Recently, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) announced that Matthew Friedman will take over as Regional Director of ADL’s Orange County/Long Beach office. Matthew has worked for ADL in the Los Angeles Region since January 2007, first as Associate Regional Director, then as Senior Associate Regional Director. His institutional knowledge of the organization and recent months serving as Interim Regional Director for Orange County/Long Beach have set him up for success in the role.
“Having worked at ADL for nearly two decades, I understand the challenges we face. At the same time, I also know how much of a difference our work makes in the community when it comes to fighting hate and extremism,” Matthew said. “I am excited to take on this new role at ADL and I look forward to continuing to fight hate for good here in Orange County and Long Beach.”
Most recently, Matthew led the Los Angeles Region’s advocacy and engagement work, working closely with elected officials as well as city and county organizations to advance measures to fight hate locally. Though Matthew dedicated significant time responding to the barrage of antisemitic and hate incidents in the area, he sought out new partnerships and strategies to prevent hate before it occurs including efforts such as managing ADL’s work with CA vs. Hate and LA vs. Hate. Matthew also facilitated ADL’s Words to Action program, which trains Jewish middle and high school students on how to respond to antisemitism.
“We not only want to respond to and prevent hate but create allies in the ongoing fight against hate,” Matthew said. “Our partnerships with civil rights organizations, continued dialogue with elected officials and our anti-bias educational programs are all part of our holistic and long-term approach to fighting hate.”
Prior to joining ADL in 2007, Matthew interned with the Los Angeles Hillel Council and worked at the international operations department of the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland.
“I am very excited to welcome Matt Friedman as the new Director for the Orange County/Long Beach region,” Regional Board Chair Michelle Gerstley said. “Matt has already proven himself as a dedicated leader in the Los Angeles region for the past seventeen years. I am confident that his commitment and guidance will be invaluable as we navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the region. We are lucky to have Matt and are looking forward to the positive impact he will have in our region.”
Matthew is taking over from Peter Levi who led the office as Regional Director since 2016 and now serves in a new capacity as Director of Engagement and Partnerships for ADL West.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Matt for years and have witnessed his acumen in bringing together partners in the fight against hate,” Robert Trestan, Division Vice President of ADL West said. “The Orange County/Long Beach region will thrive under Matt’s leadership and further expand its scope in combatting antisemitism and hate of all kinds. Additionally, I know Peter will excel in his new role leading engagement and partnership for ADL’s Western states.”