Name: Andrew Frackman

Occupation: Attorney

1. How did you get involved with ADL?

 I became involved with ADL back in the 1990’s when I was invited to participate in the New York Region’s Lawyers Division.  I have been involved ever since.  I have served as Co-Chair of the Lawyers Division and now am Vice Chair of the New York Regional Board.  I was attracted by the issues that we discussed and debated in the Lawyers Division meetings, and continue to be a proponent of  ADL’s agenda.

2. What does ADL mean to you?

ADL is among the organizations that I am most proud of being a part of because it may be the one that has the greatest impact, both in our New York community and world-wide. The issues that we focus on are important — hate and bigotry, anti-Semitism, First Amendment/church and state, civil rights.  These are the matters that we need to address to improve society.  Contrary to what one might believe, over the time I have been involved,  ADL’s agenda has only increased in importance and relevance.  Hate crimes against all types of minority groups do not seem to diminish.  The line between church and state remains fragile.  Anti-Semitism, and anti-Zionism, is increasing around the world, not diminishing. To have the chance to assist in ADL’s agenda is a privilege.

3. As a leader in the ADL community, how would you advise others to have a local impact in the fight against hate?

One of the most important things you can do in your community is to engage in the issues.  Although it sounds self-evident, we sometimes forget that those who proactively engage have a chance to have an impact.  Those who never engage have no chance at all.  Some practical ways to engage are sharing  ADL’s education materials with your children’s school or reporting an incident you see in your community.  If we can catch hate speech and conduct in children through education, we have the possibility of avoiding it in these individuals when they are adults.  Assisting in creating opportunities for ADL’s experts to meet with local leaders — governmental, educational, and private — is another way to help educate our local communities about the expertise that ADL brings to the fight against hate and to our goal of ensuring that all feel safe, secure and respected.  The fight against hate, bigotry, and anti-Semitism often begins with and often is dependent on such local efforts.