Chicago, IL. December 29, 2008 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned the Molotov cocktail thrown against the wall of Temple Sholom, one of Chicago's oldest synagogues.  The act, which reportedly occurred before 2 a.m., is currently being investigated as a hate incident.

"We decry this senseless and disturbing act of violence which thankfully did not cause significant harm to the synagogue or its inhabitants," said Lonnie Nasatir, ADL's Upper Midwest Regional Director.  "This deplorable act affects the entire Jewish community.  We applaud the local authorities for taking this incident seriously and we hope the perpetrator(s) will be brought to justice."

The League is working closely with law enforcement and the Jewish community as the investigation proceeds.  ADL's experts are working to provide information and assistance to investigators working to solve the case.