The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), February 24, 2006.
Cultural Advisor to Iranian Education Ministry and Member of Interfaith
Organization Lectures on Iranian TV: Tom and Jerry – A Jewish Conspiracy to
Improve the Image of Mice, Because Jews Were Termed “Dirty Mice” in Europe
On February 19, 2006, Iran’s Channel 4 covered a film seminar that included a
lecture by Professor Hasan Bolkhari.(1) In addition to being a member of the
Film Council of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), Bolkhari is a cultural
advisor to the Iranian Education Ministry,(2) and active on behalf of interfaith
issues.(3) The following are excerpts from Bokhari’s lecture.
Hasan Bolkhari: “There is a cartoon that children like. They like it very much,
and so do adults – Tom and Jerry.”
[…]
“Some say that this creation by Walt Disney will be remembered forever.
The Jewish Walt Disney Company gained international fame with this cartoon.
It is still shown throughout the world. This cartoon maintains its status because
of the cute antics of the cat and mouse – especially the mouse.
“Some say that the main reason for making this very appealing cartoon was to
erase a certain derogatory term that was prevalent in Europe.”
[…]
“If you study European history, you will see who was the main power in
hoarding money and wealth, in the 19th century. In most cases, it is the Jews.
Perhaps that was one of the reasons which caused Hitler to begin the
antisemitic trend, and then the extensive propaganda about the crematoria
began… Some of this is true. We do not deny all of it.
“Watch Schindler’s List. Every Jew was forced to wear yellow star on his
clothing. The Jews were degraded and termed ‘dirty mice.’ Tom and Jerry was
made in order to change the Europeans’ perception of mice. One of terms used
was ‘dirty mice.’
“I’d like to tell you that… It should be noted that mice are very cunning…and
dirty.”
[…]
“No ethnic group or people operates in such a clandestine manner as the
Jews.”
[…]
“Read the history of the Jews in Europe. This ultimately led to Hitler’s hatred
and resentment. As it turns out, Hitler had behind-the-scenes connections with
the Protocols .
“Tom and Jerry was made in order to display the exact opposite image. If you
happen to watch this cartoon tomorrow, bear in mind the points I have just
raised, and watch it from this perspective. The mouse is very clever and smart.
Everything he does is so cute. He kicks the poor cat’s ass. Yet this cruelty does
not make you despise the mouse. He looks so nice, and he is so clever…
This is exactly why some say it was meant to erase this image of mice
from the minds of European children, and to show that the mouse is not dirty
and has these traits. Unfortunately, we have many such cases in Hollywood
shows.”
Endnotes:
(1) According to the site of the 2005 Iranian Short Film Festival
Hasan Bolkhari (b. 1962) holds a Ph.D in Islamic Philosophy and, among other
things, teaches philosophy of art at Tabatabaei and Al-Zahra Universities in Iran
and is a prolific author of literary and scientific works. According to the site, he
is also counselor and member of the Film Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Broadcasting (IRIB) and a member of the IRIB’s Approval Group – TV Films and
Serials.
(2) According to a BBC report Bolkhari is a cultural
advisor to the Iranian Education Ministry; according to the IRIB’s
English-language Radio Islam, he is an Iranian mass media expert.
(3) According to the World Catholic Association for Communication, he
was the Iranian member of the interfaith jury of the recent 24th Fajr
International Film Festival
4 ). According to the site, “the Interfaith Jury was set up in 2003 to promote
inter-religious dialogue between Christians and Muslims.” The jury also included
a U.K. and a Belgian juror.
