Washington, D.C., August 29, 1995...The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which has taken a lead in countering the Arab boycott of Israel, welcomed the Commerce Department's consent agreement with L'Oreal, enforcing U.S. anti-boycott laws. At the same time, the League praised L'Oreal's commitment to conduct business in the region "without regard to unacceptable political pressure," as well as its stated opposition to the boycott. Allegations had been made that L'Oreal had corresponded with the Arab League in connection with the economic boycott of Israel.

"Now that the enforcement action is behind us we can focus on L'Oreal's growing commercial involvement in Israel. L'Oreal's direct investment and manufacturing in Israel are significant. Its active engagement in a host of new joint research and development projects reflects a serious commitment to broaden and sustain its business relationship with Israel," said ADL National Director Abraham H. Foxman. "We encourage other companies to follow their lead in expanding international investment in Israel."

In a letter to ADL, L'Oreal Chairman Lindsay Owen-Jones expressed regret that L'Oreal had corresponded with the Arab boycott office in Damascus. "An international company like L'Oreal should have refused to place itself in such an unacceptable position," he wrote. Owen-Jones thanked the League for its support of L'Oreal's business and community service activities in Israel. "The forward-looking approach that you have taken is an encouragement to L'Oreal and other companies that are already involved in Israel to expand their involvement still further."

L'Oreal has established Israel as its commercial center in the Middle East and has increased investment and manufacturing activities ranging from a new production line established in Migdal Haemek, to joint research and development projects with Israeli affiliates, as well as education and public service campaigns.

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.