New York, NY, July 13, 2015 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the “clear and public stand against anti-Semitism” by the South Korean companies Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries following the publication of anti-Jewish comments regarding their proposed merger.
In a July 12 letter to ADL’s national director, Joo Hwa Yoon, CEO of Cheil Industries, and Chi Hun Choi, CEO of Samsung C&T, unequivocally condemned anti-Semitism. “We are a company that is committed to respect for individuals and enforces strict non-discrimination policies,” they wrote. “We condemn anti-Semitism in all its forms.”
“We are heartened that these South Korean corporate leaders are taking a clear and public stand against anti-Semitism,” said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. “This statement makes unequivocally clear that anti-Semitism has no place in South Korea and within their companies.”
In reporting on the proposed merger, at least two South Korean media outlets blamed Jews for attempting to block the deal between the two subdivisions of the Samsung conglomerate. One publication wrote that Jewish power on Wall Street “has long been known to be ruthless and merciless.” Last week, ADL called on the South Korean government to condemn the remarks.
A recent ADL survey of anti-Semitic attitudes in South Korea found that 53 percent of the adult population subscribes to a number of classic anti-Semitic canards, including the beliefs that “Jews have too much power in the business world” (59 percent), and, “Jews have too much power in international financial markets (57 percent).