New York, NY, May 7, 1997...The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has established a new European Regional Office in Vienna, Austria, as part of its world-wide commitment to fighting anti-Semitism, bigotry and racism. The office opens as Jewish institutions reemerge across Central and Eastern Europe in the face of increased anti-Semitism, inter-ethnic friction and overall xenophobia. The office is sponsored by The Ronald S. Lauder Foundation.

"The collapse of communism has brought rapid, often radical change throughout Central and Eastern Europe and poses a growing threat to the security of the reemerging Jewish communities in the region," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "We hope to counteract this threat and increase the sense of security and empowerment of Jewish communities throughout the area.

"We are grateful for the generosity of The Lauder Foundation in furthering this goal," continued Mr. Foxman. "We wish to especially thank Ambassador Ronald S. Lauder, who has personally dedicated himself to furthering Jewish communal and educational life in Central and Eastern Europe and was first on the scene in helping to reestablish Jewish institutions throughout the region."

The ADL will work with government officials and Jewish community leaders to utilize educational, communications and other initiatives designed to facilitate the rights of Jews and other minorities through community programs, research reports, media monitoring, security training and victim advocacy.

"We look forward to strengthening the ADL's ability to serve the newly revitalized Jewish communities of Eastern and Central Europe by combating anti-Semitism, racism and bigotry across the region," said Ambassador Lauder. "It is my hope that the establishment of this office will assist the Jewish people, and all citizens, in protecting themselves from anti-Semitic and racist words and deeds."

The office will be headed by internationally-acclaimed journalist Marta S. Halpert. Ms. Halpert is a native of Budapest who grew up in Vienna, and has gone on to write for publications including the Israeli dailies The Jerusalem Post and Ha'aretz, as well as Newsweek magazine and the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

Editor's Note: The new ADL-European Regional Office may be contacted as follows:

1010 Wien, Spiegelgasse 21, Suite 14, Vienna

Ph: 513-77-72

Fax: 513-777-222

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.