The Simon Wiesenthal Center Director for International Relations, Dr. Shimon Samuels, sent a letter to the president of Institut Français, Pierre Buhler, calling on him to revoke the award given last week to Egyptian actor Mohamed Sobhi, a widely reported antisemite.Dr. Shimon Samuels drew Institut Français attention to their award given to Mohamed Sobhi, marking his antisemitic activity in the past, requesting the institution to revoke their choice of award."On 8 March 2014, on Egyptian Dream2 TV channel, he falsely attributed a quote to Benjamin Franklin, stating: 'I warn you that if these terrorist groups of Jews flock to America, they will control American decision-making within 100 years... They will control America itself and will trample us underfoot'." Samuels recalled.
"We consider that by honouring Sobhi, the Institut Français’ reputation is sullied and call on you to cancel this spurious award forthwith," Samuels conveyed "We assume that your action was made in good faith and ignorance of the recipient’s racism. Nevertheless,to leave this award in place could associate your Institute with incitement to hatred," concluded Samuels.