New York, NY, September 10, 2002 … On the eve of the September 11 anniversary, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is calling on Western leaders to denounce the anti-Semitic conspiracy theory that continues to gain credibility in large parts of the world, the "big lie" blaming Jews for 9/11.

"It is unacceptable that in many parts of the world there is widespread acceptance of the myth that Jews were responsible for the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "This outrageous conspiracy theory is accepted as truth by ever-growing numbers, and this is fueling anti-Semitism throughout the Arab and Muslim world. Western leaders bear an important responsibility to help counter the spread of the big lie."

In a letter to the foreign ministers of European nations, ADL urged Western leaders to take public steps and to encourage educational initiatives to counter the spread of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories about September 11. The attacks have spawned several theories about Jewish or Israeli involvement, including the myth that "4,000 Jews" failed to show for work at the World Trade Center on the day of the attacks, and the conspiracy theory that Jews were the "real perpetrators" behind the attacks.

"This outrageous, anti-Semitic conspiracy theory is extremely dangerous and indicates a deep reservoir of anti-Jewish feeling spread by media and government lies about Jews," ADL stated in a letter to foreign ministers. "We have seen in the past century how such a lie going unchallenged can lead to mass murder. We urge you to issue a public statement denouncing this bigotry and to consider educational programs to make sure this hatred does not spread."

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.