New York, NY, August 25, 2005 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned televangelist Pat Robertson's comments on the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.  In remarks broadcast on The 700 Club as the Israeli government followed through on its disengagement plan last week, Robertson sharply criticized the decision to withdraw from Gaza, saying that, "God says 'I am going to judge the nations who have parted my land.'  He said 'I am going to bring judgment against them.'"

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

Clearly this has not been a good week for Pat Robertson.  On top of his outrageous call for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, Mr. Robertson also chose to condemn Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and said that God will judge those who leave parts of the land of Israel.

As a staunch supporter of Israel, Mr. Robertson should understand that his comments further play into the division of a country and encourage those in Israel who prefer a very narrow religious interpretation over the democratic institutions that keep the country together.

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.