Jerusalem, July 10, 2008 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the moves by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to embrace Israeli Arabs and work toward integrating them into society.

Speaking at the first Prime Minister's Conference for the Arab Sector held in Haifa, Mr. Olmert called for changing prejudices, discrimination and intolerance toward Israeli Arabs and working to boost equality and cooperation. He also called up on Israeli Arabs to be more involved in the state through national service for youth.

ADL applauded the prime minister's statements.

"We have frequently spoken out against manifestations of prejudice and racism and stereotyping of others. We welcome the Prime Minister's statements against discrimination and prejudice toward Israeli Arabs and hope others in the political, religious and social establishment will follow," said Glen S. Lewy, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.

The League has long operated educational programs in Israel among Arabs and Jews to combat prejudice and racism.  Earlier this week, a delegation of senior ADL leaders led by Mr. Lewy and Mr. Foxman met with Mr. Olmert and discussed the issue at his office in Jerusalem.