New York, NY, July 13, 2000 … A violent Web page that called for the assassination of Prime Minister Ehud Barak and other Israeli officials now involved in the peace talks at Camp David has been removed from the Internet. MSN Web Communities has assured the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) that the site will no longer appear on its service.

"We are pleased that Microsoft responded immediately to our concerns about this Web page, which called for the assassination of Prime Minister Ehud Barak and other Israeli officials involved in the Middle East peace process," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "Microsoft’s timely action is commendable. We have seen the consequences of this kind of incendiary rhetoric, which escalates to dangerous levels when Israel seeks to make peace with her neighbors."

After learning of the violent Web page in a letter from ADL, Microsoft Corp. notified the League that it immediately removed the so-called "Israel Liberation Army" site after assessing the content and determining it was in violation of both the MSN Terms of Use and the MSN Web Communities Code of Conduct. In a letter to ADL, Microsoft indicated that the Internet provider has a "rigorous policy" to deal swiftly with inappropriate behavior or content on its services.

The Israel Liberation Army page included language describing Ehud Barak as "a traitor." "Someone MUST execute him and any future PM who negotiates with our death enemies and gives our land to the bastards," the message stated. There is no known organization or group in existence that uses the moniker Israel Liberation Army.

"This is most likely the act of an isolated individual or group of individuals who would seek to derail the peace process through threats of violence," Mr. Foxman said. "Unfortunately it is part of a growing trend of incendiary rhetoric around the world. Microsoft has responded appropriately by denying these hatemongers a platform."

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.