New York, N.Y., June 7, 2001 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today reaffirmed the significance of the Flushing Remonstrance, a document which established a precedence for religious tolerance in America, by symbolically reissuing the 1657 edict at the historic Quaker Meeting House in Flushing, Queens.

"We look to the Remonstrance as a symbol of strength and wisdom that anticipated the First Amendment of our Constitution by more than one hundred years," said Shelley Lieff Parker, ADL New York Regional Chair. "Not only is the Remonstrance significant to the history of Flushing, Queens, it is also a vital precursor to one of the most important freedoms in our country: Freedom of Religion."

The Remonstrance was issued by the leading citizens of Flushing in response to a declaration by Peter Stuyvesant, which declared that Quakers would be denied aid and hospitality and prevented from entering New Amsterdam. The Remonstrance extended the "law of love, peace and liberty" to Jews, Turks, Egyptians, Protestants, Independents, Baptists and Quakers and created a precedent for religious tolerance that would be embraced by the founding fathers at the Constitutional convention.

In addition to a dramatic re-creation of the disagreement between Peter Stuyvesant and the leaders of Flushing, Deputy Queens Borough President Peter Magnani officially reissued the Remonstrance and religious leaders, students and community members all symbolically signed the new version of the edict. A copy will be delivered to Mayor Giuliani, Governor Pataki and President Bush.

EDITOR’S NOTE: For a copy of the text of the Flushing Remonstrance or for photographs of the event please contact ADL Media Relations at (212) 885-7749.

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.