New York, NY, November 15, 2004…The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned the threatened use of violence against Presbyterian churches because of decisions made by church leaders to pursue a course of divestment from Israel.  The League is in dialogue on the divestment issue with the Presbyterian leadership and strongly believes that dialogue, not violence, is the appropriate way to resolve the differences. 

Rabbi Gary Bretton-Granatoor, ADL Director of Interfaith Affairs, issued the following statement:

We condemn the threatened use of violence against Presbyterian churches because of decisions made by the Presbyterian Church (USA) to pursue a course of divestment from Israel.  We strongly believe the appropriate way to resolve the differences between the Jewish community and the Presbyterians is through dialogue and not violence.

ADL, along with other Jewish community organizations, is currently engaged in an ongoing dialogue with Presbyterian leaders on divestment and other issues. 

The threat made against the Church must be vigorously investigated and the perpetrator be bought to justice, and we commend law enforcement for taking swift action in this case.

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.