New York, NY, September 19, 2003 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) expressed profound disappointment with members of the United Nations General Assembly who voted in favor of an anti-Israel resolution, especially members of the European Union "who could not muster the courage to do the right thing."

"Once again, the United Nations General Assembly has turned to theatrics and posturing instead of considering constructive contributions to improving the situation on the ground," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "We express our appreciation to those nations who joined Israel in voting against this resolution – the United States, Micronesia and the Marshall Islands – and our profound disappointment with the members of the European Union, who could not muster the courage to do the right thing and challenge this biased resolution.

"It is appalling that at this sensitive time, the General Assembly convened an emergency session to consider potential action by Israel, while refusing to seriously condemn actual ongoing acts of Palestinian terrorism."

The resolution, which called on Israel to refrain from action against Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasir Arafat, was passed 133 to 4, with 15 abstentions, during an emergency session.  A similar resolution did not pass in the Security Council earlier this week.  General Assembly resolutions are not binding.