New York, NY, January 26, 2010 …The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the entry of Israel into the political coalition of liberal democracies at the United Nations, known as JUSCANZ.  Named for the original members – Japan, United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – the group unites many democracies that are not members of the European Union or of the Latin American or African groups.

Other members include Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and South Korea.

"The consensus acceptance into the JUSCANZ coalition is a strong endorsement of Israel's democratic credentials," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "This sign of solidarity by fellow democracies is a rebuke to those who demonize Israel at the United Nations and accuse it of apartheid."

"JUSCANZ admission is a positive step, but does not remedy the electoral discrimination against Israel at the U.N.," added Mr. Foxman.  "Without membership in a formal regional group, Israel cannot put forward its candidacy to many U.N. bodies.  We continue to urge the Western European and Others Group (WEOG) to admit Israel as a full member, both in New York and in Geneva, so that Israel can seek election to all U.N. bodies and participate in all WEOG group consultations."

Arab and Muslim members have barred Israel from joining the Asian group, Israel's geographic regional group, since the regional group system was introduced in 1961.  In 2000, Israel was allowed to join WEOG just in New York and for election purposes only.