New York, N.Y., June 28, 2002 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed appreciation for the German parliament's clear and unqualified condemnation of anti-Semitism in all its manifestations. The vote came on a resolution that was sparked by a nationwide debate over comments made by a leader of the Free Democratic Party that were widely condemned as anti-Semitic.

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the followed statement:

The unanimous voice vote on this resolution reflects the consistency of mainstream opinion in Germany. As ADL's recent survey shows, a significant number of Europeans - 30% -- cling to traditional anti-Semitic stereotypes. This is true in Germany, where 55% agree with the age-old canard that Jews are more loyal to Israel than their own country and 32% believe Jews have too much power in business.

The parliament's vote demonstrates that the vigilance sustained by the memory of the past in German political culture, and the open debate when the issue of anti-Semitism arises, yields results. Combating prejudice, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination proactively should be a priority of all democratic societies.

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.