Award recognizes visionary leaders in the business community
NEW YORK, November 14, 2018 … ADL announced today that Apple CEO Tim Cook will be the first recipient of ADL’s Courage Against Hate award for his work as a champion of unity, diversity, and social progress. Cook is a leader who has demonstrated that the business community has a responsibility to make the world better for all people. The award will be presented to Cook at ADL’s annual Never Is Now Summit on anti-Semitism and Hate on December 3 in New York City, where he will also deliver the keynote address.
ADL established the Courage Against Hate award to recognize courageous and visionary leaders from the private sector who are dedicated to fighting hate for good, boldly use their personal and professional brands to that end and inspire others to actively work to make the world a better place.
Cook has shown that a company can speak out on social issues and be even more successful and profitable than in the past. Through his efforts, he has significantly advanced ADL’s timeless mission to fight hate and secure justice and fair treatment to all.
“During a time where technology is being used to spread hate, Tim has been a trailblazer in combating it on Apple’s platforms,” said ADL CEO and National Director Jonathan Greenblatt. “He is a staunch advocate for the LGBTQ community and immigrants’ rights while denouncing racist vitriol like the events in Charlottesville and we are proud and excited to present Tim with this award.”
After the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August 2017, Cook wrote in a letter to all Apple employees: “We've seen the terror of white supremacy and racist violence before. It's a moral issue — an affront to America. We must all stand against it.” Cook not only personally takes an active stance against hate, but he has encouraged his co-workers to do so.
In addition, Cook has urged Apple employees to donate to charitable organizations in their community and he initiated a company program to match employee donations. Apple has given millions of dollars for disaster relief efforts around the world and the company is the largest corporate donor to (RED) in its fight against AIDS around the world.
The Courage Against Hate award will be given annually by ADL to business leaders who exemplify ADL’s core values, including courage, collaboration, inclusion and integrity, and take action to secure justice and fair treatment for all.
For more information on Never Is Now, visit the conference at www.NeverIsNow.org; media can RSVP by sending a request to adlmedia@adl.org