New York, NY, February 6, 2012 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today praised the United States' decision to close its embassy in Damascus, saying that the American step "sends a strong signal that the ongoing brutal repression of the Syrian people is unacceptable, that the Assad regime no longer has credibility, and that Syria is becoming a pariah among nations."

Robert G. Sugarman, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director issued the following statement:

The situation in Syria is deteriorating by the day, and the reports of continuing civilian casualties, mass arrests and torture of political dissidents are profoundly disturbing.  The U.S. decision to close its embassy in Damascus sends a strong signal that the ongoing brutal repression of the Syrian people is unacceptable, that the Assad regime no longer has credibility, and that Syria is becoming a pariah among nations.  It is vital that the international community stands united against the violence in Syria and works toward preventing the further killing of civilians.

We are disappointed that the United Nations has been unable to deal with the issue.  The inability of the U.N. Security Council to pass a resolution backing the Arab League peace plan for Syria, a proposal which was vetoed by China and Russia, is just the latest failure of the U.N. to address this serious humanitarian crisis.

We express our appreciation to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice for vigorously working to ensure a united international front to stop the Syrian regime from committing further atrocities.

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.