New York, NY, March 19, 2001 … Abraham H. Foxman, National Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today issued the following statement:

On December 7, 2000, I wrote to President Bill Clinton requesting executive clemency for Marc Rich. I did so because I believed, along with many others whom I respect, that Mr. Rich deserved a second chance. A generous and philanthropic man, whom I knew for fifteen years, he had worked tirelessly for the good of others. I also believed he should be able to be reunited with his family after the tragic loss of his daughter to leukemia.

I did so based on the information I had at the time. On further reflection, as this unique case unfolded, I began to question whether a person's good deeds should overshadow other aspects of his behavior. In hindsight, this case probably should not have had my involvement.

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.