[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 159 (Wednesday, October 4, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1325]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF MICHAEL LIEBERMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 4, 2017

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the contributions of an 
extraordinary individual, Michael Lieberman, who in September 
celebrated 35 years at the Anti-Defamation League. Over his 35 year 
tenure with ADL, Michael has made invaluable contributions to the civil 
rights community on issues such as religious freedom, fighting anti-
Semitism and all forms of discrimination, and striking the right 
balance between security and civil liberties.
  As ADL's Washington Counsel, his advocacy for hate crime legislation 
is particularly noteworthy. Michael worked to secure passage of a 
comprehensive federal hate crimes law for more than 15 years. His 
leadership on this issue was instrumental in the passage of the Matthew 
Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which was 
signed into law by President Obama in 2009. Michael also chairs the 
Hate Crime Coalition for the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human 
Rights, the most important civil rights coalition organization in 
Washington, and is widely recognized as one of our nation's foremost 
experts on hate crime laws.
  As ADL's point person on Federal and state response to bullying and 
bias-motivated violence, Michael has participated in a number of 
academic and law enforcement training seminars on the subject--
including training at the FBI Academy at Quantico. He has written 
numerous pieces on the issue, including training manuals and articles 
for criminal justice and civil rights publications. In 2015 he received 
the Justice Department's 2015 Meritorious Public Service Award for his 
leadership work in building coalitions to combat hate violence.
  Michael embodies ADL's mission. He works tirelessly to stop the 
defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair 
treatment to all. His entire career has focused on making the world a 
better place for all individuals, regardless of who they are or where 
they came from. He is a remarkable professional, mentor, and friend. 
Everyone that has an opportunity to work with Michael is constantly 
impressed by his drive and passion to make a difference. His work at 
the League has made an impact on countless lives, and we thank him for 
his substantial contributions to the community and our nation.

                          ____________________