Update: The Army acted decisively to punish and dismiss the Fort Benning recruit who assaulted Pvt. Michael Handman in a barracks laundry room. More

__________

Atlanta, GA, October 6, 2008 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the Army's decision to move out of harm's way a Jewish soldier at Fort Benning who was the victim of anti-Semitic harassment and an assault.  ADL had requested that the Army move the soldier for his safety and discipline those responsible for the incidents.

Pvt. 2nd Class Michael Handman was moved to a secure location at Fort Benning, far from the scene of an assault by a fellow soldier that left him hospitalized with a concussion and other injuries.  ADL learned of the Army's decision from the soldier's father, who said he now believes the Army is doing a good job keeping Handman safe.

"We were pleased to learn from the family that the Army has now taken steps to make sure that Pvt. Handman is out of harm's way," said Bill Nigut, ADL Southeast Regional Director.  "This gives us great hope that Army officials understand the urgency of dealing with anti-Semitic acts against Jewish soldiers."

On October 5, ADL sent a letter to Fort Benning's commanding general, urging him to take further steps to protect Handman in the wake of the incidents.  The letter acknowledged action that the Army had taken to deal with the incidents, but asked that they do more to assure the soldier's safety.

Two weeks ago, Handman was reportedly subjected to verbal harassment by two officers who demanded he remove his yarmulke -- a head covering worn by devout Jews -- in the dining hall.  On September 24, Handman sustained a concussion after he was lured into a laundry room on base and beaten by a fellow soldier.  The alleged attacker was detained, but quickly returned to his barracks.  Handman was moved to new living quarters but, until yesterday, remained in the same company as the soldier accused of the beating.

In the League's letter to Maj. Gen. Walter Wojdakowski, the commanding general at Fort Benning, Mr. Nigut wrote: "My top concern continues to be Pvt. Handman's safety.  Even after the alleged beating that resulted in hospitalization for a concussion, Pvt. Handman continues to be housed in a barracks in close proximity to his alleged attacker.  Despite assurances that the Army is monitoring both men closely, I worry that Pvt. Handman could be the victim of further physical abuse or harassment at the hands of the alleged attacker or his friends.

"We urge you to move Pvt. Handman to a new Company far removed from his current location," Mr. Nigut wrote.

Fort Benning currently does not have a Jewish chaplain on base, but the Army did ask a member of the Columbus, Ga., Jewish community to counsel Handman, a step ADL called "meaningful."  The League will continue to consult with the counselor as the case proceeds.

ADL also expressed concern about the Army's response to the verbal harassment of Handman.  The Pentagon quickly issued a reprimand to the two offending officers, but called their comments "inadvertently made."

In his letter to Gen. Wojdakowski, Mr. Nigut wrote, "It defies reason to think that bigoted remarks disparaging an individual's religion can be made 'inadvertently.'  My fear is that this suggests that perhaps the Army does not fully grasp the seriousness of such bigotry."

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.