U.S. Army investigates beating of soldier

ATLANTA, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- Atlanta's Anti-Defamation League says the U.S. Army is investigating the beating of a Jewish soldier who complained he was the victim of discrimination.

At the ADL's request, Army Pvt. Michael Handman, 20, was moved to another unit at Fort Benning, Ga., after suffering a concussion and bruises during an attack by another soldier on Sept. 24, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Monday.

Before the attack, Handman told his parents a drill sergeant refused to let him wear his yarmulke in the dinning hall and wouldn't allow him to pray during guard duty.

Another drill sergeant is accused of referring to Handman as "Juden," a German word for Jew that is considered derogatory.

Army officials said they learned of Handman's complaints in a notice of inquiry sent by the office of U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., who was contacted by the soldier's parents.

ADL spokesman Bill Nigut says his organization became involved after the assault and requested the Army move Handman for his safety.