New York, NY, April 12, 2010 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed its deepest condolences to the people and government of Poland on the death of President Lech Kaczynski, First Lady Maria Kaczynska and 95 other members of a Polish delegation to commemorate the 1940 Katyn massacre in Russia.

"We join all of Poland in mourning the loss of President Lech Kaczynski, the First Lady and so many of Poland's leaders who perished on their way to commemorate another group Polish tragedy 70 years ago," said Robert G. Sugarman, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.

"We knew President Kaczynski as a Polish patriot and friend to the U.S., Israel and the Jewish people, and we praised him for speaking 'eloquently and truthfully' about anti-Semitism.  This is a terrible tragedy for the Polish people, who have lost so many of the leaders of a new era of democracy and freedom for Poland.  Their commitment to a free and democratic Poland is their legacy."

ADL sent letters of condolences to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, the Archbishop of Krakow.

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.