Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
United Against Nuclear Iran: Environmental Time Bomb - Iranian 'Dark Fleet' and Substandard Tankers in Southeast Asian Waters
NEW YORK, May 9 -- United Against Nuclear Iran posted the following news release on May 7, 2026:
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The Environmental Time Bomb: Iranian "Dark Fleet" and Substandard Tankers in Southeast Asian Waters
As the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC) convenes in London this week to address the global framework for oil spill compensation, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) is sounding an urgent alarm. The continued use of aging, substandard, and under-insured vessels to transport sanctioned Iranian crude through the world's most sensitive maritime chokepoints represents a catastrophic
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NEW YORK, May 9 -- United Against Nuclear Iran posted the following news release on May 7, 2026:
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The Environmental Time Bomb: Iranian "Dark Fleet" and Substandard Tankers in Southeast Asian Waters
As the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC) convenes in London this week to address the global framework for oil spill compensation, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) is sounding an urgent alarm. The continued use of aging, substandard, and under-insured vessels to transport sanctioned Iranian crude through the world's most sensitive maritime chokepoints represents a catastrophicenvironmental risk that must be the top priority of the international maritime community.
UANI CEO Ambassador Mark D. Wallace released the following statement:
"As the IOPC convenes this week, the catastrophic risk of the dark fleet must be the top priority at this meeting. Consistent with IMO Resolution A.1192(33), UANI urges the IOPC Funds and regional authorities to increase surveillance, using satellite monitoring to track all tankers transiting the Lombok and Malacca Straits.
"UANI also calls on the IOPC Funds to enforce port state control to seize or deny entry to any vessel lacking verifiable P&I insurance from the International Group. And finally, UANI recommends the IOPC Funds end flag hopping and hold registries accountable for flagging vessels that bypass MARPOL and SOLAS safety conventions.
"The transit of the Iranian crude oil tankers HUGE and DERYA is an act of environmental brinkmanship. The international community cannot wait for the next PABLO to occur in the heart of a marine protected area before taking decisive action."
BACKGROUND
The Growing Threat in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia has become the primary theater for the Iranian dark fleet, which UANI has highlighted in its Ghost Armada list. The scale of these high-risk operations is unprecedented:
* The EOPL Hotspot: From the start of the current Iran War on February 28 to today, UANI has recorded 124 tankers laden with Iranian oil at the Eastern Outer Port Limits (EOPL) off Malaysia.
* Unchecked Impunity: On May 5 alone, 26 ghost tankers were loitering near the EOPL with active AIS signals. Satellite imagery from May 4 confirmed at least three Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfers of Iranian oil occurring simultaneously.
* New Transit Patterns: In a dangerous shift to avoid interdiction, Iranian tankers are now transiting the Lombok Strait in Indonesia:
- HUGE (IMO 9357183): Transited the strait on May 3 carrying ~ 2 million barrels.
- DERYA (IMO 9569700): Transited on May 4 after a failed delivery attempt in India.
The Lombok Strait is a critical migratory path for marine life, flanked by Bali and Lombok--economies entirely dependent on tourism and fishing. These tankers take uneconomical, circuitous routes through the Indian Ocean, significantly increasing the duration of exposure for these sensitive environments.
Substandard Vessels and Regulatory Evasion
The Iranian fleet operates outside the bounds of international safety standards, directly flouting IMO Resolution A.1192(33), adopted in December 2023. This resolution specifically urges member states to prevent the dark fleet from engaging in deceptive practices that undermine maritime safety, such as:
* AIS Manipulation: Systematic disabling or "spoofing" of transponders to mask illicit cargo origins.
* Lack of Oversight: These vessels are often over 20 years old, lack reputable Classification Society oversight, and operate without valid P&I insurance from International Group clubs.
A History of Inaction: The PABLO Precedent
Three years ago, in May 2023, the tanker PABLO exploded in the Malaysian EOPL. A known dark fleet vessel, its explosion resulted in a destroyed hull and a massive fire. Because the vessel lacked legitimate insurance, salvage and cleanup costs were left in legal limbo. Despite this warning, the volume of substandard Iranian oil transit has only increased.
Impact on Coastal Communities
An oil spill in the Lombok or Malacca Straits would be economically and ecologically terminal for the region:
* Financial Vulnerability: Notably, Indonesia is not a Party to the 1992 IOPC Fund Convention. Should a spill occur in Indonesian waters, the government cannot tap into global funds for cleanup support.
* The IOPC Burden: In member states like Malaysia, the lack of valid insurance on dark fleet vessels means the financial burden may fall entirely on the IOPC Funds--effectively forcing the compliant shipping community to pay for the negligence of a sanctioned regime.
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Original text here: https://www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/press-releases/environmental-time-bomb-iranian-dark-fleet-and-substandard-tankers-southeast-asian
[Category: Energy]
STAND UP AMERICA: DEMOCRATS MUST ACT IN LIGHT OF VIRGINIA SUPREME COURT DECISION ON REDISTRICTING REFERENDUM
WASHINGTON, May 9 -- Stand Up America, an organization was born in 2016 as a digital-first grassroots community working to resist what they say is Donald Trump's corruption, racism and his threats to democracy, issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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DEMOCRATS MUST ACT IN LIGHT OF VIRGINIA SUPREME COURT DECISION ON REDISTRICTING REFERENDUM
RICHMOND, VA-- In a major setback to Democrats' efforts to combat Donald Trump's nationwide redistricting scheme, the Virginia Supreme Court struck down the state's recent redistricting referendum creating four Democratic-leaning congressional
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WASHINGTON, May 9 -- Stand Up America, an organization was born in 2016 as a digital-first grassroots community working to resist what they say is Donald Trump's corruption, racism and his threats to democracy, issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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DEMOCRATS MUST ACT IN LIGHT OF VIRGINIA SUPREME COURT DECISION ON REDISTRICTING REFERENDUM
RICHMOND, VA-- In a major setback to Democrats' efforts to combat Donald Trump's nationwide redistricting scheme, the Virginia Supreme Court struck down the state's recent redistricting referendum creating four Democratic-leaning congressionalseats.
Stand Up America's Managing Director for Policy and Political Affairs, Brett Edkins, issued the following statement:
"Donald Trump and Republicans will seize every opportunity to silence voters if it means keeping their majority in Congress and evading accountability for their unpopular agenda. Now, the Virginia Supreme Court has overturned the will of voters and handed them a huge election-year gift that could give the Republicans four more seats in the U.S. House.
"Our country is at a tipping point. Democrats in Congress, and Democrats with power in other states, must meet this moment with political courage and defend our right to freely choose our leaders. The time for hand-wringing is over."
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About Stand Up America
Stand Up America is a progressive advocacy organization with 2.8 million community members across the country. Focused on grassroots advocacy to stand up to corruption and voter suppression and build a more representative democracy, Stand Up America has driven nearly 2 million calls to lawmakers, registered over 100,000 voters, mobilized over 100,000 protestors, and contacted tens of millions of voters.
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Original text here: https://standupamerica.com/2026/05/democrats-must-act-in-light-of-virginia-supreme-court-decision-on-redistricting-referendum/
[Category: Political]
Robo-Dogs for Wellsburg P.D. - PETA Offers $5,000 Toward Tech Instead of K-9s
NORFOLK, Virginia, May 9 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release:
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Robo-Dogs for Wellsburg P.D.? PETA Offers $5,000 Toward Tech Instead of K-9s
Wellsburg, W.Va. - As the Wellsburg Police Department seeks donations toward purchasing a dog to use as a K-9, PETA sent a letter today to Chief of Police Michael Allman with an offer to donate $5,000 toward the purchase of a tactical robot or other state-of-the-art technology instead.
PETA points out that dogs used for detection and tracking can't volunteer to risk their lives, yet many have been injured
... Show Full Article
NORFOLK, Virginia, May 9 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release:
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Robo-Dogs for Wellsburg P.D.? PETA Offers $5,000 Toward Tech Instead of K-9s
Wellsburg, W.Va. - As the Wellsburg Police Department seeks donations toward purchasing a dog to use as a K-9, PETA sent a letter today to Chief of Police Michael Allman with an offer to donate $5,000 toward the purchase of a tactical robot or other state-of-the-art technology instead.
PETA points out that dogs used for detection and tracking can't volunteer to risk their lives, yet many have been injuredand killed after being left in hot cars, struck by cars, assaulted by suspects, and even abused by trainers or handlers. Tactical robots, drones, and portable mass spectrometers can all be deployed in situations that could otherwise result in serious injury or death for K-9s and human officers.
"Police officers willingly take on the daily risks of their duties, but dogs can't sign up to risk their lives, yet many are injured or killed even when not on duty," says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. "PETA is eager to help the Wellsburg Police Department invest in state-of-the-art technology that will assist police officers, protect the community, and won't harm any dogs in the process."
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PETA--whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to abuse in any way"--points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
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PETA's letter to Allman follows.
May 8, 2026
Michael Allman
Chief of Police
Wellsburg Police Department
Via e-mail
Dear Chief Allman:
I hope this message finds you well. I'm writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to offer a $5,000 donation toward the purchase of technology, such as a tactical robot, instead of a new K-9. There are excellent reasons for this, if I may elaborate:
As you know, unlike their human counterparts, K-9s do not sign up to risk their lives. Dogs used for detection and tracking are prone to serious injury and even death when they are left in hot cars, struck by cars, assaulted by suspects, or even abused by trainers or handlers, all incidents we track. Just a few months ago, K-9 Sheik of the Wheeling Police Department died after she was struck by a car. Last fall, K-9 Walker of the Summers County Sheriff's Office strangled himself to death when his collar became stuck inside his off-duty kennel. In 2024, the former chief of the Pennsboro Police Department pleaded guilty to cruelty to animals for leaving his K-9 partner, Judge, in the back of his police cruiser when the vehicle wasn't running and the outside temperature was around 90 degrees. These are merely a few examples from West Virginia; dogs used for police work suffer across the country, and there are certainly injuries and fatalities that aren't reported publicly.
Instead of purchasing a dog, would you please plan to use the funds raised to purchase and train your officers in the use of state-of-the-art technology, such as tactical robots, drones, or portable mass spectrometers, which enhance safety and operational efficiency without risking anyone's life? Your department may be able to secure additional funding for new technology through the West Virginia Division of Administrative Services, the DOJ Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), and the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. You might also find private or equipment-specific grant funding opportunities through PoliceGrantsHelp.com.
Thank you for your consideration and for all that you do to keep your community safe. We look forward to hearing from you.
Most respectfully,
Allison Fandl
Manager of Special Projects
Cruelty Investigations Department | PETA
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Original text here: https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/robo-dogs-for-wellsburg-p-d-peta-offers-5000-toward-tech-instead-of-k-9s/
[Category: Animals]
Progress Virginia: Virginia Supreme Court Overturns Voters' Decision on Redistricting; Advocates Condemn Ruling
EARLYVILLE, Virginia, May 9 -- Progress Virginia, an advocacy organization that combines online organizing and communications with earned media strategies, issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Virginia Supreme Court Overturns Voters' Decision on Redistricting; Advocates Condemn Ruling
Richmond--Today, the Virginia Supreme Court struck down the results of April's statewide referendum on redistricting, ruling that the process used to advance the constitutional amendment was procedurally flawed. The 4-3 decision holds that the General Assembly's October 2025 vote to propose the
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EARLYVILLE, Virginia, May 9 -- Progress Virginia, an advocacy organization that combines online organizing and communications with earned media strategies, issued the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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Virginia Supreme Court Overturns Voters' Decision on Redistricting; Advocates Condemn Ruling
Richmond--Today, the Virginia Supreme Court struck down the results of April's statewide referendum on redistricting, ruling that the process used to advance the constitutional amendment was procedurally flawed. The 4-3 decision holds that the General Assembly's October 2025 vote to propose theamendment violated the state constitution's intervening-election requirement because some Virginians had already cast ballots under early voting before that vote occurred. The ruling reinstates the 2021 congressional maps and blocks implementation of the new maps that voters approved last month. The ruling comes as Republicans across the country continue to exploit redistricting to entrench their power ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
"Today's ruling is a disgraceful act of judicial sabotage against the more than 1.6 million ordinary Virginians who voted to restore fairness to our congressional elections," said Ashleigh Crocker, Interim Executive Director of Progress Virginia." Republicans in Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri have been allowed to ram through blatant partisan gerrymanders without ever asking the voters whose representation they were distorting. In Virginia, voters were given a choice. The amendment was put on the ballot in a free and fair election, Virginians voted yes, and now a bare partisan majority on the court has decided those votes should be thrown out because they found a procedural excuse to overturn an outcome they did not like. The Supreme Court of Virginia has chosen partisan politics over democracy and handed Trump and his allies an unfair advantage heading into the midterm elections, while the Supreme Court of the United States continues shredding voting rights protections across the country. Overtuning the will of the voters for naked political reasons is not justice. It is an abuse of power."
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Original text here: https://progressva.org/press-release/virginia-supreme-court-overturns-voters-decision-on-redistricting-advocates-condemn-ruling/
[Category: Political]
CAIR-SFBA Welcomes Court Decision Removing DA Rosen's Office From Stanford 11 Case, Urges State to Drop Charges
WASHINGTON, May 9 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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CAIR-SFBA Welcomes Court Decision Removing DA Rosen's Office from Stanford 11 Case, Urges State to Drop Charges
(SANTA CLARA, CA) -- The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a Santa Clara County Superior Court judge's decision disqualifying District Attorney Jeff Rosen and his entire office from retrying the felony case against five pro-Palestinian
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 9 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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CAIR-SFBA Welcomes Court Decision Removing DA Rosen's Office from Stanford 11 Case, Urges State to Drop Charges
(SANTA CLARA, CA) -- The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a Santa Clara County Superior Court judge's decision disqualifying District Attorney Jeff Rosen and his entire office from retrying the felony case against five pro-PalestinianStanford protesters, commonly known as the Stanford 11.
Judge Kelley Paul reportedly ruled Thursday that Rosen's office could not continue prosecuting the case because of a conflict of interest, citing concerns over Rosen's use of the prosecution in campaign materials and public messaging framing the case as part of his efforts to fight antisemitism, even though the defendants were not charged with a hate crime.
The ruling follows months of concern from civil rights advocates, students, and community members who warned that the prosecution was politically motivated and risked criminalizing pro-Palestinian speech and campus protest.
The case stems from a June 2024 protest inside Stanford University's president's office calling on the university to divest from companies tied to Israel's genocide in Gaza. Five defendants went to trial earlier this year on felony vandalism and conspiracy charges, but the case ended in a mistrial after the jury deadlocked. Rosen had announced plans to retry the case.
In a statement, CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo said:
"Today's ruling is an important acknowledgment that prosecutors cannot use their office to advance political narratives, fundraise off active prosecutions, or brand pro-Palestinian defendants with accusations that are not reflected in the charges. While this decision does not end the case, it should be the beginning of the end. The California Attorney General's Office should do what DA Rosen refused to do: drop these charges and stop the criminalization of students who protested genocide."
CAIR-SFBA said the ruling also underscores broader concerns about the selective and excessive prosecution of pro-Palestinian protesters across the Bay Area and nationwide.
"Students should not face years of prosecution because they challenged institutional complicity in violence abroad," Billoo said. "At a time when Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, and allied students have faced doxing, discipline, surveillance, and criminal charges for speaking out, this case has sent a chilling message. The state should not double down on that harm."
The California Attorney General's Office is now expected to determine whether to continue the prosecution, appeal the ruling, or drop the charges.
CAIR-SFBA is calling on Attorney General Rob Bonta to decline further prosecution and dismiss the case.
CAIR-SFBA is an office of CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-sfba-welcomes-court-decision-removing-da-rosens-office-from-stanford-11-case-urges-state-to-drop-charges/
[Category: Sociological]
CAIR-SD Condemns Islamophobic Jewish Heritage Month Display at UCSD
WASHINGTON, May 9 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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CAIR-SD Condemns Islamophobic Jewish Heritage Month Display at UCSD
The San Diego and Imperial Valley office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SD) today condemned an Islamophobic display on UCSD's campus during Jewish Heritage Month.
Multiple UCSD students expressed concern to CAIR-SD about the display located at UCSD's Price Center. Intended to represent the 30,961 lives "impacted as a result of radical Islamic terrorism and war," the number appears to reference
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 9 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on May 8, 2026:
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CAIR-SD Condemns Islamophobic Jewish Heritage Month Display at UCSD
The San Diego and Imperial Valley office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SD) today condemned an Islamophobic display on UCSD's campus during Jewish Heritage Month.
Multiple UCSD students expressed concern to CAIR-SD about the display located at UCSD's Price Center. Intended to represent the 30,961 lives "impacted as a result of radical Islamic terrorism and war," the number appears to referencedata published by Israel's Ministry of Defense and National Insurance Institute in anticipation of the Jewish holiday Yom HaZikaron.
In a statement, CAIR-SD Executive Director Tazheen Nizam condemned the display's Islamophobic rhetoric:
"While we unequivocably mourn the loss of all innocent life and reject antisemitism, framing a political conflict by equating Islam with terrorism and violence is profoundly harmful. Phrases such as 'radical Islamic terrorism' do not simply reference acts of violence but instead connect an entire religion and its followers to those acts.
"Islam is practiced by some two billion people around the world, and language that links religious identity to violence contributes to harmful stereotypes about Muslim students and communities. Religion is also a protected characteristic, making rhetoric such as this especially concerning on a university campus. Universities should be spaces where all students feel respected and supported, especially during conversations surrounding difficult and sensitive topics.
"It is also historically inaccurate to label every Israeli soldier death since 1948 as "radical Islamic terrorism." The conflict long predates recent events and has involved wars, occupation, displacement, and political struggle across generations.
"We demand that UCSD remove this display and take meaningful steps to protect its Muslim students from rhetoric that perpetuates harmful stereotypes about their faith and identity."
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-sd-condemns-islamophobic-jewish-heritage-month-display-at-ucsd/
[Category: Sociological]
ADL Statement on Guilty Plea and Sentencing of Man Responsible for Antisemitic Boulder Firebombing Attack
NEW YORK, May 9 -- The Anti-Defamation League, an anti-hate organization that aims to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all, posted the following statement on May 7, 2026:
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ADL Statement on Guilty Plea and Sentencing of Man Responsible for Antisemitic Boulder Firebombing Attack
ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) today released the following statement on the guilty plea and sentencing of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the individual responsible for the antisemitic firebombing in Boulder, Colorado, at a peaceful Run for Their Lives walk to bring attention
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, May 9 -- The Anti-Defamation League, an anti-hate organization that aims to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all, posted the following statement on May 7, 2026:
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ADL Statement on Guilty Plea and Sentencing of Man Responsible for Antisemitic Boulder Firebombing Attack
ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) today released the following statement on the guilty plea and sentencing of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the individual responsible for the antisemitic firebombing in Boulder, Colorado, at a peaceful Run for Their Lives walk to bring attentionto the hostages being held by Hamas.
We welcome today's guilty plea and sentencing of the man responsible for taking the life of Karen Diamond and injuring 28 others in one of the most shocking antisemitic acts in American history. This attack deeply traumatized the entire Jewish community and served as a reminder of what can happen when antisemitism is normalized in society.
No act of justice will bring back the life of Ms. Diamond, nor will it heal the wounds of those who suffered as a result of this horrific attack on a peaceful group of Americans.
We are deeply grateful for the work of law enforcement and District Attorney Michael Dougherty and his staff for pursuing justice in this case.
This firebombing was not a random act. The perpetrator planned this attack for over a year, targeting Jewish community members who were peacefully and publicly expressing their values. This demands a serious response, but the resolution of the state charges is just the beginning of the long road to justice for the victims. As ADL's latest data reveals, 2025 was the most violent year on record for American Jews since we started tracking this data in the 1970s, and last year saw the murder of three people in antisemitic attacks, including in Boulder. We are grateful to Gov. Polis for his partnership in securing additional Non-Profit Security Grant funding to help keep our communities safe, and we are working with individuals, families, schools and elected officials to confront antisemitism every single day.
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ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is "to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all." Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all.
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Original text here: https://www.adl.org/resources/press-release/adl-statement-guilty-plea-and-sentencing-man-responsible-antisemitic
[Category: Political]
