ADL Blog

Letter from ADL Southwest Regional Director Mark B. Toubin and ADL Southwest Regional Board Chair Mark R. Trachtenberg on the Attack on the U.S. Capitol

In its 107-year history, ADL has confronted the worst of human inclinations. We have done so knowing that our efforts are backstopped by America’s longstanding (albeit imperfect) democratic institutions. Yesterday’s attack on the U.S. Capitol caused some to question the soundness of such reliance. The riotous intrusion was caused by disinformation and incitement campaigns, surging extremist activity, and a willingness

ADL Virtual Programs 2020

ADL’s Southwest Region was very active in cyberspace in 2020!  We produced 25 virtual programs and co-produced nine more reaching thousands of viewers.   Click on one of the links below to view a program you might have missed. An Evening with Songwriter and Artist Wrabel Disparate Impact of COVID on Communities of Color Conversation with Houston NAACP Executive Director –

Southwest Region Responds to George Floyd’s Murder

The murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor in 2020 forced everyone in the country to examine racism and our nation’s failed attempts to eradicate it.  ADL was no exception. In the immediate aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, Southwest Regional Director Mark Toubin published an editorial in the Jewish Herald-Voice and represented ADL at his funeral. Board Chair

Southwest Region Leadership Changes for 2021

2021 brings new leadership to ADL’s Board. Mark Trachtenberg, Chair Elect in 2020, will succeed current Board Chair Nicole Nathan Gibson. Karen Westall, presently a Vice Chair, has been selected as Chair Elect. Additionally, Civil Rights Committee Co-Chair Martin Siegel has been added as a 2021 Vice Chair, joining Nicole Soussan Caplan, Robert Carlton, Elyse Kalmans, Kevin Kushner, Cheryl Lipshutz

Southwest Region’s Work on Voting Rights

The 2020 election brought many new challenges for Texas voters and election officials, including trying to keep voting safe for citizens during a time of high contagion in the COVID-19 pandemic.  ADL was at the forefront of securing voting rights. Specifically, the Southwest Region worked to ensure voter safety during the pandemic and challenged limitations on the number of ballot drop-off locations. ADL