Jerusalem, October 30, 2008 …The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed grave concern over the vandalism and torching of a synagogue in Lod.  The League welcomed reconciliation efforts by the mayor of Lod to reduce tensions between the Muslim and Jewish communities and prevent ethnic violence.

Police have launched an intensive investigation into what they suspect was the deliberate arson of the "Dat Moshe ve'Yisroel" synagogue for nationalist motives. The synagogue is located in a mixed Muslim-Jewish neighborhood and the fire caused extensive internal damage. Swastikas had also been recently spray painted on the walls.

ADL's Israel office issued the following statement:

The Anti-Defamation League condemns the vandalism of the Dat Moshe ve'Yisroel congregation in Lod. This is an awful hate crime. We are confident police will apprehend those responsible.

ADL also commends the mayor of Lod, Ilan Harari, for his efforts to bridge the Muslim and Jewish communities to prevent ethnic violence from erupting. This move sends an important message that anti-religious and racist behavior will not be tolerated.

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.