In November 1998 ADL released the results of a new nationwide survey on the current level of anti-Semitism in America. The survey showed that while 12 percent of Americans still hold clearly anti-Semitic views, that was a drop of eight percentage points from a similar poll taken in 1992. However, the survey also revealed that 34 percent of African Americans could be classified as strongly anti-Semitic (a slight decline from 1992). For both Black and white respondents, the survey indicated a clear correlation between anti-Semitic views and low levels of education. The survey was conducted by the Boston research firm of Marttila Communications/Kiley & Company.

Among the ADL Civil Rights publications that were disseminated in 1998 to government officials, the media and the American public.

The need for continued dialogue and bridge-building with the Black community has never been clearer. In that spirit, ADL has worked with prominent African Americans such as Rep. John Lewis, the National Urban League's President Hugh B. Price and NAACP Chair Julian Bond to address these considerations. And across the country, our Regional Offices work with local Black leaders in their communities to find common ground.

ADL's annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents recorded a decline in anti-Jewish activity in the U.S. for the third consecutive year. A total of fewer than 1,600 anti-Semitic incidents ­ including harassment, vandalism, and assaults ­ was reported from 43 states and the District of Columbia. This was a drop of nine percent from the previous year. The Audit was prepared by the League's Research Department.

Again, the statistics tell only part of the story. Behind the numbers are hundreds of real people who have suffered the physical and psychic scars of bigotry, and who have turned to ADL for help. The League investigates each report and determines how best to address the problem. If needed, both the National Headquarters and Regional Offices mobilize to work with religious and civic leaders, local law enforcement and political officials to identify and punish perpetrators and heal the wounds of the community.

Our Civil Rights Division is constantly researching and evaluating the anti-Semitism of a wide range of extremist groups, from anti-government militias to international terrorists. ADL calls public attention to the dangers posed by the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazi skinheads, and the World Church of the Creator, among others. We not only serve as a credible resource for background information, but we also develop strategies to address the threat posed by such groups.