(JTA) — Two CEOs in the Samsung conglomerate condemned anti-Semitism after their companies’ proposed merger spurred anti-Semitism in the South Korean media.
In a July 12 letter to the Anti-Defamation League, Joo Hwa Yoon of Cheil Industries and Chi Hun Choi of Samsung C&T unequivocally condemned anti-Semitism.
“We are a company that is committed to respect for individuals and enforces strict non-discrimination policies,” they wrote. “We condemn anti-Semitism in all its forms.”
On July 17, the shareholders of Samsung C&T, a construction company, will vote on a merger with Cheil Industries. Both are subsidiaries of the Samsung Group, South Korea’s largest family-controlled conglomerate. The merger is part of a consolidation effort.
In reporting on the proposed merger, at least two South Korean media outlets blamed Jews for attempting to block the deal. One publication wrote that Jewish power on Wall Street “has long been known to be ruthless and merciless.” A columnist wrote that “Jews are known to wield enormous power on Wall Street and in global financial circles” and “It is a well-known fact that the U.S. government is swayed by Jewish capital.”
The ADL welcomed the company leaders’ condemnation.
“We are heartened that these South Korean corporate leaders are taking a clear and public stand against anti-Semitism,” Abraham Foxman, ADL’s national director, said in a statement. “This statement makes unequivocally clear that anti-Semitism has no place in South Korea and within their companies.”
Last week, the ADL called on the South Korean government to condemn the remarks.
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