ADL Mountain States Regional Board Member, Past Chair and Associate National Commissioner Stu Pack reflects on his passion for his family, the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and on the timeless and critical mission of the Anti-Defamation League.
How did you first become involved in ADL? How are you involved now?
I attended a meeting in the early 1980s at which then Regional Chair Larry Atler told a spine-tingling story of being beaten up and bullied while in primary school because he was Jewish. He explained the impact that experience had on his life and shared his lifelong mission and passion to fight anti-Semitism and secure justice to all. I was hooked from then on to spend my time doing the same with ADL in any way that I could. I have been Co-Chair or Chair of nearly all regional committees and have served as Regional Board Chair and as a National Commissioner.
What do you do in your professional life?
I have been a trial lawyer for more than 40 years. It is the only area of law I ever wanted to practice. I was inspired to become a lawyer by a 1960s TV show while I was growing up, The Defenders, starring E.G Marshall and Robert Reed (not Perry Mason). That explains why my most satisfying representations have been for mission-driven clients like Planned Parenthood, whom I have represented for more than 30 years.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
In addition to the typical boyhood dream of being a big league pitcher, I focused my fantasies on being a newspaper journalist, news and sports photographer, and an actor and/or singer, mainly in Broadway musicals.
Where were you born? From where do your ancestors hail?
I was born in the Bronx in New York City. My ancestors’ background is a bit unclear, but I think they were from Eastern Europe, probably Austria and Lithuania.
What’s your favorite holiday?
My favorite holidays are Passover, Hanukkah, and Thanksgiving. The reasons are obvious: family and food.
What’s your favorite food?
It’s probably easier to say what I don’t like, but I particularly like Mexican, Italian, and any kind of spicy food such as Szechuan or Thai.
What are you reading?
Since my days are filled to the brim with professional reading, I have little time or interest in pleasure reading. However, I am now reading The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews. It presents seven decisions that determine personal success through entertaining and imaginary time travel to meet with famous historical characters. I have also rediscovered my love of great journalism by subscribing on-line to the “failing” iconic newspaper, The New York Times, which I devoured daily through my college days and for which I aspired to work.
What’s a special place you have visited?
Foreign travel is a passion for me and my wife, Robin. Israel is certainly the most special place we have visited, particularly our visit with ADL while I was Chair. We went behind the scenes, met with fascinating people and learned so much. I’ll never forget that. In 2015, I had a chance to see Turkey from the inside on a trip led by a group, Hismet, that has now unjustly been labeled a terrorist organization by the autocratic Erdogan regime. I developed a deeper understanding and appreciation for Muslims and the religion of Islam.
What’s one thing every person should know or experience?
That’s easy – Shabbat in Jerusalem. It is so moving to watch families prepare for the Sabbath on Friday afternoon in the old part of the city, experience the peace and quiet on Shabbat, and then watch the city reawaken after Havdalah – priceless!
What teacher or class stands out to you the most in your education and why?
In high school, an English teacher and a drama coach showed me the meaning of being passionate and to appreciate the English language, skillful writing, ideas, thoughts, and communicating in various media. My views of the world and my life have never been the same.
What are you passionate about personally? What can’t you stop talking about?
My wife and daughters, politics, movies, visual arts, musical theater and education.
Where can we find you when you’re not working?
When is that? Seriously, the golf course, theater, travel and just being with my family.
What would be impossible for you to give up?
My family, learning and curiosity about new ideas.
If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
Values, ethics, justice and how to treat others.
Tell me a story that immediately pops into your mind that was a defining or significant moment for you.
When I was a child, my family was leaving a park and my mother told me to go and clean up trash from a nearby picnic table. When I complained that it wasn’t our garbage or our responsibility to clean up for others, my mom said that it was our responsibility to make the world a better place than how we found it. That was my introduction to a principle that has guided my life – Tikun Olam – repairing the world.
Complete this sentence: For me, ADL’s mission is …
… the embodiment of the Jewish precept of Tikun Olam. For more than 35 years, I’ve been educated, enlightened, inspired and energized by working on important issues such as separation of church and state, free speech, discrimination, hate crimes, anti-Israel activity, school vouchers, federal and state legislation and many more. I have received back far more than I have given. I have befriended many wonderful people. I have gone places and met people I never would have otherwise. ADL has given me a greater purpose and made a major difference in my life. Hopefully, I have, in some small measure, contributed to Tikun Olum. There is no better purpose in which to invest my money than to advance ADL’s mission now and for future generations!