New York, NY, December 8, 2010 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the arrests of two teenagers in connection with two recent assaults on Hasidic Jews in Brooklyn.  Both teens face hate crime charges as juveniles.

In the latest incident, a Hasidic Jew was attacked as he left a Hanukkah party.  The teens were also allegedly involved in a Thanksgiving night robbery and assault that left a yeshiva teacher hospitalized.  Both attacks occurred in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.

Ron Meier, ADL New York Regional Director, issued the following statement:

If indeed the assailants specifically sought out Jews to attack, it is a sad reminder that people in our community continue to be singled out because of their religious beliefs or background.  Hate crimes and anti-Semitism are unacceptable in any community.

 

That the alleged assailants were both teenagers reinforces the critical need for young people to learn the importance of respecting people's differences.  Intolerance breeds hatred, which can lead to violence.

 

We commend the New York City Police Department and its Hate Crimes Task Force for taking swift action in this case and sending a strong message that hate crimes will be investigated vigorously.

The suspects were originally apprehended by a volunteer patrol force, before being taken into police custody.

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.