New York, NY, April 18, 2005 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called on the Palestinian Authority to publicly reject the anti-Semitic hatred expressed by its official daily, Al-Hayat al-Jadida.

The newspaper's April 17 edition ran a cartoon depicting a Palestinian being crucified with a Star of David slashing on his back.  The caption accompanying the cartoon translates as "the rights to continue the suppression of the Palestinians still exists."

"This cartoon is abhorrent for its portrayal of the classic anti-Semitic deicide charge," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "At a time when there is renewed hope in the region, it is unfortunate that the main Palestinian daily chooses to print an offensive anti-Semitic cartoon that is contrary to the process of reconciliation between Palestinians and Israelis."

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has called for an end to incitement against Jews in the official Palestinian media and in school textbooks.

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.