New York, NY, May 10, 2021 ... ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) issued the following statement today regarding the recent violence, tensions, and rocket attacks in Jerusalem:
ADL is deeply concerned by the growing crisis in Jerusalem and beyond.
We strongly condemn Hamas' firing rockets in Jerusalem and across southern Israel. We stand by Israel’s right to self-defense.
Those who explicitly seek to destroy the state of Israel, including Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the government of Iran are fanning the flames of hatred and stoking animosity.
Further, the tensions of the last weeks have been exacerbated by extremists, including far-right Jewish nationalists.
As ADL has consistently said: all parties must avoid actions, inflammatory rhetoric, and provocations that raise tensions. Leaders must de-escalate the crisis and work towards a restoration of calm.
We welcome the Supreme Court’s decision to postpone the hearing on the possible eviction of Palestinian families from the neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah by another month. This is a deeply complicated matter with legal, social, and security considerations for all residents of Jerusalem and broad legal and humanitarian considerations must be taken into account.
Finally, we are concerned by those who demonize Israel’s conduct while ignoring Israel’s right to self-defense and its obligation to protect all of its citizens.