Had the victims of this attack been solely Indians, I doubt it would have made for lasting commentary. Fires, earthquakes, droughts, and all tend not to get much news coverage unless there is some particularization available. National media tend to pick up on stories that affect their own nationals, after all, no matter what country we’re talking about. That’s a simple news decision with no underlying agenda.

The case of Rabbi Holtzberg is a special one and does deserve special coverage. For one, it’s clear that the reason for his death was solely his religion. Like it or not, the perception that a Jew will be killed almost automatically by a radical Muslim is held by many–and not just non-Muslims.

Second, the reports that he and his wife were tortured, something not done to the other victims, distinguishes his death from the ‘ordinary’ victims’ deaths.

Then there’s the fact that he was seen as a gentle person who extended his charity to all who came–without accompanying proselytizing efforts–made him a ‘special’ victim as well. He could not even be considered an element of ‘cultural invasion’ that bothers many Indians because he and his group had always been socially conservative.

So yes, he got special coverage.

The intent of my post was to point out that even Saudi media found it suitable to single out his death. That both distinguishes him and his death and demonstrates that Saudi Arabia is becoming aware that extremism in the name of Islam, which kills people solely for not being Muslim, is wrong and worthy of public condemnation. That is both new and creditable.

It does continue to pick out those who hold archaic, intolerant ideas about society and who do things that make Islam look silly or dangerous. There’s no question that these people do exist and that they do harm the image of Arabs and Islam.

The question is: How representative are they? By focusing on them, does MEMRI dishonestly reflect the reality of the Arab and Islamic world?

And it always must be kept in mind that MEMRI is a pro-Israel organization with the agenda of promoting at least some Israeli points of view. Those points of view tend to be conservative and similar to those of the Likud Party, not of the more liberal parties.

You’re right that some of its translations are weak or questionable. That seems to have improved over the years, but it’s always best to check the original. That assumes one speaks or reads Arabic, however. That is not the norm in the US–MEMRI’s audience–so there is room for intentional ‘accidents’ of translation.

Nevertheless, it does provide a service in translating materials that would otherwise go unseen. A does of skepticism as to the completeness and accuracy is required, though.

I do cite it here often, though, and usually favorably.

The Saudi gov’t did say this, however:

Official source issues statement

Jeddah, November 27, SPA — The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has followed with great sadness the terrorist bombings in Mumbai, India, an official source told the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strongly condemns and denounces this criminal act, and offers condolences and sympathy to the friendly government and people of India,” the source added.
[Emphasis added]