San Francisco, CA, March 25, 2009 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators of the anti-Semitic vandalism committed against Modesto's Temple Beth Shalom. Two vandals are visible on security video footage scrawling hateful epithets and Nazi swastikas on the exterior walls of the synagogue at 2:18 a.m. on March 18, 2009. The crime has outraged not only the congregation, but the entire Modesto community.

Nancy J. Appel, ADL Associate Director in San Francisco, issued the following statement:

We share Temple Beth Shalom's indignation over this act of attempted intimidation against Modesto's Jewish community. Our message back to the vandals is that the people of Modesto and beyond overwhelmingly reject this bigotry and intolerance.

We applaud the Modesto Police Department for its responsiveness and vigorous investigation efforts. We urge anyone with information relevant to the case to contact the Department's Crimestoppers line at 209.521.4636. Callers are free to remain anonymous if they choose.

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.