New York, NY, April 7, 2005 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today praised the YWCA USA for publicly stating that it does not endorse the "June 2004 Witness Report to Palestine," in which the author equated Israeli actions to Hitler's extermination of six million Jews during World War II.

"We commend the YWCA for publicly stating that it does not endorse the outrageous and offensive views expressed in the 2004 report," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "Absolutely no comparison can be made between the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the atrocities committed by the Nazis against the Jews.  This is a charge that is purposefully directed at Jews in an effort to associate the victims of the Nazi's crimes with the Nazi perpetrators, and serves to diminish the significance and uniqueness of the Holocaust."

The YWCA USA statement also makes clear that it is on record as voting against a 2003 anti-Israel resolution, which has since become a World YWCA policy statement.  The YWCA USA statement reads, "Our objection is based on our belief that the resolution inadequately addresses the issues of safety and security for the Israeli people."

In March 2005, ADL wrote to Peggy Sanchez Mills, Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA USA, voicing concern at the 2004 report and urging all members of the group's national board to vote in favor of the resolution condemning the Witness Report.  ADL has offered the YWCA USA its assistance as it develops guiding principles, policies and procedures for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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.