New York, NY, July 9, 2004… The Anti-Defamation League applauded French President Jacques Chirac's statement calling for harsh punishments for perpetrators of anti-Semitic, racist and hate crimes and appealing to the French people to fight against acts of hatred.

In a letter to the French President, Barbara B. Balser, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, commended Mr. Chirac for his statement and the French government for actions to combat anti-Semitism:

We are writing to commend your important speech in Chambon-sur-Lignon on Thursday, in which you called for tough punishment for the perpetrators of anti-Semitic, racist and other acts of hatred and appealed to all members of French society to combat these crimes and make France a more tolerant and united country.
 
The Anti-Defamation League continues to be concerned by the increase in violent attacks against Jews and Jewish institutions in France.  We recognize that your government has made significant efforts over the past months to fight anti-Semitism and protect France's Jewish community.  It is our hope that the statements made and the policies enacted by your government will have a significant impact on schools, law enforcement and the judiciary on the local level.

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.