New York, NY, October 20, 2010 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has appointed a new director of Government & National Affairs in Washington, D.C.
Stacy Burdett, who has worked in the League's Washington office since 1993 and who has served as the League's point person on immigration reform and the fight against anti-immigrant bigotry, will succeed longtime Government & National Affairs Director Jess N. Hordes, who is retiring effective October 21.
As Associate Director, Burdett has led ADL efforts against global anti-Semitism and in support of international religious freedom in multilateral human rights institutions such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the United Nations.
Ms. Burdett has represented ADL at a number of inter-governmental conferences in Europe to promote ADL resources and expertise in areas such as anti-Semitism, hate crime monitoring, and tolerance education strategies. She served as an ADL monitor at the U.N. World Conference Against Racism in Durban, South Africa in 2001, which turned into an anti-Israel hatefest.
Stacy Burdett has dramatically raised the League's profile in multilateral human rights organizations, especially the OSCE, over the past decade," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "I have no doubt that she has the energy and talent to build on our successes in the nation's capital and guide our Washington Office to the next level."
Dr. Hordes began working for the ADL Washington Office in 1982. A highly respected analyst on Middle East issues, Dr. Hordes was instrumental in securing enactment of legislation to counter the Arab boycott of Israel. He has overseen the League's involvement in such policy priorities as hate crime, promoting civil rights, protecting religious liberty, combating anti-Semitism, educating on peace process issues and developing legislative initiatives to address and deter domestic and international terrorism. He has been the League's chief liaison to the Washington-based diplomatic corps, advancing Middle East understanding and expanding relations between the Jewish community and many foreign governments.
ADL has benefitted greatly from Jess's political instincts and keen insights on foreign policy and the Middle East peace process," said Mr. Foxman. We are grateful for his many years of service and pleased that Jess will continue to make his expertise available as a consultant for the League."