ADL to Lieberman: Farrakhan is a Bigot and Anti-Semite
To: National Desk, Political Reporter
Contact: Myrna Shinbaum of the Anti-Defamation League
212-885-7747

NEW YORK, Sept. 29 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The Anti-Defamation League
(ADL) has told Sen. Lieberman that if he were to meet Louis
Farrakhan, he would be legitimizing a bigot, an anti-Semite and a
racist, who continues to spout his message of hate. Following Sen.
Lieberman's comment on a radio program that he would be willing to
meet the head of the extremist Nation of Islam, ADL leaders wrote
to the Senator urging him to reject Minister Farrakhan as have Vice
President Gore and Gov. George W. Bush.

In their September 27 letter, Howard P. Berkowitz, ADL National
Chairman, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, raised
their concern about Lieberman's comments "expressing admiration for
Minister Louis Farrakhan and your stated intention to meet with
him." The League leaders reminded the Senator that "Minister
Farrakhan and his Nation of Islam have spread the message of Black
separatism and anti-gay, anti-Catholic, racist and anti-Semitic
bigotry throughout the United States and the world."

Both Vice President Al Gore and Gov. George W. Bush have
rejected Minister Farrakhan's message of hate and understand that
anything less would grant "unmerited legitimacy" to Farrakhan.

Berkowitz and Foxman said over the last three days they had
discussions with the Senator's staff in hopes that Sen. Lieberman
would reconsider his position. "We still hope he will," they said.

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The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's
leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and
services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.

EDITORS NOTE: For additional information on Minister Louis
Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam visit our web site at
http://www.adl.org.
 

KEYWORDS:

RELIGION MINORITIES

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/U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/
09/29 13:54

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