Update (April 21, 2009): ADL's statement was based on news reports that proved to be inaccurate.
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New York, NY, April 21, 2009 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed concern at remarks by President Barack Obama, following a meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan, where he told the press that the Israelis and Palestinians have done enough talking. "Now is the time to take steps," the President said.
Glen S. Lewy, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director issued the following statement:
We are troubled by the President's remarks after his meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan where he told the press that the Israelis and Palestinians have done enough talking and that 'now is the time to take steps.'
We find this comment disturbing because it leaves the impression that Israel has not acted for peace. In fact, in the year 2000 Israel made a generous offer for peace to the Palestinians which, if accepted, would have resulted in a Palestinian state, shared control of Jerusalem, and the dismantling of 80 percent of Israeli settlements. The Palestinians said no and turned to violence and terror.
Then, in 2005, Israel took another major step, unilaterally withdrawing from the Gaza Strip and dismantling all its settlements there. This action was met with a Hamas takeover and the launching of thousands of rockets into Israel.
We believe that both Israelis and Palestinians will have to make concessions for peace. We hope that the President will acknowledge that Israel has already taken significant steps toward peace, and that he urge the Palestinians and the Arab world to take positive steps as well.
