Chicago, IL, July 3, 1999...The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed horror and outrage at the drive-by shooting attacks on Jews, an African-American, and Asian-Americans as "clear and despicable acts of anti-Semitic and racist hate violence."

"The shooting attacks on Friday evening, in which Orthodox Jews were targeted near their synagogues, Asian-Americans targeted in their vehicle, and an African-American murdered while jogging with his family, are clear and despicable acts of hatred" said Richard Hirschhaut, ADL’s Greater Chicago/Upper Midwest Regional Director. "While we are all shocked by the murder of Rickey Byrdsong and the attacks on Jews observing the Jewish Sabbath, we have confidence that law enforcement’s quick response and diligent efforts will bring the perpetrator(s) to justice."

Mr. Hirschhaut added that, "Unfortunately, hate crimes are all too common place in America." He noted that these Chicago-area attacks come two weeks to the day that three synagogues were torched in Sacramento, California, sending shock waves throughout the Jewish community in America, almost three months to the day that Naoki Kamijima, an Asian-American was murdered in his Crystal Lake, Illinois store, and nearly a year after the dragging death in Jasper, Texas of James Byrd, Jr., an African-American. He also noted that, following all of those incidents, the communities united to rally against hate, and "we have every confidence that Chicagoans will stand together now to send an unequivocal message that hate will not be tolerated in our communities."

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.