WJC President Lauder commends Comerica for closing anti-Israel group’s bank account

NEW YORK - World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder on Friday praised the Dallas-based Comerica Bank for its decision to close an account held by an anti-Israel organization, calling it a “bold and commendable” move and an encouraging demonstration of the State of Texas’ commitment to enforcing its anti-terror and anti-BDS laws.

“On behalf of the World Jewish Congress, I applaud Comerica for this bold and commendable decision to shut down the bank account of the virulent anti-Israel organization, the International Association of Democratic Lawyers,” Lauder said.

“The IADL consistently demonizes Israel and defends those who incite against it. In penalizing the IADL, Comerica has demonstrated that it is committed to helping the State of Texas enforce its strict anti-BDS laws, and that it will have zero tolerance for any person or organization that seeks to undermine democracy or promote terror.”

This is believed to be the first time a US-based bank has closed an account over the anti-Israel stance of an organization.