[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 143 (Thursday, October 1, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1410-E1411]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELIZABETH H. ESTY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 1, 2015

  Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the Anti-Defamation 
League and the tireless work of the ADL's Connecticut Regional Office. 
Now more than ever, the world needs the bravery of League members and 
allies to confront anti-Semitism and defend the civil rights and 
humanity of all people.
  Tonight I will have the privilege of joining friends and neighbors 
from across Connecticut at the Greater Hartford Torch of Liberty Award 
Reception. Created to recognize those who epitomize the Anti-Defamation 
League's values and commitment to community and public service, this 
year's Torch of Liberty Award honorees include our esteemed Lieutenant 
Governor, the Honorable Nancy Wyman, Mr. John J. Patrick, Jr., and Ms. 
JoAnn H. Price.
  The timing could not be more appropriate. Their examples of selfless 
service are welcome reminders of the need for this House to eschew the 
dysfunction of rigid ideologies and selfish partisanship. The occasion 
is also a timely reminder of the broader importance of the values which 
this year's award winners embody.
  Founded in 1913, the Anti-Defamation League's stated mission was ``to 
stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair 
treatment to all.'' From that admirable spirit its members have 
fashioned a

[[Page E1411]]

legacy of confronting all forms of bigotry, educating our youth in 
order to guard against ignorance, and defending the ideals and civil 
rights that are necessary for people to live in a peaceful, just, and 
democratic society.
  Recent and troubling world events now pose a unique and humbling 
challenge to this cause. We've witnessed a rise in anti-Semitic 
passions abroad, as in areas throughout Europe, but also sadly at home. 
Even this House has demonstrated in recent debates that honest and 
heart-felt differences of opinion can escalate into divisive arguments 
marked by coded language and insinuations that teach us to fear and 
dehumanize one another. We are better than that. If we engage one 
another respectfully, no disagreement need devolve into questioning our 
shared devotion to our allies. We can come to different decisions while 
still uniting in our support for Israel and against efforts to impugn 
the loyalty of fellow citizens with whom we may occasionally disagree.
  I therefore urge this House to accept responsibility for leading by 
example. Let us reject the temptation to reinforce our divisions. 
Instead, let us bind ourselves together with appreciation for our 
differences and a commitment to defend the dignity and worth of every 
human being. I urge this House to undertake the work of protecting and 
expanding the civil, religious, and human rights that are the best 
evidence that America remains the home of the brave and land of the 
free.

                          ____________________