Westchester Women Learn Lessons from Bielski Jewish Partisans

More than 200 women came together to remember the heroic Jewish partisans of the Holocaust and to give back to UJA-Federation of New York, an organization that helps provide support to the 200,000 remaining Holocaust survivors, at its Westchester Women’s opening event on Thursday, September 22, 2016.

After a showing of the documentary The Bielski Brothers: Jerusalem in the Woods, which told the story of Bielski brothers’ resistance efforts that saved 1,200 Jews during World War II, the gathering heard from Aron (Bielski) Bell, the youngest and last remaining of the 12 Bielski children. As a result of their bravery, there are more than 20,000 descendants from those who were spared. Aron was joined by his son, Alan Bell of Pound Ridge, and other partisans shown in the film, Michael Stoll and Solomon Lapidus. Aron, now 89, was only a preteen when the Nazis stormed his faming town in Belarus.

“Aron Bell’s story serves as a much-needed reminder that heroism was in no short supply during one of the most tragic times in our Jewish history,” said Laura Kleinhandler of Rye Brook, chair of UJA-Federation’s Westchester Women.

“I am reminded, once again, how incredibly blessed we are to live here — to live now. Even during a time when things sometimes seem bleak — another attack in Israel, another anti-Semitic incident on a college campus, and just this past weekend, a bombing in New York and New Jersey — I know that I can stand up and say something. Do something,” she continued. “And while I am extraordinarily grateful that I’m not required to show courage and make choices that require superhuman effort, I know that I’m not off the hook either.”

Rabbi Michael Paley, UJA-Federation’s Scholar-in-Residence, spoke of the importance of leading a purposeful life and committing oneself to a making a difference, particularly meaningful during the advent of the Jewish new year.

UJA-Federation’s Community Initiative for Holocaust Survivors (CIHS) has raised nearly $20 million to secure their comfort, dignity, and independence. In 2015-16, UJA-Federation helped provide practical and emotional services to survivors through 11 UJA beneficiary agencies in New York and three agencies in Israel.

Michele Gregson of Chappaqua sesrves as UJA-Federation’s Westchester Women Chair. Mindy Bass of Chappaqua, Robin Bell of Pound Ridge, Michele Budoff of Goldens Bridge, Kate Eichel of Scarsdale, Leslie Goldberg of Rye Brook, Nancy Kansler of Rye Brook, Meryl Lefkowitz of Millwood, Bonnie Mannis of Scarsdale, Laura Maya of Irvington, Linda Plattus of Scarsdale, and Shira Weinstein of Mamaroneck served as event chairs.

About UJA-Federation of New York

For nearly 100 years, UJA-Federation has inspired New Yorkers to act on their values and invest in our community for the biggest impact. Through UJA-Federation, more than 50,000 donors address issues that matter most to them, pooling their resources to care for Jews everywhere and New Yorkers of all backgrounds, respond to crises close to home and far away, and shape our Jewish future. Working with nearly 100 nonprofit partners, synagogues, and other Jewish organizations, UJA-Federation is the world’s leading local philanthropy; our reach extends from New York to Israel to more than 70 other countries around the world, touching 4.5 million people each year. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, please visit our website at www.ujafedny.org.

Photo:

Laura Kleinhandler of Rye Brook, UJA-Federation Westchester Women’s Chair; Aron Bell of Palm Beach, Florida; Michele Gregson of Chappaqua, UJA-Federation Westchester Women’s Vice-Chair; and Alan Bell of Pound Ridge