Jerusalem, September 3, 2003…The Anti-Defamation League Israel Office applauds the recent decision of Tel Aviv Museum Director Modechai Omer to remove nine paintings from an exhibit which analogized Israeli policies and actions to that of the Nazis.
  
While we recognize the importance of freedom of expression in the arts, comparing current Israeli policies to those of the Nazis is wrong--morally and factually.  ADL strongly believes that accusing Israel of behaving like Nazis is a modern form of anti-Semitism and the fact that this exhibit took place in Israel does not lessen its impact. 

That this exhibit upset large numbers of Israeli Holocaust survivors was reason enough for the Tel Aviv Museum, as a flagship institution of the nation, to remove the offensive work.  We applaud the judgment and sensitivity that went into making this decision, however belatedly.

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.