Phoenix, AZ, May 23, 2003 ... The Arizona Region of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the shooting of Sikh truck driver Avtar Singh. According to reports, the 52-year-old Phoenix man, who wears a turban and untrimmed beard as part of his faith, was wounded by men who told him to, "Go back to where you belong."

In announcing the reward, ADL Regional Board Chair Larry Lazarus said, "Hate crimes are a top level priority with ADL. We want the people responsible for shooting Mr. Singh to be caught, convicted and punished, and we hope this reward helps law enforcement toward that end."

ADL Regional Director Bill Straus indicated that anyone with any information about the crime should call the Phoenix Police Department at  (602) 534-BIAS (602-534-2427).

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.