New York, NY, August 16, 2006 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) criticized the Egyptian Foreign Minister for praising Hezbollah for having "fought with honor" against Israel and urged Egypt to play a "constructive role and show objectivity" in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Following is the text of the letter from Barbara B. Balser, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, to Foreign Minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit:

We were deeply disappointed by your comments praising Hezbollah for having "fought with honor" against Israel.

As the representative of a country at peace with Israel, we were taken aback that you would so publicly praise a terrorist organization whose charter not only denies Israel's right to exist but also blames the world's problems on the Jews.

While you make a point of denouncing Israel for its military operations, you take no issue with Hezbollah's firing of hundreds of rockets into Israel specifically aimed at and intended to kill and maim Israeli civilians. 

As a leader in the region, it is important that Egypt play a constructive role and show objectivity which unfortunately was missing in this instance.

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.