New York,
Monday, March 19, 2001
Press Release |
Miscellaneous
Statement
of Abraham H. Foxman on the Marc Rich
Pardon
New
York, NY, March 19, 2001 --
Abraham H. Foxman,
National Director of the Anti-Defamation
League (ADL) today
issued the following statement:
On December 7, 2000, I wrote to President
Bill Clinton requesting executive clemency
for Marc Rich
(right, FBI
mugshot).
I
did so because I believed, along with many
others whom I respect, that Mr. Rich deserved a
second chance. A generous and philanthropic man,
whom I knew for fifteen years, he had worked
tirelessly for the good of others.
I also believed he should be able to be
reunited with his family after the tragic loss
of his daughter to leukemia. I did so based on
the information I had at the time.
On further reflection, as this unique case
unfolded, I began to question whether a person's
good deeds should overshadow other aspects of
his behavior. In hindsight, this case probably
should not have had my involvement. 
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.
write to David Irving