ADL Calls Exclusion of Israeli Experts from Susan G. Komen Cancer Awareness Programs in Egypt 'Shocking'
Update (Oct. 23, 2009): Susan G. Komen for the Cure made efforts to ensure that the Israeli invitations would be reinstated. More
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New York, NY, October 20, 2009 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called on the leading breast cancer awareness advocacy organization, Susan G. Komen For the Cure, to ensure that Israeli breast cancers researchers and activists are permitted to participate in regional programs it is sponsoring in Egypt this month.
According to reports in the Israeli media, a number of Israeli doctors and activists received security clearances from Egypt to participate in various workshops and conferences related to breast cancer research and advocacy, only to be notified at the last minute by Egyptian authorities that they were no longer invited.
In a letter to Hala Moddelmog, President and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the League said it found the exclusion of Israeli experts, "shocking" and "contrary to the stated purpose" of the programs, which is to promote regional cooperation and breast cancer research and awareness.
The programs, slated to take place October 21-27 in various cities in Egypt, are sponsored by the U.S.-based Susan G. Komen For the Cure under the patronage of First Lady Suzanne Mubarak.
"We find this last minute exclusion of Israeli experts shocking and contrary to the stated purpose of these programs – to promote regional cooperation to highlight breast cancer awareness, research and best treatment practices – and inimical to the ideals and goals of your organization," wrote Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.
"We respectfully urge the leadership of Susan G. Komen for the Cure to make clear to Egyptian authorities, including the breast cancer program's patron, First Lady of Egypt, Suzanne Mubarak, that this exclusion of Israeli breast cancer researchers and activists is unacceptable and that this decision must be immediately reversed to enable them to participate in these programs."
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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.
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