New York, NY, February 21, 2002 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) called the death of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl at the hands of his kidnappers in Pakistan a terrible tragedy for his family, his colleagues, the American people and everyone engaged in the war against terrorism. Those who took Mr. Pearl claimed he was an undercover agent for America and Israel, as well as citing his being Jewish as reasons for his kidnapping.

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

We were extremely saddened and angry to learn of Daniel Pearl's death. His murder is a terrible tragedy for his family, his colleagues, the American people and everyone engaged in the war against terrorism. The accusations made by his kidnappers that he was a spy for the U.S. and Israel, and their citing the fact that he was Jewish, demonstrate the true face of Muslim extremism.

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.