ADL: Anti-Semitic Statements by Iranian Leaders at the U.N. Are Nothing New
New York, NY, September 22, 2016 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) called on world leaders at the U.N. to strongly condemn the anti-Semitism in Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s speech before the United Nations General Assembly.
In commenting on American compliance with the Iran nuclear deal, President Rouhani accused “Zionist pressure groups” for “having” Congress pass legislation to the detriment of Iran.
“President Rouhani’s U.N. address demonstrates clearly that there is no evidence of Iranian moderation,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “His espousing of noxious anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, alleging ‘Zionist’ control of Congress must be condemned by the international community, specifically, the P5+1 powers who are engaging with Iran, and the countries who are renewing trade and financial deals with the Islamic Republic.
“Anti-Semitic statements by the Iranian regime in the halls of the United Nations are nothing new,” Mr. Greenblatt said. “For years, Iranian leaders have lodged accusations of Jewish control over the U.S. government, financial institutions and media. It’s time for it to stop.”
In his short address, the Iranian leader dismissed Israel as “the usurping Zionist regime” and accused it of a “web of apartheid policies and atrocities.” He also pointed to 9/11 as the start of “borderless terrorism,” ignoring Iran’s own status as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.
ADL has repeatedly voiced concern over the Iranian regime as a font of global anti-Semitism.