New York, NY, October 28, 2009 … Ronan Tynan, the acclaimed Irish tenor, will perform at the opening dinner of the Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) Annual Meeting on Thursday evening, October 29 in New York City.

In a meeting with ADL leaders Dr. Tynan unequivocally and sincerely apologized for a comment he made about Jews.  The ADL leaders said that "in talking with Dr. Tynan and hearing his life story, it was clear that he is a good man who understood that he had made an inappropriate comment that was hurtful not only to the person who heard it but to the community."

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, added, "it is our belief that when an individual who has a record of good works, as does Dr. Tynan -- who performed at many charitable events, particularly after 9/11, and for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan -- slips up on one occasion, a sincere apology should help everyone move on."

Dr. Tynan said he was grateful for the opportunity to talk through the issue with ADL.  "I understand totally the insensitivity of my remarks.  I do understand from my own life how hurtful and wrong prejudice is."  Dr. Tynan was born with a lower leg deficiency and has had both of his legs amputated below the knee.

The dinner at which Dr. Tynan will perform his rendition of "God Bless America" is focusing on ADL's educational and anti-bias programs.