Boston, MA, October 23, 2008 ... The New England Region of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today issued a statement condemning the discovery of anti-Semitic graffiti found on a sidewalk in a Brookline neighborhood.  The swastika and hate messages have been removed by the Brookline Department of Public Works.
 
"Acts of hate like this can send shock waves through an entire community making people feel unsafe. It reinforces how critical it is that we reaffirm our commitment to being a community that stands up and speaks out against hate," said Derrek Shulman, ADL New England Regional Director.  "We commend the Brookline Police Department for its immediate response and hope the perpetrators of the anti-Semitic graffiti are brought to justice."

Investigators discovered an open can of household paint and painting supplies in nearby bushes.  A box containing a second can of paint and painting supplies was discovered on the sidewalk, approximately 50 feet away from the graffiti.  Several neighbors reported to detectives that there were many pedestrians in the streets the previous evening, as the Red Sox game had just ended. 

ADL regularly assists law enforcement and communities in response to such incidents, and will continue to be in contact with the Brookline Police Department as the investigation into the case continues.

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.