ADL Concerned About New Israeli Residency Law
JERUSALEM, August 4, 2003 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed concern over a law passed by the Israeli Knesset that prevents Palestinians who marry Israeli Arabs from obtaining residency permits in Israel. The Israeli government has explained that the law is necessary for security reasons, citing instances where Palestinians have exploited their residency permits in order to have freedom of movement in Israel to carry out terror attacks.
"We wish such a law was not necessary, but understand that Israel has vital security concerns," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "We hope that the Knesset will review this law when it expires in a year and explore other methods to ensure Israel's security needs."
The law passed by the Knesset on July 31 forces newly married couples to choose between living in the Palestinian areas or living separately. The law will remain in effect for one year, when it must be renewed by an act of parliament.
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.
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