New York, N.Y., April 29, 2002 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today asked the United States Commission for International Religious Freedom to thoroughly investigate and document the "shocking and disturbing" global wave of anti-Semitism.

"The insidious way we have seen the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians used by anti-Semites - and some government leaders - as a justification for anti-Jewish violence sends a dangerous signal that religious minorities can be legitimately targeted as an outlet for political frustration," said Glen A. Tobias, ADL National Chairman, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "We urge the Commission to thoroughly investigate and document this shocking and disturbing global resurgence of anti-Semitic violence."

The Commission, created in 1998, monitors religious freedom abroad, advocates on behalf of the victims of religious persecution and recommends U.S. policy responses.

The League communicated this issue in a letter to Commission Chairman Michael C. Young, with documentation of the most recent examples of anti-Jewish incidents.

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.