New York, NY, November 19, 2001 ... Calling it an example of the "gross anti-Semitism and hatred that continues to pervade segments of Arab society," the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed outrage at the depiction on Abu Dhabi Television of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as drinking the blood of Arabs.

"This outrageous television comedy skit, using the infamous Jewish blood libel to portray an Israeli head of state, is unacceptable and an example of the gross anti-Semitism and hate that continues to pervade segments of Arab society," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "Leaders across the Arab world must speak out against such shocking displays of anti-Semitism and hatred."

ADL urged the government of United Arab Emirates to condemn the anti-Semitic depiction, which was shown as part of a comedy program over the weekend on Abu Dhabi Television, one of the most popular stations in the Arab world.

"The use of such imagery is unacceptable," ADL said in a letter to Hamdan bin Zayid Al Nuhayyan, the UAE Foreign Affairs Minister. "Unfortunately, the images broadcast on Abu Dhabi Television this weekend contribute to an anti-Jewish and anti-Israel culture of hate and are contrary to the effort of reconciliation and tolerance."

ADL's letter noted that in his speech today at the University of Louisville, Secretary of State Colin Powell called on Palestinian and Arab leaders to make efforts to stop incitement to hatred against Israel.

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.