New York, NY, December 12, 2019 … ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) CEO Jonathan Greenblatt issued the following statement regarding Tuesday’s anti-Semitic attack on a Kosher supermarket in Jersey City:

“The Attorney General of New Jersey revealed today what we had grimly suspected: the two alleged shooters acted out of hatred for Jews and law enforcement. This attack on the Jewish community is nothing short of domestic terrorism. 

Our community has been terrorized once again by violent anti-Semitism. From Pittsburgh to Poway, and now to Jersey City, the disease that is anti-Semitism has clearly spread to epidemic proportions. But we will not be defeated, we will not stand down, we will not be intimidated. We will continue to speak up and out every time anti-Semitism and bigotry rear their ugly heads. We expect the same from our nation’s leaders. That is the least that can be done to honor the memories of the victims: Mindel Ferencz, Moshe Deutsch, Douglas Miguel Rodriguez and Detective Joseph Seals. 

Our hearts and prayers remain with their families and loved ones. I’ve directed ADL staffers to remain on the ground in Jersey City, as they have already been for the past 48 hours, to support the community and continue to work with law enforcement as this investigation continues.”

According to New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, the two suspects may have recent or past ties to the Black Hebrew Israelite movement, some sects of which profess anti-Semitic and racist beliefs.