New York, N.Y., July 2, 2002 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today commended a response from the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice that affirmed the office's commitment to "continue to pursue meaningful and serious punishment" against Lemrick Nelson for his role in the death of Yankel Rosenbaum. Mr. Rosenbaum, an Australian student, was fatally stabbed during the 1991 Crown Heights riot.

"We commend the Department of Justice for continuing to seek punishment against Lemrick Nelson," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "While healing has taken place over the past decade in Crown Heights, many wounds still remain, including the hope of the Rosenbaum family to see Yankel's murderer brought to justice. The April plea bargain that resulted in the sentencing of Charles Price to eleven years in prison was a start; however, there still needs to be closure for the family in regard to Nelson."

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.