Berlusconi To Receive Award From Jewish Group

[tinnypriv]

Berlusconi To Receive Award From Jewish Group
Associated Press, 18 September 2003

A New York-based organization that fights anti-Semitism and bigotry is giving Premier Silvio Berlusconi its Distinguished Statesman Award next week, despite controversy over the Italian leader's recent comment that Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini never killed anyone.

The Anti-Defamation League's award highlights mixed feelings raised by Berlusconi, who shows strong support for Israel while sometimes serving up awkward public comments.

"People have been calling me, 'Are you canceling the dinner?"' said Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, which will give the award Tuesday. "The answer is no. He's a friend, he's a good friend. But he's a flawed friend."

Foxman said by phone from New York that the Jewish community appreciates many of Berlusconi's policies, such as his support of the United States in its war in Iraq and against terrorism, as well as his approach to Israel. As for the Mussolini comment, Foxman characterized it as an inappropriate and regrettable gaffe.

http://english.daralhayat.com/world_news/09-2003/20030918-20030918-b5b0bc0f-c0a8-01ed-0053-82abd755562b/story.html

...

Comment: Okay, now I know the ADL must just be a Candid Camera front organization.

[Darranar]

1. OMG!

All of my respect for the ADL just went down the toilet. How dare they support that right-wing holocasut denier!

[Forkboy]

2. You gotta be kidding me!

For once I'm speechless.

[drewb]

4. That's a first...

LOL... It's an upside down, topsy turvy world these days...

[Forkboy]

7. I know

it's rare when I'm stunned into silence :)

[IndianaGreen]

3. Mussolini did not kill Jews, didn't you know that?

According to Silvo Berlusconi's version of history, Il Duce sent his enemies to internal exile, "vacations" according to Silvo, and never killed anyone.

Conservatives never criticize each other. Now, if Berlusconi had been a French Ambassador that had referred to Israel as "that shitty little country in the Middle East," we would not be hearing the end of it!

[pschoeb]

6. I think Primo Levi must be turning in his grave

That the ADL could give Burlusconi an award, after that comment. The only award Berlusconi deserves are some shoes laces and an Esso gas station to tie them to.

Patrick Schoeb

[Aidoneus]

5. birds of a feather..

:shrug: