The Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith and the American Zionist Federation assailed today the Greek government for its release of seven Arab terrorists. The ADL termed the release “a dangerous precedent which threatens international aviation.” The AZF termed it “a shocking disgrace and an action which can only lead to further acts of terror and murder.” Describing the incident as “a brazen case of international blackmail,” Seymour Graubard, national chairman of the Anti-Defamation League, said that “for the Greek government to honor its promise, made under pressure and threats, is to encourage other acts of hijacking for political purposes. A commitment extorted under threat of harming 55 innocent people has no moral or legal standing.” He called upon international airlines to take sanctions against Greece and against Egypt for providing the terrorists with a safe refuge and heroes’ welcome. Rabbi Israel Miller, president of the AZF .declared that the Arab encouragement for such action, knowing that any Arabs convicted of such future acts will be released once Arab hijackers nave carried out their assigned mission of diverting airliners and holding passengers as hostages, has now been given. “By its action the Greek government has encouraged air piracy, a menace which can only be resolved by the concerted action of the international aviation community,” Rabbi Miller stated.
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