Since becoming National Chair in November 1997, I have focused on strengthening ADL's
ability to respond to incidents of anti-Semitism and bigotry wherever they appear.
Recently, a new challenge to our values emerged from the proliferation of anti-Semitic and
conspiracy-oriented hate sites on the Internet. ADL fought back by raising awareness,
enhancing its own Internet site, and developing a software filter to allow parents and
teachers to protect children. Once again, ADL took the lead and confronted extremism head
on.
To advance our mission to secure a more just and tolerant society, we build on ADL's
historic leadership role in reducing prejudice through education, preserving the values of
the First Amendment, and building bridges among racial, ethnic and religious groups in
America. Through our award-winning educational programs, we influence the hearts and minds
of future generations and build a legacy of tolerance and peace. By defending the
separation of church and state, ADL protects America's great experiment in pluralism and
secures religious liberty for all. By fostering intergroup dialogue, we overcome the
deeply held distrust that threatens to divide and polarize us against each other.
As I travel around the country and abroad, I am struck both by how successful and
respected ADL is, and by how desperate is the need for our work. From skinhead violence in
Denver to domestic terrorism in Atlanta, when people ask for ADL's help, we respond. Our
mission has never been clearer.
Our search continues for new strategies to repair the world.
Howard P. Berkowitz
National Chair
One of ADL's strengths as an organization is the presence of a national body
headquartered in New York, together with a grass-roots structure of Regional and Satellite
Offices in 30 cities in the United States and abroad. As this year's Annual Report
highlights, the interplay between the two provides for a complex understanding of the
problems facing our nation and a sophisticated and diverse approach to solving those
problems.
Issues do not always appear the same from a national -- as opposed to a regional --
perspective, and indeed, issues look very different from region to region. In some areas
anti-Semitic incidents may be a major cause for concern, while in others less so. In some
areas the intrusion of religion into the public sphere is a real challenge which
preoccupies our lay and professional leaders, while in others the problem seems less
significant as compared to the threat posed by militias or the challenges of
bias-motivated crimes.
Through the diversity, however, the Anti-Defamation League seeks a consistency in
principle and mission which is the task of the organization's national lay and
professional structures. Policies are formulated which reflect our fundamental mission --
to combat anti-Semitism, protect the security of the Jewish people, and fight hatred and
bigotry of all kinds. In the process we develop short and long-term programs, legislative
and educational, which are implemented throughout the country by our Regional Boards and
Offices. The key to success is the constant interaction and communication between our
people throughout the country and those in our National Headquarters -- an ongoing
exchange of ideas and perspectives which we believe keeps ADL in touch with a dynamic and
ever-changing America.
Abraham H. Foxman
National Director
