New York, N.Y., April 19, 2001 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today said Japanese Economic Minister Taro Aso’s remarks about rich Jews and others "reflect deep misperceptions and stereotypes," and are inappropriate for someone running for the leadership of a major political party and prime minister.

"Unfortunately Minister Aso’s comments reflect deep misperceptions and stereotypes of Jews and others," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "Given his political aspirations, we would hope that Minister Aso would commit to educating himself on the history of anti-Semitism and prejudice."

Minister Aso is one of four candidates seeking the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, which is being vacated by outgoing Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori. Minister Aso told reporters, "maybe I’m saying this from my dogmatic prejudice, but the way I see it the best country in the world would be a country where the richest Jewish people would want to live. Or it could be Armenians, or overseas Chinese, or any group around the world criticized for being rich."

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.