Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Event Honors Holocaust Survivors and Family, Features Keynote Speech by World Renowned Jewish Leader and Author
Press Release
Contact: Millie Jasper, Executive Director, Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center mjasper@hhrecny.org Tel 914.696.0738
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) held their Annual Benefit on Thursday evening, October 30th at Harrison Meadows Country Club in Harrison, New York. HHREC honored Holocaust Survivors Jerry and Ellen Kaidanow, their son Joseph and his wife Ellen Kaidanow. An estimated 300 people attended the annual fundraiser including Holocaust Survivors, local government officials and teachers.
The program featured a keynote speech by David Harris. Executive Vice Chair, Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy, who previously served as CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and is the son of Holocaust survivors. Harris is recognized as one of the most influential Jewish leaders of his time, and is the author of Antisemitism: What Everyone Needs to Know.
The program opened with remarks from HHREC Board Chair Daniel Weinreb, who recognized the record turnout for the event, and he was followed by Executive Director Millie Jasper, who announced a $100,000 appropriation from New York State to support the Center’s educational mission. Jasper also recognized public officials and community leaders in attendance, including members of the New York State Assembly and Westchester County Legislature who have supported the organization’s programs and initiatives. In her address, Jasper said, “The legacy of Holocaust education depends on each of us: on the stories we preserve, the lessons we share, and the future we build together.”
Harris’s keynote focused on “The Failure of Imagination” and “The Fragility of Democracy,” and he warned that the inability to envision danger or empathize with others is “one of humanity’s greatest perils.” He said, “Evil thrives when imagination fails — when we can’t envision the suffering of others until it’s too late, ”and appealed for people to be vigilant “ against the rise of antisemitism and historical amnesia in today’s world.”
The Kaidanow family was presented with the HHREC Eugene M. & Emily Grant Spirit of Humanity Award by Weinreb. Ellen Kaidanow, a member of HHREC’s GenerationsForward Speakers Bureau spoke about her experience presenting her mother-in-law’s Holocaust story with students in the Westchester County area. “We’re helping young people open their minds before prejudice can take root,” she said. “I challenge them to be ambassadors of kindness — to be influencers of compassion.”
Joseph Kaidanow, a past HHREC Board Chair, followed with comments on how fear and resilience have shaped his parents’ survival story, and said: “The fear that saved my parents’ lives was born of hatred that was itself driven by fear”, and “The lesson is not that fear should be ignored — but that it must be overcome.” He concluded by paying tribute to his wife. “Ellen chose this work — not because she was born into it, but because she believed in it, and her optimism is infectious.”
Attendees received copies of Harris’ book.
About The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center
The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in White Plains New York that serves schools, synagogues, colleges, churches and civic centers in Westchester and the greater Hudson Valley area. The HHREC Mission is to enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. HHREC works with teachers and students to help schools fulfill the New York State mandate that the Holocaust and other human rights abuses be included in their curriculum. Since 1994, the HHREC has brought the lessons of the Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations to more than 3,000 teachers, and through them to thousands of students. HHREC has earned a 92% rating by Charity Navigator. For more information visit www.hhrecny.org call 914.696.0738 email info@hhrecny.org
HHREC Board Chairperson Daniel Weinreb presenting Sprit of Humanity award to Jerry Kaidanow
David Harris
The Kaidanow family presented with proclamations. From L to R Westchester County Legislator Nancy Barr, Ellen Kaidanow, Ellen Kaidanow, Jerry Kaidanow, Joseph Kaidanow, Westchester County Legislator Judah Holstein
HHREC Holocaust Survivor Speakers Inge Auerbacher (L) and Sonja Geismar
(L to R) Westchester County Legislator Judah Holstein, Westchester County Assemblymember Amy Paulin, HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper, Westchester County Assemblymember Chris Burdick, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, Ossining Mayor Rika Levin
Jerry Kaidanow waves to crowd and Ellen Kaidanow greets family members following presentation of HHREC Spirit of Humanity Award as Joseph and Ellen Kaidanow look on.
(L to R) Mamaroneck High School Teacher Susan Chester, HHREC Director of Education Steven Goldberg, Denzel Washington School for the Arts Teacher Daniel Wolfe
From left- HHREC Speakers Bureau Liaison Bette Sparago with HHREC Holocaust Speaker Sonja Geismar
Pictured (L to R) Daniel Weinreb, Millie Jasper, Jerry Kaidanow, Ellen Kaidanow, Ellen Kaidanow, Joseph Kaidanow, David Harris
Pictured from L to R: NYS Board of Regents Member Frances Wills, HHREC Director of Education Steven Goldberg, HHREC Coordinator of Student Programming Jeanne Claire Cotnoir