New York, NY, December 6, 2013
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the appointment of veteran law enforcement executive William J. Bratton as police commissioner of New York City.
Praising his “strong record of success, everywhere he has worked” the League said it looked forward to continuing the close relationship it has maintained with Mr. Bratton through his previous tenures in Boston, New York and Los Angeles.
“Bill Bratton is the consummate law enforcement professional and someone we have known and partnered with on many vital issues of concern to the Jewish community,” said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.
Gregg Mashberg, Chair of ADL’s New York Regional Board added: “He knows the streets, knows the people and knows the problems and has made a dramatic difference in making America’s largest cities safer and more secure for all.”
The League also had strong words of praise for outgoing Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly and his department’s work in addressing hate crimes, bias-motivated violence and terrorism. “Ray Kelly’s record of service is exemplary. We applaud his efforts to reduce crime, give hate crimes the highest priority, and his successful efforts to protect the city against terrorism,” said Mr. Foxman.
Mr. Bratton’s relationship with ADL began in Boston, where he worked with the League in utilizing its expertise on hate crimes, anti-Semitism, racism and anti-bias training. He was also frequently in contact with ADL while he was the top cop in New York and Los Angeles.
In recognition of his leadership in law enforcement and in combating terrorism, ADL honored Mr. Bratton in 2010 with the League’s William and Naomi Gorowitz Institute Service Award, which salutes outstanding achievements in combating terrorism, extremism and injustice.
The Anti-Defamation League is the leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry. Follow us on Twitter: @ADL_News