Hastings commemorates the ADL’s centennial celebration

Hastings commemorates the ADL’s centennial celebration

Submitted by Lale Mamaux

     Fort Lauderdale, FL — Recently  Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) made the following statement in recognition of the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) centennial celebration.  The ADL is the nation’s premier human rights organization, founded in 1913 to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to advocate for the fair treatment of all Americans.

    “One hundred years ago, the Anti-Defamation League was founded in a small law office in Chicago. With two desks and a $200 budget, the ADL ran headfirst into the fires of hatred raging in our nation. Over the last century, the ADL has stood up to the Klu Klux Klan, opposed Neo-Nazi hate-groups, and aided in the creation of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act.  With dedication to the principals set-forth at the inception of the League, the ADL has risen to become our nation’s premier organization in advocating for human and civil rights not only for Jews, but for all who call America home.

    “The ADL is a champion of our country’s highest ideals – a steadfast proponent of equality and justice for all Americans regardless of race, sex or creed. It is a true privilege to work hand in hand with the ADL in the pursuit of a more perfect nation, free from violence and hatred. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to eliminating discrimination in our country.

    “In the past month, we marked National Holocaust Remembrance Day, paying tribute to the 6 million Jews 11 million people who lost their lives at the hands of the Nazi regime. We paid tribute to the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King and the sacrifices made in the name of freedom and equality. We honored the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings, a haunting reminder of how much further we have to go in eliminating violence and hatred from our world. We must carry in our hearts the resolve to strive for a world without violence – where all people, regardless of race, religion, or creed – may live together free from the burdens of persecution and hate.”

    Congressman Alcee L. Has-tings serves as a Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.