New York, NY, August 13, 2023 ... ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) tonight issued the following statement in response to a continuing series of incidents over the past four weekends involving the disruption of Jewish prayer services, as well as additional targets, through swatting and fake bomb threats targeting synagogues, posed by a group of online trolls.
Statement from Jonathan A. Greenblatt, CEO and National Director:
"ADL continues this evening to work with law enforcement and community partners to mitigate the ongoing disruption to Jewish prayer services, as well as additional targets, by a group of online trolls who swat and call in fake bomb threats.
These trolls, who employ highly antisemitic language during their calls, have targeted over two dozen synagogues and two ADL offices. They also appear to have expanded their targets, including several African-American churches and a news organization.
The ADL Center on Extremism is working closely with law enforcement to identify the individuals responsible for these concerning and potentially dangerous activities.
If you would like to report an incident, please visit our online incident reporting form here.”
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all.