New York, NY, May 2, 2008 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today applauded the United Methodist Church (UMC) for overwhelming defeating several anti-Israel divestment resolutions, saying the delegates to the Church's General Conference in Ft. Worth, Texas, "rightfully chose to reject language and actions that demonize Israel." 

The Anti-Defamation League issued the following statement:

The resounding defeat of five anti-Israel divestment resolutions by the United Methodist Church at its General Conference demonstrates that the UMC delegates understand the complexities of the situation between Israel and the Palestinians and rightfully chose to reject language and actions that demonize Israel.

The overwhelming defeat of the resolutions sends a loud and clear message that targeting Israel and companies that do business with Israel is the wrong road to take in seeking to promote Israeli-Palestinian peace.

ADL also welcomed a UMC resolution opposing the proselytizing of Jews and another on promoting Holocaust awareness.