The Editors

Polin: Studies in Polish Jewry

Dear Sirs,

In volume 13 of Polin, on the Holocaust and its aftermath, you published a series of book reviews by Alina Cała, under the title ‘Analyses of World Antisemitism Published between 1991 and 1997’. In her article Dr Cała included two paragraphs about Antisemitism Worldwide 1994, published by Tel Aviv University (the Stephen Roth Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism and Racism). These outrageous passages raise serious doubts not only about Dr Cała's professionalism but also about her integrity as a scholar.

The author focused in her review on the chapter about Poland, from which she concluded that the whole book was ‘superficial, and contains … errors and stereotypical oversimplifications’. Moreover, in the first paragraph she charged that the information in Antisemitism Worldwide was derived from a similar report published by the Institute of Jewish Affairs (IJA). This accusation is not supported by any evidence whatsoever, and it is unclear why the editor agreed to publish such passages, which defame serious scholars.

Since the end of 1991 the Stephen Roth Institute has monitored antisemitic manifestations and the activities of extremist movements worldwide, and operated a unique computerized database based on information collected from throughout the world. The chapters in Antisemitism Worldwide are based on this information, and also include special reports written by experts from various countries. In 1994 the part on eastern Europe was written by Professor Raphael Vago, a distinguished scholar known for his professionalism and integrity.

Dr Cała did not inform her readers that Antisemitism Worldwide 1994 was not a one-time publication, but the first volume of a yearly review. It has continued to appear years after the IJA ceased updating its review annually. Each yearly edition of Antisemitism Worldwide contains updated information on the chapters reviewed in the previous years. Had Dr Cała been a serious and unbiased scholar, she would have reviewed the 1997 volume, instead of the first one (her article reviewed publications appearing from 1994 to 1997). It is uncommon, to say the least, to publish a review on a book that appeared several years previously when new editions have appeared since.