Early this morning, a hacker group known as the Israel Hackers Clan penetrated MIFTAH’s computer system and replaced all the information on the website with a racist and derogatory message. The hacker activity debilitated MIFTAH’s website for several hours and resulted in a loss of informative material.

The message, written in Hebrew and English, was titled “Mavet Le Aravim!” which translates to “Death to Arabs!” and was adorned with the Israeli flag. The statement was littered with curse words and insulting language. Contradictory to its mission, MIFTAH is attacked regularly by Zionist hackers through hate mail and abuse to its system.

MIFTAH, a non-partisan organization which promotes global dialogue and democracy on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, condemns such statements of hate. MIFTAH’s website encourages people to post and discuss opinions that are respectful and informed. A degeneration of discussion into insulting or offensive statements is not tolerated.

The message transmitted by today’s hacker incident was one of hate, racism and intolerance. MIFTAH condemns this kind of hatred in the strongest terms, and we encourage our community to continue to participate in the environment we are providing -- for free and open dialogue to promote peace and justice, delivered with dignity and grace.