New York, NY, December 14, 2011 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) strongly condemned today's arson attack on the historic Nebi Akasha mosque in Jerusalem, and the violence that ensued against Israeli police officers.  The mosque was set alight and vandalized with graffiti writings including "price tag" and "Mohammed is a pig," suggesting, as with previous incidents, that the vandalism was carried out by Jewish extremists.

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following the statement: 

We are deeply troubled by the attack on Jerusalem's historic Nebi Akasha mosque and the violence that ensued against Israeli police as they attempted to apprehend those responsible for the attack.

 

We join with the people and leadership of the State of Israel in expressing our shock and outrage at the incidents, and welcome statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials calling for the reprimand of those responsible. It is important that Israeli officials send a clear message to those who carry out or incite such behavior that they face serious judicial consequences, and ensure that they are prosecuted to the full extent of Israeli law.

 

The increasing resort to violence by Jewish extremists in Israel – targeting the Muslim community and Israeli security forces – is deeply troubling.  While we welcome the strong condemnations by numerous Israeli leaders, we are greatly disturbed by the appearance of a symptomatic growth of extremism in Israeli society. Jewish extremists are becoming increasingly destructive to the country's democratic and Jewish character, and it is imperative that Israeli officials take appropriate action to contain their prejudicial fanaticism and halt their violent behavior.