New York, NY, January 5, 2004 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today applauded a State Department report surveying anti-Semitism around the world.  The report was mandated by the Global Anti-Semitism Review Act, sponsored by Sen. George Voinovich, R-OH, and a group of House members led by Reps. Tom Lantos (D-CA) and Christopher Smith (R-NJ).

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

We applaud the United States for its leadership in recognizing that anti-Semitism is a serious and growing problem and for addressing it as manifested today. Too often it has been politically unpopular to talk about anti-Semitism.  We commend the State Department and our embassies around the world who acknowledge the changing nature and threat of anti-Semitism and its connection with virulent demonization of Israel and Zionism.

America's human rights advocacy and monitoring have been singular in importance and effectiveness.  Having set benchmarks in this report, we look forward to the appointment of the new U.S. Special Envoy on anti-Semitism, as well as follow-up in U.S. human rights and religious freedom monitoring efforts.

The publication of this report is yet another demonstration of America's resolve to take practical and meaningful action to highlight both problems and progress.  It also underscores the need for countries to monitor and combat anti-Semitism on their own.  We hope that this will encourage states to develop uniform monitoring standards and mechanisms to help identify and respond to anti-Semitic incidents.

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.