Somers Holocaust Survivor And Commack Educator Receive 2007 Yavner Awards

 Fred Bachner, a Holocaust survivor and community educator in Somers, today received the 2007 Louis E. Yavner Citizen Award.  Barbara Bernard, a human rights educator and retired social studies teacher in the Kings Park Central School District, received the 2007 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, Bachner was recognized for his efforts to establish the Somers Holocaust Memorial Commission, which bridges the classroom and the local community through research materials, college scholarships, and an interfaith Day of Remembrance, and for his numerous presentations in New York State and abroad for decades to further Holocaust education.

                 Bernard was recognized for infusing Holocaust studies and human rights education throughout her school curricula, sharing research on Holocaust and human rights issues with educators and communities throughout New York State and the United States, and advancing education in human rights issues 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 2008 Louis E. Yavner Teaching and Citizens Awards are now being accepted at hytp://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/yavner.html.