Panama’s Archbishop Marcos G. McGrath has bitterly denounced anti-Semitic flyers which have been widely distributed in recent weeks in Panama City, according to the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith. Rabbi Morton M. Rosenthal, director of ADL’s Latin American affairs department, said the Roman Catholic bishop declared in a May Day address that the leaflets contained “false accusations which incite manifestations of hate.”
One hand-written flyer said, “Out with the Jews! We support General Torrijos in his support for Palestinians. Long live the Palestinian cause.” Another denounced the alleged domination of the Panamanian economy by Jews, called for their expulsion, concluded with the phrase: “Panama for the Panamanians.”
In his address, Bishop McGrath described the leaflets as products of a group of “narrow and really sick minds.” Citing the apparent attempt to capitalize on Gen. Torrijos’ trip to Libya, he reminded his listeners that the government of Panama has often stated that it tries to maintain good relations with both the Arab countries and the State of Israel.
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