Boca Raton, FL, April 6, 2007 … Calling it long overdue, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) welcomed the resolution of a dispute over the posting of mezuzahs in a Fort Lauderdale condominium.  In response to the intervention of the Attorney General, the condominium has provided assurances that it will allow residents to attach mezuzahs to the outside doorposts of their apartments. [A mezuzah is a ritual box containing verses from the Hebrew Bible and posting it on the doorpost is a commandment in Judaism].

Laurie Richter, a tenant in The Port Condominium in Fort Lauderdale, sought ADL's assistance in January when the condominium association demanded that she remove a mezuzah posted on the door outside her unit.  After attempting to informally resolve the dispute, ADL referred the complaint to the Florida Attorney General's Civil Rights Division.

"This resolution is long overdue," said Andrew Rosenkranz, ADL Florida Regional Director.  "A mezuzah is not just a decorative choice for observant Jews and thousands of condominiums throughout Florida allow mezuzahs without issue.  It is regrettable that this situation became so adversarial," said Mr. Rosenkranz.  "We applaud the efforts of the Attorney General in resolving this matter."

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.