crime scene (illustrative)
crime scene (illustrative)Reuters

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed outrage over the alleged anti-Semitic hate crime that occurred yesterday against a Jewish student from Michigan State University (MSU).

Zachary Tennen, a sophomore at MSU, was knocked unconscious and had his mouth stapled shut Sunday morning by two men at an off-campus party.

Prior to the assault, the men allegedly asked Tennen if he was Jewish. Upon hearing him answer in the affirmative, the attackers chanted "Heil Hitler," gave the Nazi salute and proceeded to beat Tennen, until he was no longer conscious.

Tennen sustained a broken jaw and other injuries and was hospitalized following the attack.

The ADL has been in contact with the Tennen family, as well as local law enforcement and university officials since first learning of the assault.

"We are horrified by this violent assault and allegations that the student may have been viciously attacked because he was Jewish," said Betsy Kellman, ADL Detroit Regional Director. 

"We are confident that the East Lansing Police will thoroughly investigate this deeply troubling case and, given the allegations, treat it as a possible hate crime.  We hope the perpetrators will be swiftly brought to justice," Kellman added.