New York, NY, December 17, 2001... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today issued a statement in response to Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasir Arafat's address calling for an end to violence.

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:

For over fifteen months Yasir Arafat has encouraged Palestinian violence and terrorism against Israelis, while telling the international community that he was doing all he could to end these actions. Yesterday, after far too many deaths, Chairman Arafat finally did what he wanted us to believe he had been doing all along; he told his people that the use of violence and terrorism must end.

Chairman Arafat's words must be implemented by sincere and sustained action to arrest those planning, perpetrating and providing support for those carrying out attacks against Israelis anywhere, and to dismantle these terrorist organizations. Such action must be taken against those organizations in public opposition to the Palestinian Authority - such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad - as well as those perpetrating terrorism and violence from within the PA structure - such as the Tanzim and Force 17.

For fifteen months the Israeli Government has made it clear: once violence and terror end, they are eager to return to the negotiating table to work out a better future for Israelis and Palestinians. We hope that Chairman Arafat and the Palestinian Authority do not squander this opportunity.

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.