New York, NY, May 26, 2009 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today issued a statement in response to the President's nomination of federal appellate court Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court.

Glen S. Lewy, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director issued the following statement:

We congratulate Judge Sonia Sotomayor on her historic nomination to the Supreme Court.  Her life story is one of overcoming adversity to achieve one distinction after another, and we commend her on having won the confidence of the President of the United States.

We applaud President Obama for having selected this noted jurist to be the Court's first Hispanic and third woman Justice.  If confirmed, she will undoubtedly bring an important new perspective to the work of the Court. 

Now it is the Senate's turn to fulfill its constitutional responsibility to thoroughly review Judge Sotomayor's record and qualifications.  As this process moves forward, ADL will share with members of the Senate Judiciary Committee key issues they should explore with Judge Sotomayor, as we have done with past nominees.

We trust this process will be conducted in the highest traditions and standards of our government – professionally, and with civility and respect.

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.