Casey Ryan, Reed Smith’s global managing partner, accepted the award on behalf of the firm. She delivered remarks underscoring the firm’s commitment to justice, ethical leadership and human dignity. In her speech, Ryan reflected on the current relevance of AJCF’s work and the personal and professional bonds that have deepened over many years of the firm’s collaboration with the organization.
“While the AJCF’s roots lie in the legacy of the Holocaust, its mission is profoundly contemporary. The history it teaches and the stories it preserves are not only lessons for the past, they are lessons for today,” said Ryan in her remarks.
The Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation, celebrating 25 years of impact, has been a powerful voice in preserving the Jewish legacy of the town of Auschwitz (Oświęcim) and confronting hatred head-on through transformational programs in both the United States and Poland. The foundation maintains the Auschwitz Jewish Center, which includes the town’s last remaining synagogue and serves as the primary institution dedicated to preserving the memory of the town’s Jewish community, while combatting hate.
Reed Smith has been a consistent and engaged supporter of AJCF's programs, events and strategic initiatives, including sponsoring the Exodus Delegation to Poland, a mission led by Van Jones commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, which was held earlier this year. The firm has also supported AJCF’s expansion efforts and worked closely with its leadership to advance its mission.
Ryan observed that “what AJCF understands—and what it teaches—is that hatred doesn’t begin with violence. It begins with silence, with indifference.”
“On behalf of the entire firm, we are deeply honored to receive the AJCF Advocacy Award,” said Ryan. “What we value most about our relationship with the AJCF is the shared belief that a better world is possible and the work we can do together to make that a reality—a world where history educates and improves, not repeats.”
Reed Smith is indebted to the AJCF team, including Director General Jack Simony, for its enduring trust and collaboration. Special recognition goes to Reed Smith partners James “Jim” McCarroll and Jordan Siev, whose leadership and dedication have strengthened this partnership and helped amplify the foundation’s reach and impact.
This year’s gala marked the 20th anniversary of the American Service Academies Program (ASAP) and included annual recognition of the ASAP, featuring top cadets and midshipmen from America’s service academies who participate in AJCF’s program on ethical leadership in the military in the United States and Poland.