New York, NY, March 28, 2006 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) issued the following statement following today's national election in Israel.

Barbara B. Balser, ADL National Chair and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, said:

The Israeli voting public has spoken and chosen the direction it wishes the country to follow for the next four years.  The results demonstrate the public support for Ariel Sharon's policy of unilateral disengagement as a means to secure Israel's interests in the absence of a Palestinian peace partner.  They confirm that despite years of Palestinian violence and terrorism, and despite Hamas control of Palestinian Authority governance, Israelis desire creative solutions to lessen the conflict and to live alongside the Palestinians in security.  At the same time, Israelis appear to be greatly concerned about their country's social policies.

We extend our sincerest congratulations to Ehud Olmert and the Kadima Party on their win, and wish them well as they move forward to build a governing coalition.

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.