New York, NY, December 4, 1998…The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned a United Nations human rights committee which declared that Israel's "excessive emphasis" on being a "Jewish state encourages discrimination and accords a second class status to its non-Jewish citizens," saying the committee’s assertion "smacks of anti-Jewish prejudice."

The 18-member United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights convened in Geneva to review the compliance of the 137 signatory nations to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and cultural Rights. Referring to Israel, the committee's report states: "The committee expresses concern that excessive emphasis upon the state as a "Jewish State" encourages discrimination and accords a second class status to its non-Jewish citizens.

"The UN committee’s assertion that the ‘Jewish’ nature of the State of Israel ‘encourages discrimination’ is outrageous and highly prejudiced," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "This linking of the state’s Jewish identity with perceived discriminatory policies is highly reminiscent of the infamous anti-Semitic and anti-Israel 1975 United Nations Resolution equating Zionism with racism. It is wrong and smacks of anti-Jewish prejudice."

Mr. Foxman noted that while all citizens are equal under Israeli law, regardless of race or religion, the government of Israel has recognized that certain problems and inequities exist among minorities and has pledged to address them.

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.