiracy theorists, who have found a "built-in" audience online, among whom they can spread their stories. According to the ADL, conspiracy theories have been shared on conspiracy-oriented web sites, social networking sites and video sites. In addition, a flood of books and DVDs have also kept those conspiracies alive, one decade after they began.