The Jewish Defense League unequivocally supports L.A. radio talk show host Bill Handel against complaints lodged by the Muslim group CAIR, the Council on American Islamic Relations. The Islamic organization, which the Jewish Defense League has demonstrated against and alerted the public about in recent years, claims it is upset with comments made by Handel on his January 12, 2006 broadcast on KFI AM-640. Listen to the segment that CAIR is so riled up about. Now even those sensitive to religious insults of all types recognize there is no cause for anger over Handel's facetious, essentially meaningless comment. It's truly much ado about nothing. CAIR denounces Handel for a trivial remark, yet we never see a comparable response from the group to myriad acts of terrorism committed by its coreligionists.

According to the Drudge Report, Handel said he will apologize to the Islamic group only if CAIR meets three conditions:

1) Decries all acts of terror -- described specifically, not generally;
2) Agrees that Israel is a sovereign nation with the right to defensible borders;
3) Vows that CAIR has no ties of any sort, financially or otherwise, to any terror organizations or individuals.

Obviously, it is inadvisable to hold one's breath waiting for CAIR to comply. In the meantime, KFI management issued the following statement, basically standing up for the rights of its highly rated host: "KFI-AM does not condone making light of the deaths of people engaged in religious observances. We regret that listeners found the comments of one of our on-air hosts to be insensitive. KFI does not censor its hosts, nor does it tell them what to say or not to say. KFI is a strong and passionate believer in 1st amendment rights and that is at the very core of this radio station."

Although the Jewish Defense League stands up for Handel's right of free speech -- especially when it is attacked by an organization that seeks to turn the United States into a Muslim country -- we are not without criticism of Handel. His reaction to the death of JDL International Chairman Irv Rubin was insensitive at best. His comments were distressing to the family, friends and supporters of the great Jewish activist and especially problematic because Handel had been Rubin's friend and supporter. Handel's inappropriate commentary on Rubin notwithstanding, the Jewish Defense League defends the rights and interests of all decent Jews.

JDL supporters are encouraged to send emails in support of Handel and KFI to the following people:
Bill Handel
Robin Bertolucci, KFI Program Director
Greg Ashlock, Regional Vice President, Clear Channel Radio
Mark Mays, President and CEO, Clear Channel Radio
Lowry Mays, Chairman of the Board, Clear Channel Radio

JDL would appreciate a copy of your email, too. Stay tuned for updates!