In the year 2000, the Anti-Defamation League remained true to our original mission: to fight anti-Semitism and bigotry, and promote respect among diverse groups in America and the world. Whether in cyberspace, international affairs, civil rights, national policy, educational programs, community outreach or informational materials, our voice was heard. From small-town schools to the halls of Congress, the Vatican to the Middle East, ADL acted on principle to help change the world.

We continued to fight for the principle of church-state separation, which has protected religious freedom ­ and religious minorities, such as Jews ­ throughout America's history. Our efforts were validated when the U.S. Supreme Court agreed with ADL in a major ruling on prayer in public schools.

As the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict ­ which had seemed so close to the beginnings of real peace ­ flared into a new outbreak of bloodshed, ADL unwaveringly supported the government of Israel, and worked to strengthen that support among both Jews and non-Jews. And when anti-Israeli sentiment emanating from the Mideast flared up in attacks on Jewish communities in the United States and Europe, we spoke out to condemn these incidents for what they were ­ expressions of blatant anti-Semitism, not "policy disagreement."

As sharp divisions continued to exist in American society, ADL worked tirelessly to emphasize democratic values and inclusiveness. Our efforts culminated in a new nationwide campaign, undertaken with Barnes & Noble, which produced an anti-hate campaign in the bookseller's stores.

In the year ahead, we will continue to stand firm and fight hard for our ideals, with the help of our skilled professional staff and dedicated volunteers across the United States and abroad. And we will continue to pursue multiple approaches ­ through the key areas of Civil Rights, Community Service, Education, Government and National Affairs, International Affairs and Marketing and Communications ­ to the goal of our 1913 founding mission: "to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all citizens alike." 

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