New York, NY, March 7, 2008 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called it "shocking" that the United Nations Security Council could not bring itself to condemn the heinous terrorist attack on Israeli seminary students in Jerusalem.

While many world leaders condemned the killings as an unconscionable act of terror, the U.N. Security Council failed to reach a consensus when it met to consider a statement of its own, with Libya, a nonpermanent member, obstructing a unanimous vote.

"It is shocking that the Security Council could not bring itself to condemn this heinous terrorist attack on Israeli teenagers at a Jerusalem yeshiva," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "Where are all the calls for U.N. resolutions condemning the murderous acts of terrorism against civilians?  Why should those who seek to thwart the cause of peace not be condemned?

Mr. Foxman stressed, "While it is heartening that many nations expressed support and sympathy with Israel in the aftermath of this horrific attack, formal action by the Security Council would send a powerful message that the Palestinian cause is not served by wanton acts of violence and terrorism, and that such attacks against civilians run counter to the interests of peace."

The shooting at Merkaz Harav Yeshiva left eight Israeli students dead and at least nine more seriously wounded before the terrorist was killed by an off-duty member of the Israel Defense Forces.  It was the first terrorist attack in Jerusalem in more than four years.

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.