Washington, DC, October 11, 2005 — The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) today marks the 20th year since the murder of Alex Odeh. Odeh, ADC’s Southern California Regional Director, was killed on October 11, 1985, when a powerful pipe bomb exploded as he unlocked and opened the door of the ADC office in Santa Ana, California.

In addition to killing Odeh, the bomb injured several other victims. According to press reports, the FBI has identified members of the Jewish Defense League (JDL) as suspects in this act of domestic terrorism. The FBI investigation into Alex’s murder remains open, and there is currently a $1 million reward for information leading to conviction. To date, no arrests have been made. For more information see: www.fbi.gov/mostwant/seekinfo/odeh.htm

On September 22, 2005, JDL leader Earl Krugel, was sentenced to 20 years for his role in a 2001 plot to blow up a Los Angeles-area mosque, the office of an Arab-American congressman, and the office of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), for more information see: www.adc.org/index.php?id=2606

At the sentencing Krugel revealed one name linked to the Odeh investigation that had not been previously known. The judge seriously admonished Krugel for withholding this information for the past 20 years. The JDL has been responsible for at least 40 terrorist acts in the United States since its inception in 1968, according to the FBI.

ADC has repeatedly raised the Alex Odeh case with the FBI and the Justice Department. Although the FBI has for several years offered up to one million dollars for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Odeh’s murder, the case remains unresolved.

ADC President Mary Rose Oakar said, “ADC is deeply saddened that another year has gone by since Alex was killed and the perpetrators of this hideous crime are still at large. While being sentenced for his involvement in a plot to bomb Arab and Muslim targets, JDL leader Earl Krugel revealed another name associated with the killing of Alex and we call on the Department of Justice and the FBI, to use this information to resolve this serious act of domestic terrorism. We anticipate meeting with the FBI and DOJ about this issue in the very near future.”

Alex, a native of Jifna, Palestine, immigrated to the United States in 1972 and became a U.S. citizen in 1977. He was a poet, a lecturer and a tireless peace activist. Alex dedicated his life to the defense of civil liberties at home and civil and human rights abroad. He was survived by his wife Norma and their three daughters.

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