New York, NY, May 21, 2004… The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) strongly condemned a statement by John Dugard, United Nations Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights, expressing "horror" at Israeli actions in Gaza and comparing Israel to apartheid South Africa.

"To draw a comparison between Israel, a democratic state, and apartheid South Africa's racist politics is unwarranted and appalling.  Israel has consistently offered the Palestinians the opportunity to have peace and an independent state on the condition they accept Israel's legitimacy," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "Israel's military operations in Gaza are an attempt to deal with the proliferation of tunnels used by Palestinian terrorists, who smuggle weapons from Egypt into the Gaza Strip to be used in attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians.  These tunnels are deliberately situated in high density population areas, located in private homes and public buildings.

"We would hope that United Nations officials would be interested in improving the situation on the ground for both Israelis and Palestinians.  Unfortunately, Mr. Dugard continues to focus his comments on Israeli action, with no attempt to persuade Palestinian leaders to end the ongoing campaign of terrorism."

ADL conveyed its message in a letter to Acting U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Bertrand Ramcharan.

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.