New York, NY, December 14, 2010 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) mourns on the passing of Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke, one of America's most distinguished diplomats and a good friend of the state of Israel.

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:

We are deeply saddened by the death of Richard Holbrooke, one of America's most distinguished diplomats.

Mr. Holbrooke was a great American, whose contributions to American interests and values are legendary, particularly in his central role in bringing the war in Bosnia to a conclusion.

We always valued his wise counsel, whether when he was Ambassador to the U.N. or in his days as a private citizen.  On a number of occasions, Mr. Holbrooke addressed ADL audiences and always impressed us with his incomparable knowledge of issues and eagerness for practical, workable solutions to international problems.

 

He was proud of his Jewish identity and he was a good friend of the state of Israel.  His death is a loss to the world, to America, and to the Jewish people.