Boston, MA, February 18, 2005 ... The Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) New England Region issued a statement condemning the defacement of a family's car in a Newton, MA, neighborhood with racist messages and a swastika.

The incident was being investigated by the Newton police.

"The hateful messages expressed in the graffiti directed at these individuals are frightening and upsetting," said Robert Leikind, ADL New England Regional Director.  "Such shocking acts can victimize and divide an entire community through intimidation and fear.  The quick effort of the Newton police to investigate this incident serves as a statement that this community will not stand for intolerance."

Leikind further stated that, "A community should not be measured by the fact that hate incidents occur, but, rather, how the community responds.  Newton has been an active participant in ADL's No Place for Hate program, and through these initiatives the victim has the support of the entire community."

The No Place for Hate program was created in 1999 by ADL, in partnership with the Massachusetts Municipal Association, to provide communities with a solid framework for fighting all kinds of hate and bigotry.  Its mission is to empower Massachusetts municipalities to create local programs that will actively promote respect for individuals and group differences, while encouraging residents to speak out against hate and intolerance.

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.