Last night at the Plaza Hotel, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and the Hotel Trades Council’s Peter Ward were honored by the Yhitzhak Rabin Center, a high-profile Israeli institute, for their respective commitments to leadership. And almost major politician in town, including President Bill Clinton, Senator Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, various congressional representatives and multiple candidates for mayor in 2013 all heaped praise onto honored guests.
Mr. Schneiderman, of course, has been involved in a number of high-profile national issues, including the fight against the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, a federal settlement with major banks in the wake of the foreclosure crisis, and on down the list. For his part, Mr. Ward helped transform a small union into one of the most influential labor powerhouses in the city.
Without further ado, here is said heaped praise:
From Former President Bill Clinton: “… I also know that Yitzhak would enthusiastically agree with your recognition tonight of the efforts of Eric Schneiderman and Peter Ward, who have both demonstrated remarkable tenacity and skill as negotiators and advocates for ordinary Americans. Eric has fought tirelessly throughout his career as New York State Senator and Attorney General to represent his fellow citizens and protect them from fraud.”
From United States Senator Charles E. Schumer: “ … I would like to the take this opportunity to recognize this evening’s Yitzhak Rabin Leadership and Public Service Award honorees, The Honorable Eric T. Schneiderman, New York State Attorney General and Peter Ward, President, New York Hotel Trades Council. Eric’s courageous advocacy work and determination to eradicate ills at every level of government is only a fraction of his devotion to better the State of New York. His drive compels him to continue his noble deeds and continue the work of the people throughout the state … Both honorees believe in social justice, and their hard work and commitment to the communities that they serve, is a testament to their legacies. Their dedication and commitment to live in the spirit of Yitzhak Rabin is a true inspiration to all New Yorkers and the American Friends of the Yitzhak Rabin Center …”
From Dr. Michael B. Oren, Ambassador of Israel to the United States: “… I join you this evening in congratulating Eric T. Schneiderman and Peter Ward on receiving the Yitzhak Rabin Leadership and Public Service award. Both of these gentlemen exemplify admirable standard of leadership and service. Eric’s work on behalf of public integrity, economic and social justice, and environmental protection, both in the Attorney General’s office as well as in the New York Senate, is certainly worthy of recognition …”
From Ambassador Ido Aharoni, Consulate General of Israel in New York: “ … As we celebrate the achievements of the Yitzhak Rabin Center, let me congratulate tonight’s exceptional honorees. New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Mr. Peter Ward, President of the New York Hotel and Trades Council have been models of vision and leadership, and are most deserving of this special recognition …”
From Massachusetts Governor Deval L. Patrick: “ … As New York State Attorney General, Eric Schneiderman has championed anti-corruption in government and fought for justice and equal rights for all … I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this year’s Yitzhak Rabin Leadership and Public Service Award than these two men …”
From New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg: “ … On behalf of the City of New York, congratulations to the recipients of the Yitzhak Rabin Leadership and Public Service Award, New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council President Peter Ward and New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Please accept my best wishes for a wonderful evening and continued success.”
From United States Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand: “ … I can think of no one more deserving of the Yitzhak Rabin Leadership and Public Service Award than tonight’s honorees. For years, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and New York Hotel Trades Council President Peter Ward have been dedicated to helping New Yorkers. The late Yitzhak Rabin was a strong and courageous leader who left a legacy as a champion for those he served and as a statesman dedicated to peace and democracy. Tonight’s honorees have certainly followed in this legacy. Since taking office, Attorney General Schneiderman has been recognized as a leader in the fight to ensure fairness and justice throughout the country … I congratulate both of them for their achievements and their award tonight.”
From Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney: “ … I proudly salute your distinguished honorees this evening, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Peter Ward of the New York Hotel Trades Council. I join you in paying tribute to Attorney General Schneiderman and Peter Ward, president of the New York Hotel Trades Council as they receive the 2012 Yitzhak Rabin Leadership and Public Service Award. Attorney General Schneiderman has served New York with distinction, upholding the highest standards of public integrity, economic justice, social justice, and environmental protection. In response to our nation’s housing crisis, Attorney General Schneiderman has called for a swift and thorough investigation and accountability of financial institutions that acted against the interest of homeowners … Attorney General Schneiderman and Mr. Ward are outstanding examples of public service and leadership to our city, state and nation.
From Congressman Jerrold Nadler: “ … I join you in paying tribute to the distinguished honorees, New York Hotel Trades Council President Peter Ward, and New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, and in celebrating the Center’s excellent work … Tonight’s Yitzhak Rabin Leadership and Public Service Award honorees are both very much deserving of this particular distinction. Attorney General Schneiderman has fought tirelessly for the rights of the people of New York State, and has proven himself to be a strong advocate for social justice both locally and nationally … My congratulations to both of these honorees, and my vest best wishes to all in attendance for a wonderful celebration.”
From Speaker of New York City Council Christine C. Quinn: “ … Congratulations as well to this year’s honorees, New York State Attorney General, Eric T. Schneiderman and New York Trades Council President Peter Ward …”
From Bill de Blasio, Public Advocate for the City of New York: “ … As Public Advocate, I would especially like to extend my congratulations to tonight’s honorees receiving the Yitzhak Rabin Leadership and Public Service Award:
· Eric Schneiderman, New York State Attorney General
· Peter Ward, President of the New York Hotel & Motel Trades Council …”From Scott M. Stringer, Manhattan Borough President: “ … I want to offer my personal regards to this year’s honorees – New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Peter Ward, President of the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council. Their demonstrated commitment to social justice and improving our communities are a true testament to the legacy left by Yitzhak Rabin here in New York and around the world …”
From William C. Thompson, Jr.: “It is a pleasure to extend my best wishes to The American Friends of the Yitzhak Rabin Center and tonight’s distinguished honorees, New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and President of the New York Hotel Trades Council, Peter Ward … I would like to congratulate Eric Schneiderman and Peter Ward as they receive the Yitzhak Rabin Leadership and Public Service Award. Attorney General Schneiderman’s unwavering commitment to protecting the interests of the citizens of New York in both the private and public sectors makes him a champion for social justice … Eric Schneiderman’s commitment to public integrity and Peter Ward’s dedication make them ideal recipients of this prestigious award …”
From John W. Wilhelm, President of UNITE HERE: “I have come to know the Attorney General more recently. What a pleasure it is, in our cynical political world, to find someone who believes that pursuing justice for average New Yorkers is more important than the next election – and works every day to bring reality to that belief. New York State is fortunate indeed to have such a committed leader as its chief legal officer, especially because the laws of New York give that office as much potential to pursue justice, and in so doing to help restore our citizens’ shattered faith in our institutions. Few things are as dangerous to our democracy as the mortgaging of our political system to unreported, unlimited money, and the Attorney General’s pursuit of this issue is especially important for all of our futures.”
