Los Angeles, CA, January 17, 2008 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) expressed outrage over the incidents of anti-Semitic graffiti and swastikas discovered this morning in the San Fernando Valley.
 
The following statement was issued by Amanda Susskind, ADL Los Angeles Regional Director:

We commend the Los Angeles Police Department for its immediate response to this hateful series of crimes.
 
Even one hate crime sends shock waves through our community.  The spate of graffiti messages directed at the Jewish people is horrifying and reminds us that we must never become complacent about the existence of anti-Semitism and bigotry in our community.
 
The dedication of law enforcement shows that they take these matters seriously and will pursue and prosecute those suspected of committing hate crimes to the full extent of the law.

The most recent Hate Crimes Report released by the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations for 2006 shows that Jews continue to be the most frequently targeted religious group, now accounting for 71 percent of religious-based hate crimes.

ADL's 2006 Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents showed that anti-Semitic hate crimes and incidents continue to be a serious problem locally and nationwide.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.