Ten years after 9/11, anti-Semitic conspiracy theories surrounding the attacks are "alive and well" and fueled by an entrenched propaganda industry, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which has issued a new report showing how these theories have grown and evolved over the last decade.

ADL, which monitors and combats anti-Semitism and other forms of hatred, is one of the 32 agencies and programs funded by The Birmingham Jewish Federation Annual Campaign.

In "Decade of Deceit: Anti-Semitic 9/11 Conspiracy Theories 10 Years Later," ADL looks at the individuals who continue to circulate distorted conspiracy theories about 9/11, including the claim that the Jews or Israel perpetrated the attacks instead of Al Qaeda. A new chorus of voices -- who claim not to be anti-Jewish but simply anti-Zionist -- have become the most popular promoters of these ideas.

"It is shocking that...we are still confronted with those who continue to deny the historical record of 9/11 or who hold fast to anti-Semitic myths about that horrific day," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "For ten years, the historical record has been warped and manipulated by anti-Semites intent on creating their false version of history."

"One of the saddest outcomes of 9/11 is that despite the fact that this national tragedy brought so many Americans together, there remains this small group of vocal bigots who, nearly a decade later, are still seeking to promote and sell their own sinister agenda of blaming Jews and Israel," added Foxman.

Above information and photo is from ADL's website.

The Birmingham Jewish Federation's BUY BUY ISRAEL initiative continues to progress as finds keep coming in! Recently, we received a tip from Jewish community members Larry and Ginger Brook regarding Israeli-made toys found at Smith's Variety in Mountain Brook Village.

The toys were discovered by Larry's mother, Adrienne Brook. They are "wooden shakers" in animal shapes made in Israel by Halilit, a manufacturer of educational musical toys based in Or Yehuda, which is about eight miles from Birmingham's Sister City, Rosh Ha'ayin.

Halilit offers a wide selection of inspirational, award-winning and innovative products designed to stimulate and delight children, parents and teachers. Halilit toys are designed by experts and manufactured to the highest specifications so all of the toys meet and, in many cases, exceed international safety standards.

Hallilit was started in 1940 in a small workshop in Or Yehuda. Since then, it has grown to become one of the world's most well-known manufacturers of musical toys specifically designed for young children.

"James Henry and Eli love playing with them!" said Larry, commenting on the recently purchased toys and referring to his two sons (pictured here). Smith's Variety in Mountain Brook Village carries the Halilit shakers in a variety of animal shapes.

BUY BUY ISRAEL is a BJF initiative to let our readers know where in our area they can buy Israeli made products and to encourage them to do so. BUY BUY ISRAEL is a proactive way for us to counter those who want to say "bye bye" to Israel through boycotts and other economic measures designed to harm Israel economically.

The BJF is working with the American Israel Chamber of Commerce Southeast Region and BuyIsraelGoods.org to update lists of where to find Israeli-made products in our area. (See below link.)

Keep the emails about Israeli products coming! If you find such products in the Birmingham area, let us know -- and even better, have someone take a picture of you with your purchase and send it to us for Update. Send information and pictures to Joyce Spielberger at The BJF at joyces@bjf.org.