New York, NY, December 3, 2001... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), outraged and horrified at the suicide bombings exploding across Israel this weekend, expressed support for action taken by Israel because "the Government has a responsibility to do what it considers necessary to root out terrorism."

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

We are outraged and horrified by the spate of suicide bombings that struck Israel this weekend. We are saddened by the senseless attacks and angry at the terrorism coming out of Palestinian Authority-controlled areas. We support the actions taken by Prime Minister Sharon and the Israeli Government to protect its people from further terrorist attacks. Like America, Israel is engaged in a war against terrorism and the Government has a responsibility to do what it considers necessary to root out terrorism.

We commend President George W. Bush, Secretary of State Colin Powell, and Special Envoy, Gen. Anthony Zinni, for their words of sympathy and support for Israel. We urge the international community to follow the leadership of the Bush Administration and hold the Palestinian Authority and Chairman Yasir Arafat accountable for finding and arresting the perpetrators of these acts, as well as acting quickly and decisively against organizations that initiate, support and condone terrorism.

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.