News from the 19th Floor – Alfred Lerner Fellows – December 2019
News from the 19th Floor
JFR Annual Benefit, Monday, November 25, 2019
Yolanda and Raymond Kunz were honored with the JFR’s Recognition of Goodness Award at its annual benefit on November 25, 2019. It was a very special evening. We thank Yolanda and Raymond for giving the JFR the opportunity to honor and to acknowledge them for their good works over the past 30 years!
In accepting the Recognition of Goodness Award, Yolanda said:
We always admired the courage, resilience, hope and love of both the rescuers and survivors. After every JFR dinner, Raymond and I would ask each other: Could we ever do what they did? What will be our answer after we leave tonight’s viewing of the documentary? How will this reunion and their story affect a change in us? How will our legacy be defined? I would like to quote Melpomeni’s remark when she recently met the family of the Holocaust survivors that she had rescued: “I can die quietly,” words that underscore her immense satisfaction. Melpomeni and all the rescuers said “yes” when faced with the challenge and opportunity to help save lives – at great risk to their own lives. Both rescuers and the survivors shared courage, faith, hope, and charity. They are perfect role models for all of us. It’s all about choices.
A highlight of the evening was the screening of the JFR’s latest documentary, “Village of Angels.” The documentary tells the story of Melpomeni Gianopoulou Dina and how she and her sisters saved the Mordechai family in Greece. The documentary should be on our website by mid-December 2019.
As is our custom, the JFR invites local schools to be our guests at the benefit. This year we were pleased to welcome students from Immaculate Heart Academy, Washington Township, NJ, SAR, Riverdale, NY, and Convent of the Sacred Heart, Manhattan, NY.
Click here to see a photo gallery from the evening.
2019 ROBERT I. GOLDMAN AWARD PRESENTED TO PATRICIA SKELOTN
Patricia Skelton (2017 Alfred Lerner Fellow) received the 2019 Robert I. Goldman Award for Excellence in Holocaust Education at the JFR annual benefit. Tricia, as she is called, teaches 6th grade English language arts and history at the Opelika Middle School in Opelika, Alabama.
In accepting the award, Patricia said:
Survivor and rescuer testimonies have transformed my students and their understanding of the Holocaust. Hearing Roman Kent speak and share his story was one of the most powerful moments during my time with the JFR. His story is one of many that I share with my students. Reading his book, “Lala,” is a highlight of our unit. My students connect with Mr. Kent on a personal and emotional level that just can’t be accomplished by reading textbooks.
As Mr. Kent says, “Never be a bystander” and “Hate is never right and love is never wrong.” May we all continue to live by those words and inspire others to do the same.
GIVINGTUESDAY HELPS RESCUERS!
Please remeber #GivingTuesday is Tuesday, December 3, 2019. We hope we can count on your support to help send money to rescuers for food for Christmas! Click here to donate now.
JFR 2020 EUROPEAN STUDY PROGRAM
We are announcing the 2020 European Study Program to Germany and Poland. The dates of the 2020 European Study Program are July 5 through July 19, 2020. Professor Robert Jan van Pelt is our scholar for the program. Please be on the lookout for this email announcement.
JFR 2020 ADVANCED SEMINAR
We are all set for the 2020 Advanced Seminar and are looking forward to welcoming everyone at the Hilton Newark Airport on Friday, January 17, 2020. The scholars are outstanding!
We are going to start planning the 2021 program shortly. If you would like to have a specific topic or area addressed or to hear from a particular scholar, please let Stanlee know.
JFR HANUKKAH ECARD
For a donation of $18.00 or more, you can send the JFR Hanukkah eCard to up 10 email recipients. A JFR eCard is a great way to send Hanukkah wishes to friends and family while at the same time supporting the work of the JFR. Click here to send Hanukkah eCards.
SHOP ON AMAZONSMILE AND SUPPORT THE JFR
As you do your holiday shopping, if you place orders through Amazon, please consider ordering through AmazonSmile and indicate the JFR as your charity. The JFR receives a small portion of the proceeds from every sale made through AmazonSmile when you specify the JFR as your charity.