New York, NY, September 8, 2003 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today praised the decision by the foreign ministers of the European Union for their decision to blacklist all political and social branches of the Palestinian terror organization Hamas.

 "Members of the European Union are to be commended for their decision to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization and to halt the flow of funding to this deadly Palestinian terror organization," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "This designation is an important step in halting the financing of terrorist activities and will go a long way in impeding the terrorist operations of Hamas, which has as its goal the total destruction of Israel by any possible means, including the killing and maiming of innocent civilians."

In a letter to Franco Frattini, the Italian foreign minister, the League commended Italy for its "strong leadership" in the decision to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization.  "Once again, Italy has demonstrated that she is a valued ally of the U.S. in its war on terrorism," Mr. Foxman said.

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.