New York, NY, August 12, 2005 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) called the decision of the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) to target companies doing business with Israel "outrageous and biased." On August 5, The PCUSA's Mission Responsibility Through Investment Committee announced the targeting of four American companies – Caterpillar, Motorola, United Technologies Corp, and ITT for shareholder action leading toward divestment.

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

It is outrageous that the PCUSA's Mission Responsibility Through Investment Committee would act so irresponsibly and recklessly by targeting legitimate businesses in an attempt to advance an anti-Israel political agenda. By focusing on four companies that they claim aid Israel in oppressing Palestinians through the "occupation" or the erection of a security barrier, they distort historical facts and impugn the intentions of the State of Israel, whose ultimate goal, no different from any other sovereign nation, is to protect and defend its citizens.

Despite our ongoing dialogue with the leadership of the PCUSA, they have chosen to ignore the concerns of the mainstream Jewish community. Instead, they are relying on guidance from radicalized Palestinian Christian organizations whose aim is to delegitimize Israel. The initiative for divestment demonstrates that they are biased, having adopted the Palestinian narrative while being blind to the Israeli narrative.

We are grateful for the many Presbyterians across the country who have assured us that they understand our concerns for the safety and security of Israel and the wellbeing of the Palestinian people and our hopes that the two peoples can live side by side as good neighbors. It appears the leadership of the PCUSA may be out of sync with the people in their pews.

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.