New York, NY, April 13, 2005 …The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) mourns Archbishop Iakovos, a primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in North and South America who was a champion for strengthening ties between various faiths, including Jews and Greeks.

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, and Rabbi Gary Bretton-Granatoor, ADL Director of Interfaith Affairs, issued the following statement:

We cannot forget the impact Archbishop Iakovos had on the Jewish community. Through his efforts, dialogue and understanding began between our communities. Under his leadership, we saw the Orthodox community no longer cloistered, but a part of the fabric of American society. His efforts during the struggle for civil rights and the interfaith relationships that struggle fostered are noted with gratitude. Indeed, the relationship between the Orthodox community and the Jewish community has been better due to his influence. His legacy not only remains for the Greeks, but for all individuals.

In a letter to Archbishop Demetrios of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in America, Mr. Foxman and Rabbi Bretton-Granatoor expressed their condolences to the Greek Orthodox community.

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.