New York, N.Y., October 25, 2001 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed shock and outrage at statements made by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak justifying Palestinian terrorism and placing blame for the failure of a proposed international conference against terrorism on the U.S. "Jewish lobby."

In a letter to President Mubarak, Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, said:

We were shocked and outraged by your statements blaming the U.S. "Jewish lobby" for undermining efforts to convene an international conference on terrorism, and for justifying Palestinian terrorism as acts of legitimate "resistance."

Attacking the so-called "Jewish lobby" for a variety of alleged activities is a refrain often utilized by anti-Jewish extremists. Such comments are all the more unacceptable coming from a head of state.

Furthermore, your statements legitimizing Palestinian terrorism are astonishing. Surely Egypt, a country which has suffered from acts of terrorism, cannot consider the bombing of pizza restaurants and buses filled with civilians, or the calculated shooting at family vehicles as an acceptable act of "resistance."

Mr. President, your comments are shocking coming from a leader who has promoted peace negotiations with Israel and is one of the U.S.'s key Middle Eastern allies in the war against Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda.

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.