Hewlett Holocaust Survivor And Yonkers Educator Receive 2008 Yavner Awards

Marion Blumenthal Lazan, a Holocaust survivor and community educator in Hewlett, today received the 2008 Louis E. Yavner Citizen Award.  Helene Alalouf, a Holocaust educator and retired English teacher in the Yonkers Public Schools, received the 2008 Louis E. Yavner Teaching Award.

Established by the New York State Board of Regents and funded by the late Regent Emeritus Louis E. Yavner of New York City, who served on the Board from 1975-1981, the annual awards recognize teachers and private citizens who have made outstanding contributions to teaching about the Holocaust and other violations of human rights.

In the formal presentation today, Lazan was recognized for her outreach to schools, religious groups, and civic organizations throughout the United States and abroad, through which she is estimated to have addressed over one million students and adults.

Alalouf was recognized for infusing Holocaust studies and human rights education throughout her school curricula, coordinating numerous Holocaust remembrance programs and courses, and advancing Holocaust education through service in numerous organizations.

Along with formal citations, both recipients received checks for $250.  The awards were made at this month’s Board of Regents meeting.

Nominations for the 2009 Louis E. Yavner Teaching and Citizens Awards are now being accepted at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/yavner.html.