New York, NY, September 12, 1995...Secretary of State Warren Christopher told the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) there had "clearly been a misunderstanding on the issue of our attendance at the Jerusalem 3000 event" and that the absence of the American Ambassador from the Knesset opening "was in no way intended to downgrade or boycott the event." The League had written the Secretary saying how distressed it was to learn that Ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk did not attend the opening ceremonies of the yearlong celebration.

In his letter to ADL National Director Abraham H. Foxman, Secretary Christopher said he wanted "to respond personally so that the issue could be clarified." He assured ADL "there will be other appropriate opportunities for the Ambassador and other Embassy officials to participate" and "Ambassador Indyk has said publicly that he looks forward to participating."

The State Department explained last week that a scheduling conflict kept Ambassador Indyk from the opening, and ADL wrote the Secretary the "explanation is troubling."

ADL also protested last month's European Union's (EU) decision to boycott Jerusalem 3000 observances because EU deemed the events not sufficiently multi-ethnic.

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.