New York, NY, March 2, 2000…The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) called Louis Farrakhan’s "outreach" to Jews "a sham," and said it demonstrates that he has not changed his hostile attitude toward the mainstream Jewish community. The League also said it was distressed by the newly formed alliance with a mainstream Black Muslim group.

"Louis Farrakhan’s so-called ‘outreach’ to Jews is nothing more than a sham," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "His willingness to embrace the offensive rhetoric of Neturei Karta, an extremist sect on the periphery of the Jewish community with a long history of hostility to Zionism and Israel, speaks volumes about what the Nation of Islam continues to be. No one should be duped by this attempt to show that he has reconciled with Jews and that Jews support him. His actions outweigh his declaration that he is a changed man."

Joining Farrakhan at his annual Saviours’ Day convention, Neturei Karta Rabbi David Weiss repeatedly attacked Zionism and Israel, telling the crowd that the Holocaust was punishment on the Jewish people for trying to establish the State of Israel. He also asserted that "All those who say they are Jews who speak ill of Mr. Farrakhan are not Jews."

Mr. Foxman also said he was "extremely distressed" that Imam W. D. Mohammad stood by as the Neturei Karta rabbi spewed hate against Israel and Jews. "We have found the Imam to be a responsible leader in the African-American Muslim community and a counter-voice to Farrakhan’s anti-Semitism and extremism. He has worked with Jews and other religious and ethnic groups to further inter-faith understanding. This is why we find his embrace of Louis Farrakhan and their new alliance so disturbing."

W.D. Mohammad, is the son of Elijah Muhammad, founder of the NOI. He is the leader of the one million strong American Muslim Society, which follows traditional Islam and broke with Farrakhan more than 25 years ago.

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.