New York, N.Y., November 21, 2000… The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) called the State Department’s criticism of Israel’s retaliatory action in Gaza "counterproductive." Israel’s action came in response to an attack on an Israeli school bus which killed two adults and injured nine, some so seriously wounded they required amputations.

In a letter to Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright, Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, said, "The Israeli government faces the unique challenge of confronting ongoing terrorism against its citizenry which emanates from its negotiating partner, the very entity who has agreed to curb terror. It is the consistent Israeli intelligence assessment that the PA leadership bears responsibility for the violence on a number of different levels. With that, Prime Minister Barak has adhered to a policy of restraint in the face of these attacks."

Mr. Foxman added that, "Israel and every democracy are bound by a commitment to protect its citizens. Such protection includes retaliatory measures at such times as are deemed appropriate. Given the escalation of the violence from the Palestinian side and the efforts by Barak to maintain a balance between protecting Israelis and restraint of military action, the criticism from the U.S. is counterproductive to the goal of ending the violence and resuming negotiations."

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.