Pamela Geller speaks at 9/27 MTA Meeting addressing ad rule changes

Last week I wrote of the MTA hearing I attended on whether they were going to change their policy to refuse all political ads (background here). It was, essentsally, a freak show. The people who attended were for the most part OWS thugs, anarchists, and Jew-haters. They spoke as one violent and hateful voice, attacking the board members, attacking the system, attacking me, attacking everything they could.

OWS had sent out a notice earlier that day calling Eltahawy's anti-free speech fascist vandalism a "righteous act" and saying: "If it wasn't clear before, it is now obvious that the MTA is incapable of operating public transportation for the 99%." At the hearing, one OWS brownshirt said to the MTA Board: "You all would be shivering if you knew what's coming! Your days are numbered!"

In this poisonous atmosphere, I was grateful to be given the opportunity to speak. I explained the context of the ad, how it was a response to the anti-Israel ads that ran in the subways with no complaints. Of course, these free speech crushers did everything they could to shout me down. They were escorted out quickly.

I asked why this meeting had not taken place when not one, but numerous anti-Israel ads were up. That in itself shows an institutionalized, systemic anti-Israel bias. This is New York. They're worried about provoking jihadis? In 1993 there were no ads up, or cartoons or movies about Muhammad, but the World Trade Center got hit just the same. Nor were there any ads "offensive to Muslims" before 9/11.

They worried that the ads are "racist"? Jihad is not a race. I asked them to consider their decision very carefully -- I understand the pressure of the critical media and the howl of the mob. But the world is watching. As messy as this conversation is, this is the price of the freedom of speech. I asked them to stand for the freedom of speech, make the tough decision and do the right thing.

Court upholds right to post 'anti-Islam' ads on NYC buses; American Freedom Defense Initiative director wins legal battle over right to post advertisements calling enemies of Israel "savages" • Metropolitan Transportation Authority had rejected ad on the grounds that it was demeaning to Muslims, but judge cites First Amendment in overruling decision

An anti-Islam activist has won a preliminary round in her First Amendment fight to place New York City bus advertisements calling enemies of Israel "savages."

Pamela Geller, executive director of the American Freedom Defense Initiative, had submitted an ad from the group that read, “In any war between the civilized man and the savage, support the civilized man.” Then, between two Stars of David, the ad said: “Support Israel. Defeat Jihad.”

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority had rejected the ad for being demeaning to Muslims, citing company policy stipulating that ads should not demean individuals or groups based on race, religion or other protected categories.

But federal Judge Paul Engelmayer in Manhattan said he agreed with Geller and the authority should not have rejected the ad. Engelmayer granted a preliminary injunction on Friday barring the MTA from enforcing the standard.

Geller publishes a blog called Atlas Shrugged that warns of growing "Islamization."

A conference in the case is scheduled for Aug. 29. The MTA said it was reviewing the decision.

STAND WITH US: Billboard Wars in New York

The anti-Israel billboard campaign has hit New York 

with 100 billboards placed throughout NY & CT Metro North train stations

As always, StandWithUs will respond, and the anti-Israel messages will not get a free pass. StandWithUs did the same thing in September 2011, when anti-Israel ads appeared in NYC subway stations. 

BACKGROUND

Throughout the United States, anti-Israel groups have put up billboards calling for an end to U.S. aid to Israel, claiming Israel stole Palestinian land and blaming Israel for the lack of peace. 

From Seattle to San Francisco and from Denver to Washington State and Washington, DC, these billboards are meant to demonize Israel and misinform the public. 

Last September, anti-Israel billboards appeared in the New York City subway system in Times Square, Penn Station, Columbus Circle, and more. Just last week, we found out that there were over 100 anti-Israel billboards spread throughout the Metro-North Railroad system in Westchester County.

Anti-Israel Billboard

In response, StandWithUs will put up its own informative pro-Israel billboards to set the record straight about the Jewish connection to Israel and to inspire people by educating them about how Israel makes the world a better place. The billboards will direct viewers to StandWithUs websites like www.onlyisrael.org andwww.sayyestopeace.org.

At StandWithUs, our goal is to strengthen Israel`s voice around the world. We have been doing this for 11 years, and now we have 15 offices in locations worldwide.