Atlanta, GA, March 14, 2007…Anti-Semitic incidents in South Carolina ranked below the national average in 2006, according to newly issued statistics from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which tracks incidents against Jewish individuals, synagogues and community institutions. Nationally, reports of incidents fell 12 percent in 2006 over figures reported in 2005, according to ADL.

The League's annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents counted a total of 1,554 anti-Semitic incidents across the United States in 2006, representing a 12 percent decline from 1,757 reported in 2005.  Five incidents were reported in the State of South Carolina, according to ADL.

 "The fact that there were so few incidents reported in South Carolina last year is encouraging," said ADL Southeast Regional Director Bill Nigut. "But even one incident is too many when you understand that each act reflects the perpetrator's overt hostility toward Jews."

The ADL Audit counted 3 incidents of harassment and 2 incidents of vandalism against Jewish individuals, synagogues or community institutions in South Carolina in 2006.

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.