JEWS #1 RELIGION GROUP TARGETED FOR HATE

WASHINGTON, June 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The number of reported anti-Semitic incidents in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., held steady, according to newly issued statistics from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

According to ADL's Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents, the number of reported Anti-Semitic incidents in Maryland increased from 19 in 2007 to 22 in 2008. These included 12 incidents of harassment and 10 reported cases of vandalism. In Virginia, the reported number of incidents dropped from 13 in 2007 to 11 in 2008, and included 7 cases of harassment and 4 cases of vandalism. In Washington, D.C., the number of incidents decreased from 15 in 2007 to 11 in 2008. The number of harassment incidents increased from 1 in 2007 to 6 in 2008, there was one physical assault, and 5 reported cases of vandalism.

The following are selected incidents of assaults, vandalism and harassment reported to ADL in 2008. Additional examples, photos, graphics, and a state-by-state summary of incidents are available on the League's Web site at www.adl.org.

Vandalism: Selected Incidents in 2008

• A synagogue was vandalized, its floodlights smashed and an Israeli flag burned
• A synagogue was vandalized; Hitler smile face sticker and a National Alliance Anti-Immigration sticker were found on the building
• Jewish day school and synagogue vandalized with graffiti reading "Nazi" and a swastika

Anti-Semitic Harassment: Selected Incidents in 2008

• In front of a small business, a man stood with a sign saying, "Pay $10 to punch a Jew" as a way to solicit business
• National Socialist Order wrapped anti-Jewish and anti-black fliers into newspapers and circulated them onto people's front lawns
• Anti-Jewish and Anti-Israel fliers scattered on people's front lawns; fliers created to resemble government documents

The 2008 Audit comprises data from 40 states and the District of Columbia, including official crime statistics as well as information provided to ADL's regional offices by victims, law enforcement officers and community leaders. The Audit identifies criminal acts, such as vandalism, violence and threats of violence, as well as non-criminal incidents of harassment and intimidation, including hate propaganda, leafleting and verbal slurs.

The Audit distinguishes three categories of incidents: "Physical Assaults," which refers to physical attacks on Jewish individuals; "Vandalism," which refers to anti-Semitic property damage; and "Harassment," which includes verbal, written or electronic messages, speeches, demonstrations or rallies where anti-Semitic ideas are articulated. In 2007 and in previous years the Audit had only two categories: "Assaults," which included attacks on Jews and on property; and "Harassment."

The Audit is evaluated by ADL's professional staff and provides an annual snapshot of a nationwide problem. The Audit also identifies possible trends or changes in the types of activity reported. This information assists ADL in developing and enhancing its programs to counter and prevent the spread of anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry.

SOURCE Anti-Defamation League

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