New York, NY, April 12, 2013 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed outrage at a decision by the Israel Broadcast Authority to not allow a contestant in the Eurovision music contest to participate because her dress was designed by fashion designer John Galliano.
Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:
I am outraged and embarrassed that an entity representing Israel would reject Mr. Galliano. To reject someone who has now embraced Israel and the Jewish people is outrageous. This is not the lesson that you give your children. Rejecting someone who gave a sincere apology is not Jewish tradition. We are a people that forgive and this is not the way to overcome bigotry.
Mr. Galliano is a changed man. The Israel Broadcasting Authority must realize this. It is great to see that he is working with Israeli artists. He has continued to work hard in establishing relationships, and has shown us and the world that he is taking steps to understand and grow from his past mistakes. To continue to boycott him is not constructive.