Dear John,

“He’s one of those New York Jews who think they can come up here and get away with anything,” said the jury’s forewoman.

The year was 1983. Barry Jacobson was fighting for his freedom and reputation. The open antisemitism exhibited by his jury meant his trial would be anything but fair.

Thanks to supporters like you, ADL was able to help when Barry turned to us last year. Your gift of $50, $75, $100, or more — which DOUBLES when a fellow ADL supporter matches it today — allows ADL to fight on behalf of the victims of antisemitism and hate, like Barry.

Despite a clearly prejudiced jury and a badly mishandled investigation, Barry was convicted of setting fire to his Massachusetts vacation home. He spent the next 40 years fighting to clear his name. “This wrongful conviction has cast a painful shadow over my life,” he says. Barry was advised that he would be eligible for pardon relief if only he would admit guilt. He refused, demanding justice instead.

“The evils of antisemitism and racism in our legal system must be fought relentlessly,” says Barry.

“While this injustice occurred in the 1980s, antisemitism continues to this day, both hidden and in plain view,” said Robert Trestan, regional director of ADL New England. “This case is a vivid reminder of the danger posed by antisemitism.”

When ADL learned of Barry’s case, we investigated the record going back to 1984 and were immediately persuaded that antisemitism infected the jury’s deliberations. We analyzed the antisemitic tropes used in those deliberations and explained to the DA how this pernicious hate influenced the process. We also filed an amicus brief with the court to escalate our concerns. Adding our voice, integrity and expertise to the conversations was important in raising the issue for the DA, who dove into the record herself and rectified this long-standing wrong.

In April of this year, Barry’s conviction was at last vacated. It’s a victory you helped make possible.

Thank you for fighting antisemitism and all forms of hate with ADL. Your gifts to ADL allow us to support the victims of antisemitism, aid law enforcement in bringing the perpetrators of hate to justice, educate communities about the dangers of bigotry and extremism and more.

To have your next gift automatically doubled, give by July 15. All gifts, up to $200,000, will be matched.

Fighting Hate, Together!

Jonathan Greenblatt

CEO and National Director

ADL