Update: Bergen County authorities announced an arrest in the case on January 24, 2012.  More

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New York, NY, January 13, 2012 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today raised to $7,500 its reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a spate of increasingly violent hate crimes in Bergen County, which has seen synagogues targeted with Molotov cocktails and anti-Semitic graffiti.

The reward was bolstered with additional funding commitments from concerned community members and individuals from across the country.

"There has been an outpouring of concern from generous individuals in our community who want to see those responsible for these heinous hate crimes brought to justice," said Etzion Neuer, acting ADL New Jersey Director.  "We have heard from several individuals from as far away as Louisiana who have read about the attacks and called to offer their sympathy and support."

Bergen County prosecutors are seeking information in the following incidents:

·  Dec. 10, 2011, Maywood:  Swastikas, racist tags and "Jews did 9/11" spray-painted on the exterior of Reconstructionist Temple Beth Israel.

·  Dec. 21, 2011, Hackensack: Swastikas, racist tags and "Jews Did 9/11" spray-painted on the exterior of Temple Beth El.

·  Jan. 3, 2012, Paramus:  A fire at the rear of Congregation K'Hal Adath Jeshuran was started using an accelerant.  The fire was self-extinguished and caused minimal damage.

·  Jan. 11, 2012, Rutherford:  Five Molotov cocktails were thrown at Congregation Beth El, including one hurled through the window of the rabbi's residence, forcing him and his five children and parents to flee. The rabbi suffered burns to his hands.

Tips may be called in to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office at (201) 226-5651 or the Rutherford Police Department at (201) 939-6000.