Jerusalem, February 21, 2012 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today said it was deeply disturbed by an act of vandalism at the Baptist Church in Jerusalem, where disrespectful and violent sentiments were spray-painted on the Church's entrance.

In recent weeks, there have been similar acts of vandalism at other Christian places of worship and institutions, including the Hand-in-Hand Jewish-Arab school and the Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Cross.

ADL's Israel Office issued the following statement:

We are appalled by these incidents. Such expressions of violence and racism directed at those of other religions or nationalities is completely unacceptable. This hate-filled disrespect weakens the social fabric of Israel as an open and enlightened society. 

We call on Israeli officials and religious leaders to send a clear message to those who carry out or incite such acts that their behavior is contrary to basic Jewish and Israeli values of respect and understanding, and to ensure that the perpetrators of this crime are apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of Israeli law.