New York, NY, September 23, 2003 … In a meeting today with a Spanish diplomatic mission and a group representing victims of Basque separatist terrorism, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) pledged to work with the governments of Spain and other nations to fight the menace of terrorism within the Iberian Peninsula, in the Middle East and around the world.

"You should know that as victims of terrorism, you are not alone," Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, told the victims' group in a meeting at the League's National Headquarters in New York City.  "The tragedy that you suffered is very dear and very close to us.

"We the Jewish people have paid a great price and suffered much pain and tragedy resulting from terrorism fueled by hate," Mr. Foxman said.  "We understand.  We will try in as many ways as possible to assuage your pain.  And we will stand with you so that the world understands that no cause can justify terrorism and the loss of innocent life."

Members of the Spanish delegation included Álvaro Ozores, Ambassador for Special Missions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Fernando Benzo Sáinz, Managing Director of the Fundacion Víctimas del Terrorismo, a group representing victims of terror sponsored by Basque separatists.

"We would like to emphasize the importance of fighting together," the Ambassador said, comparing Israel's fight against Palestinian terrorists with Spain's battle against terrorism sponsored by the ETA.  "We have similar struggles.  We are in the same mission because, unfortunately, Spain has suffered terrorism since 1960."

ADL leaders pledged to work with Spain to provide information on the spread of hatred and terrorism on the Internet and to provide other information and resources on global terrorism to the Spanish government.