Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization based in the United States. It works to fight anti-Semitism and other forms of prejudice . Anti-Semitism is prejudice against Jews . The ADL also works to defend democratic ideals and protect religious freedom and other civil rights .
The ADL develops various programs, services, and materials to promote communication and understanding between people with different backgrounds. It provides information and educational and other programs for the general public, governments, law-enforcement professionals, the media, students, and teachers. For example, some ADL initiatives teach young people to recognize prejudice and its effects, strengthen their Jewish identity, respond to anti-Semitism, or educate their peers. Others combat cyberbullying , provide anti-bias training for teachers, or teach people about the Holocaust . Cyberbullying is intentional and repeated harm inflicted on people through the use of computers, cellular telephones, and other electronic devices. The Holocaust was the systematic, state-sponsored murder of Jews and other people by the Nazis during World War II (1939-1945). The ADL also monitors anti-Semitic, extremist, and terrorist activities in the United States and other countries; works to expose those who foster prejudice; promotes the well-being of Jews worldwide; and supports legislation against hate crimes .
The Anti-Defamation League was founded in 1913 by Chicago lawyer Sigmund Livingston, with support from B’nai B’rith , an international Jewish service organization. The establishment of the ADL was partly a response to negative portrayals of Jews in the media and entertainment. Today, the organization is based in New York City. It has more than 25 branch offices in the United States and one in Israel.
