Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10) delivered the following statement on the Metropolitan Opera House's performance of "The Death of Klinghoffer":

"Thank you to JCRC and all of you for all the hard work you do. It is great to see so many friends here, including Hindy Poupko, a dear friend and invaluable resource, not just for me and my office, but for the entire community, and Michael Miller, our strong and passionate leader and friend. JCRC of New York has been fighting the good fight for nearly four decades, and, unfortunately, there is still much that needs to be done.

"Your role is especially important now. As supporters of Israel, we suffer the burden of anxiety about Israel’s future – its safety and security, and its ability to grow stronger and more secure in a hostile world that has never ceased to question its legitimacy.

"Very sadly, in the last few years, we have seen an increasing number of murders at Jewish sites, of violent attacks and death threats against Jews. There has been a disturbing increase in anti-Semitism throughout Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, including in Hungary, Turkey, Greece, Britain, France, and Germany.

"We must ensure that the world views such actions for what they are – the vile and hate-fueled persecution of an entire people – not as an acceptable expression of frustration with political events in the Middle East or elsewhere.

"I appreciate JCRC for organizing this evening’s screening of this important film, “Voyage of Terror.”   This film shows the real human cost of violent anti-Semitism in the tragic murder of Leon Klinghoffer. Tonight we will see the terrorists of the 1985 Achille Lauro hijacking portrayed as what they were – coldhearted murderers.

"Let there be no confusion about the history here – these Palestinian terrorists chose a path of murder. They no more deserve our sympathy or our understanding than do murderers of Martin Luther King, Jr. or the perpetrators of 9-11.  

"We are here this evening because, unfortunately, the Metropolitan Opera has chosen to host a production which portrays these murderers in a different light.

"I abhor government overreach into artistic matters and have steadfastly opposed censorship throughout my career. Having read the libretto, my personal opinion is that the Klinghoffer Opera has anti-Semitic overtones and is offensive.   It contains, in the words of Floyd Abrams, “a running debate between the killers—who voice a number of undisguisedly anti-Semitic slurs in the course of justifying their conduct—and their victim.”

"It is inconceivable that the Met would produce an opera sympathetically exploring the motivations of the perpetrators of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., or of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, or of the perpetrators of the beating and murder of Emmett Till.  Why is this different? Is anti-Semitism somehow more acceptable than racism or terrorism?

"To reiterate, of course the Metropolitan Opera has the First Amendment right to make any decisions it wants, including the right to put on shows that are deeply offensive. Equally, we have the First Amendment right to protest such decisions. 

"Showing an honest, historical narrative that serves as a potent counterpoint to the Klinghoffer Opera is an important part of this protest and debate.

"It is important to understand history and different perspectives.  I just wish more people could see tonight’s film – especially all those who saw the Klinghoffer Opera at the Met. Hopefully, this film, “Voyage of Terror,” will help us all spread this message and a more accurate portrayal of history."

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