New York, NY, March 22, 2016 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned the terror attacks in Brussels, Belgium, for which the terrorist group ISIS has claimed responsibility. The Islamic State claimed that its “fighters” launched the coordinated attacks on the airport and a subway station, killing at least 30 people and wounding 230 more.
Marvin D. Nathan, ADL National Chair, and Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO, issued the following statement:
We condemn these heinous attacks which have once again targeted innocent civilians on European soil. It is with a sense of profound sadness that we are witnessing yet another coordinated attack targeting Western society and its values of pluralism and tolerance.
The warped, intolerant ideology of ISIS stands in stark contrast to that of Brussels, and indeed all of Belgium, which exemplifies and promotes respect for diverse communities, cultures and religions within the strong tradition of a liberal democracy.
We stand in solidarity with the people and government of Belgium, which has suffered repeatedly from violence inspired by Islamic extremism, and yet has admirably sought to strike a balance between maintaining the democratic values of civil society while rooting out Islamic extremists who seek to take advantage of those very freedoms to promote an intolerant and hateful worldview.
Earlier today, ADL sent a letter to Belgium’s Prime Minister, Charles Michel, expressing its deepest condolences and support for the government and people of Belgium at this difficult time.