ADL paid tribute to Abraham H. Foxman in March 2000 to mark his 13th year as ADL National Director and his three-and-a-half decades of service to ADL at a dinner attended by more than 1,200 guests from around the world. Speakers described Mr. Foxman as ­ in the words of former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, the master of ceremonies ­ "a foe of discrimination wherever it appeared, against whomever it might be directed."

"It is said in the Book of Isaiah, 'ohr la'goyim,' 'I will make you a light unto all nations.' Abe, throughout your life you've been a guiding light ­ to the people of our nation, to the citizens of Israel, and to those fighting for peace and justice around the world."

­ Then-President Bill Clinton

"I searched for a Greek word that best captures the way I feel, and it suddenly came to me...The word, from ancient Greek, is 'rabbi.' According to the wonderful writer Leo Rosten, 'rabbi' means 'my teacher,' not just 'teacher,' but 'my teacher.' And Abe, that is what you have been to me and to so many others in this room. You have...educated me about anti-Semitism and made me understand it far better than I ever did before, and like the greatest of rabbis, you just don't teach the ethical precepts of the Torah, you live them."

­ George Tenet, Director, CIA

"I thank Abe for the people of the City of New York, and personally, for all that he's done to reduce fear in the hearts of all Americans and to allow us to move forward in the quest for finding the things that unite us rather than focusing on the things that divide us."

­ Mayor Rudolph Giuliani

"Abe's contributions not just to ADL, but to America as a whole are formidable. It has been said that 'one man can make a difference.' Those of us who know Abe Foxman certainly know this to be true."

­Former President George Bush

"Throughout the years, you have prodded the conscience of the world, calling for greater respect for the dignity and worth of all individuals and promoting the ideals of freedom that have made our nation great."

­ Then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush