(As Prepared)

Everyday at ADL we unfortunately have to deal with issues of hate, racism, anti-Semitism, bigotry and prejudice.  Until we find a preventative vaccine the best antidote we have is education.

As many of you know ADL engages in a vast variety of educational endeavors to promote respect and understanding.  Through our award winning pioneer anti-bias programs and campaigns  -- such as A World of Difference, No Place for Hate, Miller Early Childhood Initiative, Countering Cyberbullying and Internet Hate and Prejudice is Foul Play to name just a few -- we provide the tools for students and teachers, parents and caregivers, employees and management, communities and government institutions to stand up against prejudice and bigotry; to help create a bias-free environment in our schools, on our playing fields, in our communities and country.

When people stand up and say No, No to hate, No to racism, No to anti-Semitism and No to prejudice and inequality, the haters lose. It takes one, then another, then another. I stand here today because one person, my Polish Catholic nanny stood up against the Nazis, had me baptized and raised me as her own, until the end of the war and my parents returned. Thousands of other children were saved in the same way; but one and a half million perished because no one stood up for them.

Standing up and taking a stand is the right thing to do.  It is powerful, empowering and exemplifies the best in people.

We are here today to recognize and say thank you to one who did just that.  Most of you know that all too often accomplished athletes, artists and academics who happen to be Israelis are denied the opportunity to compete, exhibit, or lecture with their counterparts. And, sadly, all too often, no one stands up for them.

That is why what Venus Williams did in Dubai this past February must be acknowledged and celebrated, as we do tonight.  When Shahar Pe’er was denied a visa to compete in the tournament Venus knew that it was wrong.  She knew that someone had to say so.  And she did!

She spoke publicly to media, saying, “"I felt like I had to talk about her. I thought it was brave of her to come here and try and play despite knowing that it is not going to be easy for her…I felt I had a small opportunity to say something where everyone will listen…I am not here to rock any boat or upset people, I am just here to do things that are right.”

In a letter to me, Venus said: “I felt that it was my duty to let everyone know how upsetting the situation was so that it will never happen again…All the women on the WTA Tour should have an equal and fair chance to play their sport…There is no place in sports for politics. The players on the WTA are there to compete to the best of their ability, and should not be burdened by the actions of the political world. We will continue to fight against prejudice.”

We know that words have consequences, and not always for the good.  However, Venus’ words were for the good.  They were supportive, put the Dubai Tennis Championship on notice and, while it was too late for Shahar to compete, Andy Rom’s visa, first delayed, was granted.

Venus, the world knows what a singles champion you are. We want the world to know that you are a singular champion.  For standing up for what is right in the best tradition of our nation, our democratic values, and the commitment to equality and fair treatment for all, on behalf of the Anti-Defamation League I am pleased to present you with the ADL Americanism Award.