President Kennedy tonight was awarded “America’s democratic legacy award” and cited for his achievements in broadening civil rights and insuring constitutional freedom to all Americans.
The award was presented at the 50th annual meeting of the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith at which the President was guest of honor. It marked the President’s first appearance in person on the platform of a Jewish organization since he entered the White House.
Henry E. Schultz, ADL national chairman, in presenting the award to Mr. Kennedy, cited the President’s firm stand for separation of church from state, persistent opposition to forces of the extremes of left and right, expansion of equal employment opportunities throughout the federal establishment, denunciation of outrages perpetrated against minorities, executive orders combating discrimination, and other steps to promote freedom.
Leading personages of the Federal Government, including members of Congress and Cabinet officers, attended, together with leaders of the B’nai B’rith from all parts of the country. (By the time the Bulletin went to press, President Kennedy had not yet made his response.)
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
