Each year, the furniture industry joins the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) to support the National Home Furnishings Industry Dinner and highlight the work of industry leaders who embody the organization’s core mission and values. Raising more than $1 million annually for ADL, the industry came together last night in NYC to honor Ellen Gefen, President of the Gefen Co. Inc.; Simon Kaplan, CEO and Chairman of Crest Furniture; and Michael Traub, former CEO of Serta Simmons Bedding LLC.
In addition to the awards ceremony, Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL’s CEO and National Director, addressed the audience of more than 500 from around the country, sharing ways in which ADL is leading the path as the premier anti-hate organization. Oren Segal, Director of ADL’s Center on Extremism and former skinhead recruiter, Tony McAleer, provided an interactive discussion about hate in the 21st century and the ways in which ADL is working to create a safer environment for all.
Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of anti-Semitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education, and fighting hate online, ADL is the first call when acts of anti-Semitism occur. ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate.
- As advocates, ADL speaks out to secure justice and fair treatment for all.
- As educators, ADL creates and implements programs to address bias and bullying in schools and the workplace, including working with law enforcement.
- As investigators, ADL monitors and reports on extremists, and responds on behalf of victims of hate crimes and Anti-Semitism.
For more information on the event, or to help ADL fight hate for good, visit www.adl.org/furniture19 or contact Beth Katznelson, Director of National Industry Partnerships and Corporate Giving, at bkatznelson@adl.org.
