Washington, DC, April 28, 2014 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today said it was "startled and disappointed" by reports that Secretary of State John Kerry used the highly inappropriate and offensive term "apartheid" to warn what might become of Israel should an agreement not be reached with the Palestinians.
Mr. Kerry reportedly said that Israel will become "an apartheid state" in a closed door meeting of the Trilateral Commission with European and Asian leaders on Friday.
Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:
It is startling and deeply disappointing that a diplomat so knowledgeable and experienced about democratic Israel chose to use such an inaccurate and incendiary term.
We appreciate Mr. Kerry's deep concern for Israel and his desires to ensure that it have a future of peace and security. Even if he used the repugnant language of Israel's adversaries and accusers to express concern for Israel's future, it was undiplomatic, unwise and unfair. Such references are not seen as expressions of friendship and support.
Updated: January 01, 1970
April 29, 2014: ADL Welcomes Secretary Kerry’s Rejection of Israel “Apartheid” Comment