Washington, DC, July 26, 2010 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) strongly condemned reported vandalism found on the building and property of B'nai Shalom Synagogue in Olney, MD.  The vandalism reportedly included several swastikas, the words "Seig Heil" and "Death 2 Zionists".

"This crude and bigoted attack on a Jewish house of worship is despicable and must be recognized as an attack on the entire community," said Sophie Dornstreich, ADL Assistant Washington, D.C. Regional Director.  "When found, the perpetrators of these cowardly acts should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law."

ADL commends the Montgomery County Police Department for their fast response and vigorous investigation of the incident as a presumed hate crime.

Hate crime statutes have been adopted by 45 states and the District of Columbia.  Many of those laws are based on a model statute crafted by ADL, which has long been in the forefront of national and state efforts to deter and counteract hate-motivated criminal activity.