Washington, DC, April 1, 2005 … In recognition of the 9/11 Commission's efforts in investigating the causes of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the United States, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and its Leon and Marilyn Klinghoffer Memorial Foundation today presented the 9/11 Commission with the ADL Leon and Marilyn Klinghoffer Memorial Foundation Award.

Established in memory of Leon Klinghoffer, who was murdered by Palestinian terrorists aboard the Achille Lauro cruise ship in 1985, the ADL Klinghoffer Award recognizes exemplary action against terrorism and responses to terrorist attacks.  The award was presented by his daughters, Lisa and Ilsa Klinghoffer, during League's National Commission in Washington, D.C.  The award was accepted on behalf of the commission by 9/11 Vice Chair Lee H. Hamilton.

"Though it took the 9/11 tragedy, the fight against terrorism has gained both in strength and effectiveness, thanks in large part to the efforts of the 9/11 commission to probe the causes and intelligence failures and to bring them to the light of day," said Ilsa Klinghoffer.  "Today, in honoring Lee Hamilton on behalf of the 9/11 Commission, we recognize those who shape the future of counter-terrorism work – those who have dedicated themselves to investigating past attacks and preparing our country to help prevent such horrific attacks from happening again."

Marilyn Klinghoffer and her family established the Leon and Marilyn Klinghoffer Foundation in late 1985 following the brutal murder of Leon Klinghoffer by Palestinian terrorists aboard the Achille Lauro cruise ship.   The Klinghoffers were on an anniversary cruise in the Mediterranean when Palestinian terrorists seized control of the Italian cruise ship, shot Leon in his wheelchair and threw his body overboard.  In response to an overwhelming outpouring of public support following Leon's death, the Klinghoffer family decided to establish a foundation dedicated to educating the world about the deadly realities of terrorism.

Past recipients of the ADL Leon and Marilyn Klinghoffer Memorial Foundation Award include former Deputy Attorney General Jamie Gorelick, on behalf of the Clinton Administration, Senator Orrin Hatch, Senator Charles Schumer, Rep. Henry Hyde, the FBI-NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force, former Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights Richard Schifter, former Assistant Secretary of Defense Peter Williams, and former Secretary of State George Schultz.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.