New York, NY, January 5, 2005 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has announced the appointment of Alessandro Ruben as ADL Chairman in Italy.  An attorney and Rome native, Mr. Ruben will serve as an advocate for the League in Italy and as a liaison between ADL and the Italian Jewish Community.

"Alessandro's experience within the Jewish communities of Italy and his close relationship with Italian government institutions and officials make him uniquely positioned to liaison on behalf of ADL and to serve as our representative on issues, including anti-Semitism and Israel," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "With anti-Semitism in Europe a growing concern, Mr. Ruben is the vanguard of a new European council of leaders who will both represent and advise ADL on issues relating to European Jewry."

Mr. Ruben's appointment was announced by Barbara B. Balser, ADL National Chair and Mr. Foxman at the opening session of the recent ADL conference, "Anti-Semitism – A Threat to Democracy" in Rome, which brought together prominent voices in the Italian, European and U.S. government, media and experts for an examination of current trends in anti-Semitism and a discussion of how democratic societies can fight back against anti-Jewish attacks and incitement in Western nations.

Mr. Ruben is Director of the trading company, Italintesa S.p.A. and Director of the Institute for Workers' Professional Development and Training.  He has served as Director and Executive Member of the Jewish Communities' Union and Assessor of Legal Affairs, Vice President of Benč Berith Italia (B'nai B'rith Italy), Deputy and Director of the Roman Jewish Community, Founder and President of Benč Berith for young adults in Rome, and Coordinator and Secretary of the Comitato dei Garanti (Guarantors' Committee) for restitution of objects plundered by the Nazis belonging to the Jewish community of Trieste.

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.