New York, NY, April 22, 2010 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed President Barack Obama's strong statements of support for Israel, coming after months of public disagreement and tension that had cast doubts on the terms of the special relationship.

"These are very clear statements from the president that we find reassuring," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "This reassurance is very significant after months of public disagreement and tension between the United States and Israel, which many analysts saw as a softening of the special relationship."

"We appreciate and welcome the president's reiteration of the fact that the U.S.-Israel relationship is in our national interest, and of the 'unshakeable' commitment of the United States to the security and well-being of the State of Israel," added Robert G. Sugarman, ADL National Chair.

In a letter to the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, President Obama reaffirmed his commitment to strong U.S.-Israel relations.  He wrote that "… all sides should understand that our commitment to Israel's security is unshakeable and that no wedge will be driven between us."

Earlier in the week, the president had issued a strong statement on Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Israel Independence Day, in which he reaffirmed the "enduring commitment" of the United States to Israel's security.