New York, NY, September 24, 2009 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today commended the delegates from numerous countries who walked out of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's performance before the United Nations General Assembly, where he again espoused delusional anti-Semitism, extreme anti-Israel and anti-Western attitudes and even pride at his victory in the Iranian presidential elections in June.

"Once again, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad came to the General Assembly to put his anti-Semitism, racism and delusional beliefs on full public display," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "We commend the numerous countries that walked out of the General Assembly chambers to protest his extremist sentiments.

"While Mr. Ahmadinejad's extreme statements are nothing new, by walking out, these responsible countries have made it clear that prejudice and racism have no place in the community of civilized nations."

According to reports, delegations from Argentina, Australia, Britain, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand and the United States walked out of the General Assembly chambers in protest. 

In his speech, Mr. Ahmadinejad repeated his anti-Semitic allegations of Jewish domination of the world economy, culture and politics, saying:  "It is no longer acceptable that a small minority would dominate the politics, economy and culture of major parts of the world by its complicated networks, and establish a new form of slavery, and harm the reputation of other nations, even European nations and the U.S., to attain its racist ambitions." 

The Iranian president's repeated statements calling for Israel's destruction and questioning the fact of the Holocaust are documented in the League's online resource, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in His Own Words.