ADL Commends Nextel For Taking Action To Stop Offensive Hitler Brochures.Business Editors NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 27, 2000 The Anti-Defamation League Anti-Defamation League B’nai B’rith organization which fights anti-Semitism. [Am. Hist.: Wigoder, 33] See : Anti-Semitism (ADL) today commended Nextel International Inc. for its immediate action to stop a direct-mail sales pitch that used Hitler and his Final Solution to promote cellular phone service. In a letter to Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, the wireless communications wireless communications System using radio-frequency, infrared, microwave, or other types of electromagnetic or acoustic waves in place of wires, cables, or fibre optics to transmit signals or data. company said it was seeking to end its relationship with Syntech, an authorized independent dealer based in Makati City, the Philippines. Nextel has filed for a temporary restraining order temporary restraining order: see injunction. against Syntech, charging the dealer had created the "vile and offensive" sales brochure without its knowledge or consent. "To say we are outraged and dismayed by Syntech's conduct is an understatement," Lo van Gemert, President of Nextel International, stated in a letter to Foxman. "You have our sincerest apology for this most unfortunate and regrettable transgression on the part of one of our dealers." The brochure described Nextel as "The Final Communication Solution" and depicted Hitler with a cellular phone. It also referred to "extermination extermination mass killing of animals or other pests. Implies complete destruction of the species or other group. of dues" and "extermination of losses." In his letter to Nextel, Foxman said: "We are outraged and incredulous that Nextel would transform the final solution of six million Jews Six Million Jews their deaths a testimony to Nazi “Final Solution.” [Eur. Hist.: Hitler, 1123] See : Genocide into a flippant flip·pant adj. 1. Marked by disrespectful levity or casualness; pert. 2. Archaic Talkative; voluble. [Probably from flip. marketing campaign." "Nextel has acted quickly and responsibly to put this matter to rest," Foxman said. "The company has clearly done its due diligence Research; analysis; your homework. This term has caught on in all industries, because it sounds so "wired." Who would want to do analysis or research when they can do due diligence. See wired. in seeking to end its relationship with the irresponsible persons who created this brochure. Nextel is to be commended for its immediate and appropriate response." Nextel Communications Philippines Inc., a Nextel subsidiary, has plans to place a notice in the local press "reaffirming to its dealers their contractual requirement to pre-approval of advertising and promotional materials," van Gemert said. In addition, the company plans to send an "explanatory letter" to anyone who may have received the offensive brochure. The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry. KEYWORDS: RELIGION BUSINESS |
|
||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion