Update: On June 30, 2011, three of the men were sentenced by a federal judge to 25 years in prison for the plot to blow up synagogues in New York City.  The sentencing of the fourth man was delayed pending psychiatric exams.

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New York, NY, October 18, 2010 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today applauded the conviction of four men who plotted to bomb New York City synagogues and shoot down military planes.

"It is gratifying to see justice served in the deadly terrorist plot to target Jews and Jewish institutions in the Bronx," said Ron Meier, ADL New York Regional Director.  "The defendants in this case made anti-Semitic statements, expressed a desire to hurt Jews and tried to act upon their hatred.  This case is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extremists motivated by hatred of Jews."

The four men, all from upstate New York, reportedly converted to Islam while serving prison sentences for earlier offenses.  They were convicted of charges including conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction and conspiracy to acquire and use anti-aircraft missiles to kill U.S. officers and employees.  They face a sentence of up to life in prison.

ADL has documented an alarming increase in the number of bomb plots and other criminal activity by Americans motivated by radical interpretations of Islam.