New York, NY, September 24, 2008 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today urged U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to speak out against the "hate-filled diatribe" delivered from the podium of the opening session of the General Assembly by the President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

In his speech, televised live to an international audience, President Ahmadinejad invoked classic anti-Semitic canards of Jewish domination of society, finance and media.  He blamed Jews as the source of upheaval in the economy and in international conflicts, and declared that America and Israel would soon collapse.

"It was shocking to see many U.N. and government officials from around the world applaud President Ahmadinejad at the conclusion of his hate-filled diatribe," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director

"The repugnant ideas and prejudiced sentiment asserted by President Ahmadinejad must not go unanswered," Mr. Foxman said in a letter to the Secretary-General.  "We ask you to speak out against his vile words and denounce his outrageous claims and abuse of the U.N. platform."

The League also urged Mr. Ban to convince Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann, President of the U.N. General Assembly, to decline his invitation to a September 25 dinner in New York with the Iranian president that is being sponsored by five religious organizations.

"It would be wholly inappropriate for the President of the General Assembly to honor the Iranian President through his attendance at such a dinner," said Mr. Foxman.