New York, NY, August 20, 2004 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) welcomed today's federal indictment against three members of the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas, calling it "a significant step in the war against terrorism."

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

We welcome the indictment of Mousa Mohammed Abu Marzook and his co-conspirators on federal racketeering charges as a significant step in the war against terrorism.  The struggle against terror is one fight – regardless of whether the perpetrators are members of Al Qaeda, Hezbollah or Hamas – because in the end the victims are nearly always innocent civilians.

While targeting innocent Israelis in restaurants, cafes and buses, Hamas has shown great aptitude for using every available means to raise money, even in the United States.  The money is used to provide financial and other incentives to families of suicide bombers, as well as to finance attacks.

 

The Justice Department should be commended for recognizing that the threat of terrorism has no borders.  We hope that the United States will use all of its powers to ensure that Abu Marzook is brought to justice.