In 1957, Si Kenen started a newsletter – Near East Report – to inform the public about events relating to the Middle East. Much of what he published in NER was current, but he also recognized the need to educate readers about the Arab-Israeli conflict and to debunk myths perpetrated by those who wished to rewrite history to suit their own purposes. Toward this end, NER began to publish special surveys of pertinent issues. Gradually these analyses grew to book length and were published as Myths and Facts.

Myths about the Middle East did not originate in the 1950's, nor have they ceased to be promulgated. The tumultuous events in the region seem to be consistently accompanied by all new distortions of the facts about the Arab-Israeli conflict. The last edition of Myths and Facts was published in 1992. A great deal has happened since then, so, with Near East Research's permission, and by popular demand, AICE produced an updated version of this classic text online. This version has the advantage of being hyperlinked to the vast resources available in our Jewish Virtual Library and is constantly updated as new events occur.

The response to our online version was overwhelming, and people began to ask for hard copies of the text. Consequently, we have published this book for quick, easy reference. I recommend you keep it handy for use when you can't get online. And when new issues arise, check Myths & Facts Online for the latest facts:

http://www.JewishVirtualLibrary.org

I would like to acknowledge the contributions of the distinguished group of past editors: Sheila Segal, Wolf Blitzer, Alan Tigay, Moshe Decter, M.J. Rosenberg, Jeff Rubin, Eric Rozenman, Lenny Davis and Joel Himelfarb. I would also like to thank Rebecca Weiner, Isaac Wolf, David Shyovitz and Rafi Danziger for their invaluable assistance in preparing this edition.

AICE is especially grateful for the financial sponsorship of the Zionist House / Israel Cultural Center in Boston, and the support of the publication's principal sponsor Eli Hertz.

"Truth," Lord Acton said, "is the only merit that gives dignity and worth to history" The following pages lay out the truth about the Arab-Israeli conflict. It is the best weapon we have against the purveyors of falsehood.

Mitchell G. Bard
September 2001