New York, NY, December 2, 2003 … The New York metropolitan region is the first to be targeted by a new television commercial on rising anti-Semitism, part of a larger effort by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) to raise awareness about the consequences of unchecked prejudice and bigotry.

"This is another in our efforts to draw attention to the surge in anti-Semitism that has led to synagogue bombings, arsons and other attacks against Jews both globally and locally," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director and author of Never Again? The Threat of the New Anti-Semitism (HarperSanFrancisco, 2003).  "As we have seen with the events of the past few weeks, New York City is not immune to anti-Semitism.  We need to get the message out to as many people as possible that anti-Semitism is wrong and must be condemned through the vigilance and determination of all people."

The television ad, which will begin appearing this week in the New York metropolitan area, highlights a series of recent anti-Semitic incidents around the world, as examples of how hateful words can lead to acts of violence and intimidation.  After images from the recent synagogue bombings in Turkey, bus bombings and other acts of terrorism flash on screen, the 30-second commercial ends with the tagline, "Anti-Semitism is Anti-All of Us."

The TV spots will be airing in New York City on Fox News Channel and NY1 throughout the week, and may appear in other local markets around the country in the coming weeks.  New York City has experienced repeated anti-Jewish attacks in November 2003, including reports of synagogue vandalism, the defacement of property with swastikas, and tire slashings in Jewish communities.

In addition to television ads, ADL has taken out paid advertisements on "Today's Anti-Semitism," that appeared in November in The New York Times and the International Herald Tribune.