Jerusalem, December 14, 2004...The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) was dismayed at the inappropriate and prejudicial remarks made by a member of the Israeli parliament.

In remarks at the Knesset earlier this week, Likud member Yehiel Hazan repeatedly likened Palestinians to "worms" and stated that the Palestinians are a nation of "murderers" and "terrorists."

ADL's Israel Office issued the following statement:
 
Mr. Hazan's inappropriate remarks at the Knesset were derogatory, prejudicial and highly unbecoming for a member of Israel's Knesset.  The fact that five Israel Defense Forces soldiers were tragically killed during a tunnel operation in the Gaza Strip preceding his remarks does not in any way lessen the inappropriateness of such language in a public forum. 

Israel will combat these terrorists and their horrendous acts, but there is no excuse to resort to this kind of discourse.   Mr. Hazan's rhetoric demeans both himself and the party he represents, particularly at a time when the government is attempting to come to an understanding with the Palestinian leadership on issues pertaining to incitement and security.

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.