New York, NY, January 7, 2004 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today applauded the decision by the European Commission to reinstate a seminar on anti-Semitism in Europe, tentatively scheduled to take place in February.

In a statement issued today, Romano Prodi, President of the European Commission, indicated that he was willing to move ahead with plans for the seminar, despite an earlier decision to suspend preparations for the event.

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:

We applaud the European Commission for recognizing the importance of the issue of combating anti-Semitism in Europe.  Mr. Prodi clearly recognizes that the need for a high-level forum examining anti-Semitism in Europe supersedes minor disagreements.

The seminar was an idea born at a meeting with Mr. Prodi and the leadership of the Anti-Defamation League and the World Jewish Congress on November 3, 2003. At that time, Mr. Prodi said he would convene an EU seminar to examine the disturbing resurgence of anti-Semitism in Europe. 

ADL had contacted Mr. Prodi to express disappointment at the suspension of the seminar, and to urge its resumption.  ADL also wrote to Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini to thank him for his efforts to ensure that such a seminar would be convened in Europe.

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.