Appeal of Conscience Awards

Sep 20, 2004

Marriot Marquis, NY, NY

The Appeal of Conscience Foundation (ACF) is an organization that was founded by its President, Rabbi Arthur Schneier, with the help of business and religious leaders of diverse faiths, for the purpose of establishing religious freedom, preserving human.

rights, and coming up against oppression perpetrated by extremist groups who use terrorist tactics to “force” their religious viewpoints upon the innocent, the theme simply being that all people are born with an equal right to have a belief in their own faith, and no one has the right to impose by coercion, their religious viewpoint on anyone else.It is the lack of restraint that causes terrorists, who do not value their own lives, to put forth conflict, instead of peace, among civilization. Examples of attacks which demonstrate this are those that took place in Bali, Istanbul, Jerusalem, Madris, Jakarta and Beslan (which was the most horrific—the victims being children on their first day of school), all of which demonstrated that terrorism, which often has kidnappings and suicide bombings in its arsenal, does not know any boundaries, nor does it give any regard to the value of human life.Besides being an advocate for the promotion of peace through respect for each other’s religious viewpoints, and the value of human life overall, the ACF acknowledges and awards those leaders from both Government and the private sector who’s hard work and active participation in the process of promoting peace through understanding of the value of human life have made a significant impact on the advancement of the ACF and the carrying out of its missions.The highest award presented by the ACF, the World Statesman Award, was presented to one such leader, His Excellency, Goran Persson, the Prime Minister of Sweden and highest of the honorees, for his continued commitment to the advancing of human rights, freedom and tolerance. In accepting his award, Prime Minister Persson made a number of important points throughout his speech, including the fact that Social Justice is timeless and boundless, and that, as believers in the democratic process, we must not accept coercive tactics which show no regard for the value of human life, as perpetrated by terrorist groups, for the purpose of imposing certain religious viewpoints on society. Another point which the Prime Minister made was that human dignity is at the heart of democracy. If democracy is not victorious over terrorism, then terrorism will be victorious over democracy. He also pointed out that poverty, insecurity and lack of political freedom act as breeding grounds for the advancement terrorist groups and their interests.Additionally, the appeal of Conscience Public Service Award was presented to the Honorable John C. Whitehead, Chairman of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, and another of the honorees for the evening, who graciously accepted his award and pointed out the importance of advancing religious tolerance and peace as being the central values that honor the dignity of every life and set free the creative energies that lead to progress.The third of the three honorees was Sir John Bond, Group Chairman of HSBC Holdings, PLC, who was presented with the Appeal of Conscience Award. His comments included that it was his great pleasure to be with such a distinctive company that advocates mutual tolerance and respect—the ideal conditions for a peaceful and prosperous world. Sir John also pointed out that the benefits of free markets haven’t yet reached as far as they should have, and, although the process of global redistribution of prosperity is underway, there is still a tremendous imbalance in the world. He also mentioned that cultural freedoms provide the basis for political harmony and economic vitality, and that there are still far too many people who understand the lifestyles of those in other countries. Among Sir John’s final remarks were that everyone must embrace diversity as an opportunity rather than viewing it as a threat.

This was a moving event, and we at Liberty News Online Magazine would like to thank Mr. Donald Kaplan for his invitation to us to cover this event. We would also like to thank his assistant, Ms. Melissa Trvino. Anyone wishing more information about the Appeal of Conscience Foundation may visit their website, at http://www.appealofconscience.org/

Abbey H. Muneer is the Executive Director of H.A.D. Organization of New York City, Inc., a world-famous athlete, author and, above all, a humanitarian. Abbey will write articles about charity events, benefits, fundraisers and galas which are raising money for humantiarian causes. If you are interested in having Abbey and one his staff members cover one of your charity events, benefits, fundraisers or galas, feel free to notify us one week in advance, at LNEvents@hadofnyc.org, or telephone us at (718) 507-7616, between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm e.s.t. and ask to speak to Abbey or Maria. If you would like more information, or would like to have Liberty News Online Magazine consult your next charitable event, please feel free to visit our website, at http://www.hadofnyc.org/store/success.html, email us at humanitarians@hadofnyc.org, or telephone our hotline, at (718) 507-7616, between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm e.s.t. (U.S.A.)