New York, NY, January 18, 2008 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today congratulated President George W. Bush for the successful conclusion of his important trip to the Middle East, which included meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders and stops in Israel, the West Bank, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

"We are deeply appreciative of the President's tireless efforts to create a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians after meeting with both parties in the region," said Glen S. Lewy, ADL National Chair and Abraham H. Foxman, National Director.  "We share his expectation that Arab leaders will do their part for peace and take steps toward reconciliation with and recognition of Israel."

President Bush envisaged the trip as a means to further promote the round of negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian leaders jump-started as a result of the U.S.-sponsored Annapolis meeting, with an eye toward a permanent settlement by the end of 2008.

In a letter to President Bush, ADL applauded the administration's "continued emphasis on the fundamental importance of Israel's security" as a fundamental part of the Road Map process.

"We hope that your trip to the region will spur the Palestinian Authority to undertake the necessary substantial and public action to signal to Israel and the international community that it is committed to security and reconciliation," Mr. Lewy and Mr. Foxman wrote in the letter to President Bush. 

"Indeed, the security of Israel is of central importance if any peace is to be achieved and this security can only be ensured if the Palestinian terror network is dismantled and the Palestinians create a reliable and effective security system."

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.