As a young leader involved with the Anti-Defamation League, where I serve on the New York Regional Board and the Executive Committee of the Lawyers’ Division, I take issue with a number of the points raised by Ben Sales in “The Two ADLs” (Opinion, Dec. 17), particularly his argument that the agency’s mission no longer resonates with young Jews. In my experience, ADL’s young leadership is very supportive of the agency’s dual mission of combating anti-Semitism and defending the state of Israel.
Sales is terribly naïve to suggest that ADL is too tough on organizations that call for boycotts
of the Jewish state, or in criticizing former President Jimmy Carter when he lashes out against Israel. He is also wrong to suggest that strong Israel advocacy should not be part of ADL’s mission. One could argue there is no agency that has been more active or effective in speaking out against the anti-Israel boycott campaigns, the anti-Semitism that emerges from pro-Palestinian rallies, and Palestinian terrorism and incitement. By the same token, we are proud of the ADL’s work in speaking out against anti-Muslim discrimination, and in bringing together Israeli-Arab and Jewish children for anti-bias workshops in Israel. In my view, young Jews who are not aware of ADL’s significant record and work in defending Israel and protecting the civil liberties of all peoples are in need of a wake-up call.
Anti-Defamation League
New York Regional Board Member
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