"We want to commend District Attorney Hynes and his office for their successful prosecution of an anti-Semitic hate crime under the New York State Hate Crimes Act," said Martin E. Karlinsky, Chairman, ADL New York Regional Board. "ADL played a leadership role in securing passage of New York’s hate crimes law and we have been following this case closely."

Mohammad Awad pleaded guilty to assault as a hate crime for his December 18, 2000 attack on Chaim Spear. Awad followed Mr. Spear into a subway car and proceeded to punch him in the face while yelling anti-Semitic remarks and obscenities at him. After the incident, ADL was in contact with Mr. Spear, counseling him as to his rights under the new law.