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Senators receive Levenson Family Defender of Democracy Award for protecting the Jewish community and upholding democratic values
New York, NY, October 5, 2026 … ADL (the Anti-Defamation League), the leading anti-hate organization in the world, honored Senators Jacky Rosen and James Lankford with the Levenson Family Defender of Democracy Award at its Spotlight on Hope event in Washington, D.C., recognizing their bipartisan leadership in protecting the Jewish community and combating antisemitism. Presented annually, the award recognizes individuals who take a principled stand to uphold and defend the tenets of democracy embodied in the Constitution of the United States and act courageously in defense of democratic values.
Senators Rosen and Lankford have worked together across the aisle to protect the Jewish community and strengthen the federal response to antisemitism. Their leadership on the bipartisan Jewish American Security Act champions comprehensive legislation that will protect Jewish communities, students and institutions from antisemitic hate, violence, discrimination and intimidation across sectors.
U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen receives the ADL Levenson Family Defender of Democracy Award from Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO.
“For years, Senators Rosen and Lankford have stood together against antisemitism, demonstrating that protecting the Jewish people transcends party lines,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director. “From founding the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism to advancing the Jewish American Security Act, they have turned their shared commitment into action. We applaud them for their principled leadership and tireless work protecting and advocating for the Jewish community.”
“When Senator Lankford and I founded the first-ever Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, we made it our goal to bring the fight against antisemitism and Holocaust denial to the forefront of the national agenda. Through introducing and passing legislation, engaging with Administrations of both parties, and organizing active discussions with high-ranking officials both at home and abroad, we’ve managed to reach across the aisle and push for real change and protections for Jewish communities at home and abroad,” said Senator Rosen. “It is truly an honor to receive the Levenson Defender of Democracy award with my good friend and colleague Senator James Lankford. We promise to continue fighting to ensure that Jewish communities everywhere can practice their religion and participate in society without fear.”
"Antisemitism is never acceptable, and we must condemn it in all forms,” said Senator Lankford. “Our Jewish friends and neighbors should not live in fear because of their faith and heritage. Thank you to the ADL for your partnership.”
ADL’s Spotlight on Hope took place on Monday, October 5, bringing together artists, policymakers and ADL supporters to celebrate courage in confronting hatred, antisemitism and injustice. Senator Rosen accepted the award on behalf of herself and Senator Lankford.
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913 to protect the Jewish people, ADL works to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice and fair treatment to all. In the face of rising antisemitism and extremism, we protect, advocate, and educate, through a mix of programs and services using the latest innovations and technology, and seek to create a world without hate.