New York, NY, May 20, 2002 ... With the 164th Executive Board Session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization underway in Paris, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today urged UNESCO member states and the Director-General to "seize the opportunity to condemn anti-Semitism in Europe and elsewhere."

Glen A. Tobias, ADL National Chairman, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement from Paris, where they have been meeting with community and government leaders to discuss the surge of anti-Semitism in Europe, and monitoring the UNESCO proceedings:

On the occasion of the opening of UNESCO's 164th Executive Board Session, the Anti-Defamation League calls upon member states and the Director-General to seize the opportunity to condemn anti-Semitism in Europe and elsewhere. UNESCO's glaring silence in the face of this serious threat to peace and tolerance, as well as to the collaboration among nations so dear to this organization is unacceptable.

In addition, the singling out of Israel for condemnation with one-sided statements reflects the continuing politicization of this international body. UNESCO should concentrate on its fields of competence, including education, science, culture and communications. Instead of condemning Israel, Palestinian terrorism should be condemned in accordance with UNESCO's general conference resolution against terrorism, adopted on October 21, 2001.

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.