New York, NY, April 11, 2000 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today applauded the ruling in the British Courts exonerating historian Deborah Lipstadt of the libel charges brought by Holocaust denier David Irving, saying the verdict "reaffirms David Irving’s status as a falsifier of history and Nazi sympathizer."

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

We applaud the decision in the British Courts rejecting David Irving’s case against Deborah Lipstadt and her publisher Penguin Books. The ruling vindicates the scholarship of a true historian while reaffirming David Irving’s status as a falsifier of history and a Nazi sympathizer.

It is unfortunate that David Irving was able even to bring such frivolous charges into a courtroom. At least the trial provided an opportunity to reveal once again the reality of the Holocaust and the dangers of those who seek to deny it or trivialize it. Although the Holocaust was never an issue at the trial, we are gratified that the British Courts have rejected attempts to distort and manipulate the tragic events of that period.

EDITORS NOTE: For additional information on the Holocaust and Holocaust denial and to arrange interviews with ADL experts contact the ADL Media Relations Department at (212) 885-7749.

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.