New York, N.Y., July 22, 2002 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), today called on the Government of Greece to condemn a recent rise of anti-Semitic depictions and articles in the Greek press, including the use of Holocaust and Nazi imagery.

In expressing a growing concern about the appearance of criticisms of Israel that cross the line into anti-Semitic statements, and the use of Nazi and Holocaust imagery in cartoons, Glen A. Tobias, ADL National Chairman, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, said, in a letter to Greek Prime Minister Konstandinos Simitis, "Even in nations like Greece where the press is free, it is essential that the government take responsibility to set a tone of tolerance and speak out strongly against these anti-Semitic, hateful sentiments.

"Unfortunately, such articles and depictions in the media create an environment of hostility toward Israel and Jews in Greece, similar to other European nations that have experienced a rise in anti-Semitism," Mr. Tobias and Mr. Foxman added.

League leaders also addressed these issues in a meeting with Dimitris Platis, Consul General of Greece in New York.

This cartoon appeared in the reportedly pro-Government Center Left publication -- Eleftherotypia. The headline reads : Holocaust II. The caption reads: War machine of Sharon is attempting to carry out a new Holocaust, a new genocide.

Other Examples of Anti-Semitic Depictions in the Greek Press

• Israeli Soldiers Executing Palestinian
• Israeli Actions Compared to Auschwitz

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.