FBI Presents Director’s Community Leadership Award to the Anti-Defamation League

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) John V. Gillies, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, announced today that the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Florida office, is the recipient of the 2009 Director’s Community Leadership Award. The ADL was presented the award at a ceremony held today at the FBI’s office in Miami.

Established in 1990, the Director’s Community Leadership Award is presented each year by FBI field offices to an individual or organization who has exhibited exemplary leadership within the community and whose leadership has assisted the FBI and local law enforcement personnel in making safer communities. These individuals or organizations, whose achievements in the areas of crime prevention, drug deterrence, or similar educational programs, have made a positive difference in their communities.

The ADL was founded in 1913 to stop the defamation of Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. It fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry in the United States and abroad through information, education, legislation, and advocacy. Listed below are several initiatives which warrant recognition:

• L.E.A.R.N.: The Law Enforcement Agency Resource Network website is a comprehensive and regularly updated database which tracks actionable information on extremist activities for local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Information on hate symbols, extremist incidents and arrests, and training can also be found on this website.
• A World of Difference Institute: This initiative provides anti-bias education and training with curriculum and materials for Pre-K through university level students, community groups, civic associations, and religious organizations.
• Bearing Witness Program: A partnership with the ADL and Catholic schools to provide educators with the training and resources necessary to teach students about the historical relationship between Jewish and Catholic communities. This program is also responsible for maintaining relationships and dialogue with international, national, and local religious leaders of all faiths.

The ADL’s commitment to scrutinizing and exposing extremists, hate groups, fostering interfaith relations, and developing educational programs that support this cause are exemplary and merits recognition by the FBI.

Special Agent in Charge John V. Gillies stated, “It is such an honor to present this award to the Anti-Defamation League. Over the years, the FBI has relied on their extensive research and training expertise to assist us in carrying out our mission. The ADL Florida office is an outstanding partner in every sense of the word and is truly deserving of the Director’s Award for Community Leadership.”

Past winners include:

• Handy, Inc.: a non-profit organization founded in 1985 to address the fundamental needs of Broward County’s Foster Care Children.
• National Black MBA Association, Inc.: founded in 1987 to provide mentoring, leadership development, and scholarship opportunities for socio-economically disadvantaged students who are interested in attending college.
• Ms. Shirley Taylor-Prakkelt: the former Director of Housing for the Town of Davie, Florida, who was responsible for implementing neighborhood revitalization programs to reduce crime, drugs, and gang violence in her local community. Her Youth Scholarship Award Fund was highlighted as a positive initiative which encourages students to take part in activities which would positively impact their local community.

  From Left to Right: SAC John Gillies, ADL Florida Regional Director Andrew Rosenkranz, ADL Southern Area Legal Counsel David Barkey, and Community Outreach Specialist Jeff Green.