Citing Bannon Invite, ADL's Abe Foxman to Snub ZOA Event

Former Anti-Defamation League head Abraham Foxman said he won't attend the Zionist Organization of America's gala dinner on Sunday after it was announced that Stephen Bannon will also attend the event.

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The ADL has been vocal in its opposition to the appointment of Bannon, the head of Breitbart News, to the role of President-elect Donald Trump's chief strategist.

“I have decided not to attend the ZOA dinner in New York where my friend Bernie Marcus is being honored," Foxman said, referring to the top Trump donor.

“ZOA manipulated and abused my trust when they announced my decision to attend without my permission because they have politicized this event. My intention was solely to be in attendance to honor Bernie Marcus, and not to make any political statement,” Foxman said.

Marcus, on his part, rose to Bannon's defense on Tuesday, calling attacks on him “nothing more than an attempt to undermine the incoming Trump administration.”

The ADL, meanwhile, has reported a spike in donations since the election last week, noting that in the day after Trump's victory it witnessed a 50 percent rise in donations.