New York, NY, October 20, 2003 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today praised President George W. Bush for his remarks in a face-to-face encounter with the Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, in which the President forcefully condemned Mahathir's virulently anti-Semitic speech to the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

"We commend President George W. Bush for his forceful denunciation of anti-Semitism, both in the public statements by his administration over the last several days and in his face-to-face meeting with Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "In making his outrage known on both a personal and public level, the President has made clear that the prime minister's anti-Semitism and his continuing defense of his speech is unaccceptable and morally repugnant."

In correspondence to the President, the League expressed appreciation for his leadership and moral clarity in denouncing anti-Semitism, while expressing concern that the vast majority of those nations who participated in the summit meeting have continued to express support for the prime minister's speech.  The speech was met by a standing ovation by participants at the 57-nation Islamic summit.

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.