New York, N.Y., August 21, 2001 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today said a resolution calling on the U.S. government to withhold military aid to Israel, passed by a governing body of the Lutheran Church, was "deplorable," "one-sided" and "counterproductive."

The resolution was passed at the August 2001 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

In a letter to The Rev. H. George Anderson, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director said:

We are deeply distressed by the resolution passed at the August 2001 Churchwide Assembly calling on the United States government to withhold military aid to Israel. This resolution is deplorable, taking a one-sided and counterproductive view of the current Israeli-Palestinian violence.

American aid to Israel promotes stability and democracy in the Middle East. The United States has an ongoing strategic interest in supporting Israel - an ally with whom it shares many core values, including a commitment to democracy and a rejection of extremism and terrorism. Moreover, history has shown that American aid, particularly military assistance that keeps Israel strong, is the primary ingredient in influencing Arabs to negotiate for peace.

Religious leaders have a responsibility to be constructive and fair toward the tragic Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Relief and full human rights for all in the region will come only when Palestinian society renounces violence, takes effective steps to end its terrorism against Israelis and recognizes the right of Israel to exist.

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.