New York, NY, March 16, 2015 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed alarm at an offensive altered photo that reportedly appeared on the “Great Neck South Freshman Facebook Page.” The page, which is not administered by the school, has since been removed. The photo, depicting two Jewish students, was changed to add a small moustache, a red armband with a swastika, and the words “I’D RATHER BE GASSING JEWS RIGHT NOW” over one of the student’s heads.

In the wake of the incident, ADL has maintained close contact with the principal of Great Neck South High School, and believes the school is taking the necessary steps to investigate and address the situation. ADL has also offered to work with administrators to address bias, bigotry, and bullying.

“We were alarmed to see this outrageous, anti-Semitic image and we are pleased the school is taking this troubling incident seriously,” said Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director. “Our hope is that the high school’s administrators will take tangible steps to confront the situation, and we stand ready to offer our assistance and resources to Great Neck South so that its students will never have to be subjected to anti-Semitic harassment or any type of bullying online or in the classroom.”

ADL recently launched its Cyber-Safety Action Guide, a platform where social media users can learn how and where to report bigoted, bullying or hateful speech to the major social media platforms and other Internet providers. Designed specifically for high school students, the League also developed a special curriculum which allows students to learn about and explore responses to cyberhate.

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