New York, NY, December 19, 2014 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today said it was shocked and appalled by a threatening letter that was mailed earlier this week to an elected official in Rockland County, New York.

On December 15, Spring Valley legislator Aron Wieder, a traditional Orthodox Jew, received a letter containing a photograph that superimposed his face on the body of an ISIS prisoner about to be beheaded.

“We are shocked and appalled at the horrific letter mailed to Mr. Wieder,” said Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director. “This was a threatening and hateful act designed to intimidate a Jewish elected official as well as members of the broader community in Rockland County.  We hope that the authorities will take this mail threat seriously and identify those responsible for this act as quickly as possible.”

ADL has been in contact with local and federal law enforcement concerning the incident and has offered support to Mr. Weider.

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.  Follow us on Twitter: @ADL_NY