New York, NY, January 24, 2001 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) expressed concern at reports that an Israeli delegation was barred from attending an annual economic summit in Egypt. The union of Egyptian chambers of commerce blocked Israel’s attendance at the Euro-Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce meeting, which was scheduled for January 22-23 in Cairo, then postponed.

"It is very troubling that Israel’s earliest peace partner, who has played a leading role in facilitating Israeli-Arab negotiations, would exclude Israeli participants from a conference that was intended to foster economic cooperation between Middle Eastern and European states," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "The exclusion of Israeli participants in this forum goes against the normalization agreements between Israel and Egypt and is contrary to the path of peace chosen by Egypt’s leaders."

ADL is urging all participants in the forum to ensure Israel’s inclusion, once the meeting has been rescheduled. "In the spirit of economic cooperation and in the interest of stability for the Mideast region, all delegations to the Euro-Mediterranean conference should be included in the meeting," said Foxman.

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.