US army faces anti-Semitism allegations

Group says materials on army website blame Jews for terrorism, killing Christ.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
us troops iraq 298.88 (photo credit: AP [file])
us troops iraq 298.88
(photo credit: AP [file])
The founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation is threatening a lawsuit against the US military over what he says are anti-Semitic materials on a Fort Leavenworth Web site. Three Bible study lessons on the post chaplain's Web site pushed Christianity and blamed Jews for acts of terrorism, including the crucifixion of Jesus and the persecution of other early Christian leaders, said Michael Weinstein. His foundation calls itself a watchdog group for expanding religious freedom in the US military. Weinstein said the materials, which were removed after he and others complained, were an example of a larger problem. He said a lawsuit is necessary to stop "widespread" violations of religious freedom in the military. "It is all over the US military," Weinstein said. "We are going to have to do this, because letter writing and phone calls aren't enough." Fort Leavenworth is home of the Army's Combined Army Center, including the Command and General Staff College, where hundreds of officers receive formal training each year. It also is home to many schools and centers that are intricately involved in the writing of doctrine related to the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Lt. Gen. David Petraeus commanded the post before he was chosen by President George W. Bush earlier this year to lead coalition forces in Iraq. Janet Wray, spokeswoman at Fort Leavenworth, said the chaplain's Web site had been taken down and officials were assessing the materials. She said Fort Leavenworth officials planned to issue a statement later in the day. Officials at the Department of Army headquarters had no immediate comment.