New York, NY, January 29, 2001 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed outrage at the anti-normalization efforts of Jordan’s professional associations who have made public a second "blacklist" of companies and individuals who have established ties with Israel. Particularly alarming is the inclusion of King Abdullah’s Cabinet Chief on this list, which shows how far they are ready to go in their efforts against Israel.

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:

The blacklisting of the King of Jordan's Cabinet Chief is an affront to the Royal Family, and in effect is a blacklisting of the King himself.

King Abdullah has been a courageous supporter of peace, following in the footsteps of his father, King Hussein. It has been an unfortunate reality that while the Jordanian government is engaged in peaceful relations with Israel, many within Jordanian society, particularly the professional unions, are actively opposed to such relations. The behavior of Jordan’s professional associations toward Israel and Israelis is anachronistic. This latest effort against normalization highlights the dire need for governments across the region to communicate to their citizenry the rationale and benefits of peace with Israel.

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.