Palm Beach, FL, February 8, 2002 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) presented President George Herbert Walker Bush with its distinguished Joseph Prize for Human Rights. The former president was the keynote speaker at ADL's National Executive Committee Meeting in Palm Beach, Florida.

Abraham H. Foxman, National Director of the Anti-Defamation League, presents former President George H.W. Bush with the ADL Joseph Prize for Human Rights.

The League honored President Bush for his efforts that resulted in Operation Solomon, the 1991 rescue of Ethiopian Jews. The ADL Joseph Prize for Human Rights recognizes world leaders for their achievements in advancing freedom, democracy and human rights.

"President Bush showed us his deep commitment to human rights when he directly intervened to enable the airlift of some 15,000 Jews from Ethiopia in less than 24 hours," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "We recognize his continuing commitment to freedom and his always outspoken support for Israel."

In 2001, Israel and world Jewry marked the 10th anniversary of Operation Solomon, the historic airlift of Jews from war-ravaged Ethiopia to safety in Israel. President Bush played an instrumental role in making the rescue operation a resounding success.

"We knew we were doing the right thing," President Bush said of the historic airlift. "We went to Ethiopia because we know that peace and harmony will take root and grow and someday flower in the Promise Land."

In a reference to the current conflict in the Middle East, the former President added, "The ignorance of our forefathers must not become the doctrine of our sons. All sides in the Middle East have the opportunity to rise above ancient enmities. It's not too late. What matters today is not that we lost our way, but that we seek our path once more."

The Joseph Prize was established to honor distinguished individuals who have worked on behalf of human rights and helped to achieve and maintain democratic ideals for all. Past award recipients include Jordan's King Hussein, South African President F.W. deKlerk and Israeli Prime Ministers Menachem Begin and Golda Meir.

ADL's National Executive Committee Meeting brings together Jewish community leaders from across the country and is the League's highest policymaking body.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.