Atlanta, GA, February 3, 2006 ... Calling the rash of church burnings in Alabama "heinous crimes," the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) called on law enforcement to "vigorously investigate the incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice."

Steven Brickman, ADL State Chair for Alabama, and Deborah Lauter,  ADL Southeast Region Director issued the following statement:

No matter what the motive may have been for these heinous crimes, whenever a house of worship is damaged, that faith community feels an overwhelming sense of vulnerability. 

We want the members of each of these churches to know that they have the heartfelt sympathy and support of the Jewish community. 

We urge all levels of  law enforcement to devote their resources to vigorously  investigate the incidents and to bring the perpetrator(s) to justice, not only under state criminal statutes, but also under the federal Church Arson Prevention Act (18 USC 247).

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.