Phoenix, AZ, November 29, 2006…The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) welcomed the swift response of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio in investigating the November 26 vandalism of a black, West Valley couple's home as a possible hate crime.

Bill Straus, ADL Arizona Regional Director, and David Bodney, ADL Regional Board Chair, issued the following statement:

Sheriff Arpaio agrees with ADL that the evidence at the scene is indicative of a hate crime and has assured us that his department will conduct a thorough investigation into this heinous incident and, ultimately, apprehend the perpetrators.  ADL has offered its expertise on hate crimes to the Sheriff's office.

Since hate crimes are an attack on the entire community as well as the victims, ADL believes it is critical that the response from law enforcement come from the highest levels.  The Sheriff has assured us that he will publicly condemn this incident in no uncertain terms, assuring the victims and the entire community, that such acts will simply not be tolerated in Maricopa County.

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.