New York, NY, September 12, 2014 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today commended German Chancellor Angela Merkel for her steadfast leadership in condemning and confronting the issue of anti-Semitism in the wake of incidents which took place in Germany this summer during Israel’s operation to stop rocket attacks from Gaza.
ADL welcomed Chancellor Merkel’s plan to speak at the upcoming “Stand up! Never again anti-Semitism!” demonstration on September 14 in Berlin and said that her decision to be present at the rally demonstrates her “tradition of excellence in such leadership.”
“The nature of the anti-Semitic incidents this summer in Germany – violent and invoking Nazi themes – broke taboos, and they require an extraordinary response,” said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. “Her presence at the demonstration against anti-Semitism is a vital component of that response.”
Mr. Foxman added, “Standing side by side with the leaders of the German Jewish community and expressing solidarity with them at the rally will be a highly needed substantial show of support.”
In an August report which details a surge in global anti-Semitism during the Israel-Hamas conflict, the League referenced several anti-Semitic incidents in Germany including Molotov cocktails thrown at a synagogue, assaults and death threats.
A recent ADL poll in 100 countries found that 27 percent of those surveyed in Germany harbor anti-Semitic attitudes.