Although humanity has entered a new millennium, many age-old problems remain ­ often in new guises, but as disturbing, and potentially destructive, as ever.

Anti-Semites and other haters are still among us, and have embraced 21st century technologies for disseminating their venom. It takes constant vigilance to maintain the separation of church and state in America ­ as we have recently been reminded by the new prominence of school vouchers and federally funded faith-based social services on the national agenda.

ADL is staying true to its role as a leader in civil rights and human relations by continually adapting to meet these new challenges:

* developing new methods of neutralizing the growing availability of anti-Semitic, racist and extremist material that is spread so easily via the Internet

* defending church-state separation through careful monitoring, legal action, training and the publication of educational materials

* working to ensure that Jews and non-Jews understand the complexities of the Middle East situation and the need to support the democratically elected Government of Israel

* spreading our message of inclusion and mutual respect, and against bigotry and discrimination, in every available venue ­ the media, the legislatures, the courts and the schools

As we have throughout our 87-year history ­ and as long as anti-Semitism, bigotry and prejudice exist ­ ADL will remain vigilant, and continue to build on our firm foundation of principles in the future.

Next: Honoring Abe Foxman