New York, NY, March 26, 2004…The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) praised the United States for vetoing a UN Security Council resolution that condemned Israel for killing the Hamas terrorist mastermind, Sheik Ahmed Yassin.

In a letter to John D. Negroponte, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Barbara B. Balser, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, National Director, commended the U.S. for its veto of the Security Council resolution that would have condemned the killing of Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin.

"As you rightly declared, the resolution was silent about the terrorist atrocities committed by Hamas and would not further the goals of peace and security in the region," said Ms. Balser and Mr. Foxman. "It is absurd that the Security Council would condemn Israeli action against the recognized mastermind of a deadly terrorist organization, and not the terrorist murder of Israeli civilians, including children and infants.  Such a resolution only serves to prop up the terrorists, while doing a terrible disservice to their victims."

The League leaders also expressed their appreciation for U.S. leadership in the Security Council.