HOPE AND HUMANITY AWARD RECIPIENTS

Brenda and Rick Weisman began their story together when they met at Rockland Community College in the fall of 1973, and were married at Monsey Jewish Center in the spring of 1976. They proudly celebrated their college graduations and their first wedding anniversary on the same weekend, one year later. Brenda, having grown up in Manhattan, and Rick, hailing from Monticello, met in the middle and made Rockland County their home. With various careers and volunteer work, their proudest accomplishment was raising their three daughters with a love of Judaism, unequivocal support of Israel, and the awareness that those freedoms have not come for free.

It is their dedication to preserving the history of the Holocaust in order to never let it happen again, that brought them to become involved in the Holocaust Museum & Center for Tolerance and Education.

Brenda and Rick’s support of the Holocaust Museum goes back to the days when it was housed at the Finkelstein Memorial Library in Spring Valley, NY. As the daughter of holocaust survivors, Brenda is well known among students and adults as an educator of her family history. She proudly teaches that their resistance during the holocaust is why the fourth generation of her family is here today. Rick has lent his vast financial expertise and proudly serves as the Holocaust Museum Treasurer for the past 13 years.

Brenda and Rick are the proud parents of Amy and Michael Edelstein, Rena and Noah Allen, and Jillian and Joshua Mandell. They are incredibly proud grandparents of Rebecca, Shayna, Livya, Cameron, and Golda.

Over the years Brenda and Rick have been supporters of Reuben Gittelman Hebrew Day School, the Jewish Community Center of Spring Valley, New City Jewish Center, Ramah Day Camp in Nyack, Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake, the Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation, and are current members of the Orangetown Jewish Center. Brenda and Rick are humbled by this honor bestowed upon them by the Board of Trustees of the Museum. They pledge their continued support to the Holocaust Museum and all causes that they hold near and dear to their hearts.

ELIE WIESEL MEMORIAL AWARD RECIPIENTS

We are honored to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Judy and Jeff A. Weinberger, longstanding members of our museum community, with the Elie Wiesel Memorial Award. Their shared journey began in 1969, on a bus to Camp Venture, where they served as volunteer camp counselors for the inaugural season of Rockland County’s first summer program for children with special needs. From this defining moment, their unwavering generosity, steadfast dedication, and deep commitment to community service have played a vital role in supporting both our local community and the HMCTE’s mission to confront indifference, hate, and injustice.

Judy and Jeff's commitment to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and imparting its lessons to future generations is deeply rooted in their personal history. Inspired by the memory of Jeff's aunts, uncles, grandparents, and first cousins lost in the Shoah, as well as his late parents Sam and Barbara who survived and built a new life in Rockland County, the couple became integral figures in the establishment and growth of the Museum.

Jeff A. Weinberger, a lifelong Rockland County resident, is a distinguished attorney with degrees in Finance and Small Business Management. His legal career, spanning New York and New Jersey, has focused on real estate development and finance. Jeff, along with his brother Stuart, founded Caliber Builders, Inc., a nationally acclaimed real estate development and construction company. Beyond his professional endeavors, Jeff has been actively involved in community service, serving as Chairman of the Board of HMCTE, and as Past President, contributing his leadership to various organizations including Board Member, Counsel and President of the Reuben Gittelman Hebrew Day School and the Rockland County Historical Society.

Judy (Leighton) Weinberger is also a lifelong Rocklander. She attended Spring Valley High School, and graduated from Rockland Community College with an A.S. in Applied Sciences. Judy then attended Washington University in St. Louis and earned a B.S. Degree in Occupational Therapy. As an occupational therapist, Judy’s career is built on her core beliefs of caring for the health and well-being of others. Whenever Judy saw the need, she established therapy programs, fought for quality care, and is a dedicated provider to each of her patients. Judy has worked at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, Kessler Rehabilitation Hospital, and is currently employed by Care One at Pascack Valley Hospital.

Judy served as Co-President of the PTA at Reuben Gittlelman Hebrew Day School and also served on the Boards of New City Jewish Center, Rockland County State of Israel Bonds Women’s Division, and Rockland Jewish Family Service. She currently volunteers with developmentally disabled adults at the Slick Club at RJFS and is a docent at the HMCTE.

Judy and Jeff, high school sweethearts, have been married for 42 years and are the proud parents of three children – Rachel Wolf (Michael), Ari (Julia), and Elan. Their legacy extends to their role as grandparents to Shaina, Judah, and Layla.

In recognizing Judy and Jeff A. Weinberger, we pay tribute to a couple whose lives exemplify the principles of compassion, resilience, and a profound commitment to shaping a better future for all.

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD RECIPIENT

In the vibrant community of Rockland, one name stands out as a synonym for love and faith: Virginia "Ginny" Norfleet. Rooted in her profound dedication to God, family, and community, Ginny's life is a testament to the power of compassion and a relentless commitment to making the world a better place.

Born in Haverstraw, New York, as the youngest of nine children to Reverend Estelle, a devoted minister, and Phillip “Bike” Norfleet, a savvy businessman, Ginny “Tricycle” was destined to make a mark. The guiding principles of spirituality from her mother and entrepreneurial

acumen from her father blended seamlessly to forge her path as a visionary, community leader, educator, business owner, and a chronicler of history. Ginny’s heart beats in unison with her community, a bond immortalized through the founding of the Haverstraw African American Connection (HAAC). This initiative mirrors her profound respect for heritage and culture. HAAC's mission is not just to preserve but to breathe life into the rich tapestry of African American contributions, particularly in Haverstraw. With public outreach, dialogues, exhibits, and community initiatives, Ginny ensures that the past is honored, the present is engaged, and the future is not just envisioned but actively crafted. Her work over the years led to her induction into the Rockland County Civil Rights Hall of Fame, and she is also the recipient of over 100 human rights and community service awards.

Ginny’s influence extends beyond HAAC, notably impacting the Holocaust Museum & Center for Tolerance and Education (HMCTE). Her visionary "Better Together" program is a bridge of understanding, connecting thousands of young minds across diverse faiths, backgrounds, and colors. It's an educational odyssey, delving into the depths of history, teaching allyship, and fostering collaboration. Furthermore, Ginny’s leadership transforms understanding of hate's impact and carves pathways toward acceptance and comprehension. Ginny’s vision of a museum within a museum has come to life with the satellite HAAC Museum-in- progress, which displays artifacts and an exhibit on the African American diaspora and slavery. This permanent exhibition is also an important part of every school tour and has made the HMCTE a pinnacle of tolerance and education.

Away from the public eye, Ginny cherishes a symphony of cultures through her collection of art and antiques, with a keen interest in pieces that beautifully weave African and Jewish narratives. Yet, it's the simple, heartfelt moments with her grandchildren Leonard "Peanut", Lamar "Butter", Lynnae "Jelly", and her great- grandchildren, Lyniah "Little Baby", Loriel "Munchkin" and Adonis "Yum Yum", that bring her the greatest joy.

Virginia "Ginny" Norfleet's journey is a compelling narrative of love, faith, and unwavering commitment to community and cultural preservation. In every stride she takes, she leaves an indelible imprint of unity and understanding, inspiring all fortunate enough to cross her path.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Robert Bielsky is the son of the legendary partisan commander, Tuvia Bielski, portrayed by Daniel Craig in the Paramount Vantage film, Defiance. He views Defiance as one of several ways that he and others are helping to preserve his forebears’ legacy. He frequently lectures internationally about the exploits of his father and his uncles, known as the Bielski Brigade, and their successful mission that saved over 1,200 Jewish lives during the Holocaust. Bielsky says that his intention when he speaks about

his family’s history “is not to deliver a message.” His goal “is to be historically accurate and to let everyone know that Jews did not go to slaughter when they had the option to stand up for themselves.” He is eagerly awaiting publication of his father’s 400 page memoir, which was recently translated from Yiddish in to English.

Robert Bielsky was born in Brooklyn and lives in Clifton, NJ with his wife, Irene. He is the President and founder of Manhattan Commercial Realty Corp., one of Manhattan’s most active commercial realty firms. He is a member of the Associates Board of the Museum of Jewish Heritage-A Living Memorial to the Holocaust and is active in many Jewish organizations. He is the first cousin of one of our honorees this year, Brenda Weisman.