TOMS RIVER – The Jewish Federation of Ocean County honored five individuals and one organization for their dedication to combating hate and promoting unity at a special event at the Clarion Hotel. The evening, which celebrated local “Heroes Against Hate,” was attended by community members, activists, and leaders.
“In recent years, we’ve been honoring local heroes against hate, recognizing that hate, in all its forms, including antisemitism, has been on the upswing,” said Jewish Federation of Ocean County Chairwoman Annabel Lindenbaum. “And the best way to counter that is for diverse communities and people to be upstanders and stand up against hate together.”
The recognition aligns perfectly with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office’s “Hate Has No Home in Ocean County” campaign, which earlier this year received the Attorney General’s Initiative Award for its success in addressing bias and hate crimes.
Billboards throughout Ocean County serve as a reminder that “Hate Has No Home in Ocean County.” However, when Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer congratulated the various award recipients, he spoke on the significance of the signs, which have been adapted in other areas of the state.
“It’s about sending a clear message to the communities that we want to live in,” said Billheimer. “About how we want to be treated and to treat one another…it’s more than just putting up billboards. It’s our job – and we have a zero-tolerance policy.”
Recognizing Upstanders
Managing Director of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County, Keith Krivitzky, emphasized the organization’s unwavering commitment to combating antisemitism and fostering unity in the community.
“The Jewish Federation is committed to combating antisemitism in our community and elsewhere, and we recognize that this fight is not just about us,” Krivitzky said. “It’s one thing for a particular community or individual to complain that they’re being picked on or bullied or targeted. It’s another when others come to their defense – when others step up proactively, are the first voices to speak up, and the loudest. When multiple voices rise up, that’s when we can make a difference and really affect change.”
Before transitioning to naming the award winners, Krivitzky credited the Federation’s efforts to stand against hate to partnerships with other groups. These included the Prosecutor’s Office, the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission, the Center for Holocaust, Human Rights, and Genocide Education (Chhange), and Ocean County College.
St. Junipero Serra Parish
The parish uniquely unites two Roman Catholic churches, specifically Saint Catharine of Siena in Seaside Park and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Seaside Heights. St. Junipero Serra received the Organizational Upstander Award for its work promoting peace and unity. Father Michael Gerard Lorentsen, the parish pastor, accepted the award.
“After October 7, the parish showed support for the local community affected by that tragic day, putting up banners calling for peace with Father Michael sharing a message about the deep meaning of shalom,” said Krivitzky. “There are images in the stained-glass windows of the Star of David and the Ark of the Covenant. The church calls the Jewish community their brothers and sisters.
Krivitzky praised the parish’s commitment to fostering interfaith understanding. He said their show of support embodied the idea that hate has no home in the community.
Father Michael said that when the terrible events of October 7th started the war, it was a terrible and painful reminder of the need for peace in all of the world. He also echoed the words of Pope Francis, who said one could not be a Christian and antisemitic.
“As a Christian community within the Catholic communion,” he added. “We continue to strive to be agents of compassion, charity and humbleness so that all of us can know peace.”
Lakewood Police Chief
Chief Gregory Meyer received the Public Leadership Upstander Award for his efforts to unify Lakewood’s diverse populations. Under his leadership, Lakewood established a coalition that brings together various community groups to address common concerns.
“Lakewood is home to diverse populations that often remain isolated from each other, despite living in close proximity,” Krivitzky said. “Chief Meyer has worked with local community leaders and rabbis to create after-hours programs for young people. He’s also worked to promote understanding and strengthen relationships within the community.”
Meyer’s coalition meets quarterly and has been so successful that other towns have adopted it. Congressman Chris Smith sent a proclamation recognizing Meyer commitment to building bridges in the community.
In an interview after the event, Meyer’s said that his department is also committed to ensuring members of the community are aware of the resources available to them.
“Rather than duplicate efforts, my officers have put together a network of resources within our community,” said Meyer. “Our department has created an index of groups so that if officers are out on a call and someone needs something, they know where to direct them. We want to give everyone the care they need – whether it’s clothing, food, mental health referrals, or medical help.”
OCC’s Dr. Henry Jackson
Dr. Jackson received an Individual Upstander Award for his leadership in educational initiatives combating hate. He has played a significant role in organizing student leadership conferences at Ocean County College, bringing together over 1,300 students from 29 schools.
“Dr Jackson has been a leader in educating about respect for differences and ways to combat hate in all its forms, including racism, bigotry, and antisemitism,” Krivitzky said.
A Gulf War veteran, with an impressive educational dossier, Jackson claimed he was a “bad kid” in his youth. That is, until he showed up for his senior prom in a white tuxedo and witnessed a young man screaming at his date.
Jackson intervened and tried to correct the situation, which unfortunately resulted in a bit of a rumble. Despite his treasured suit changing to black, that prom night stood as a lasting memory and the impetus for his approach towards life and standing up for others.
“From there on, it just became a part of what I did,” said Jackson. “To help people wherever I went.”
Avi Kotler
Avi Kotler, a member of the Orthodox community, was honored for his work in building bridges across Ocean County’s diverse communities.
Kotler has been involved in initiatives like the homeless Super Bowl party and the Toms River Rotary Club. He also helped organize participation in the rally for Israel after October 7.
“Avi embodies the idea of bridge building and meeting people where they are, regardless of label,” shared Krivitzky.
Kotler credited his community involvement to a chance encounter with Colin Lewis, a local community activist. He found building bridges with those outside the non-orthodox and non-Jewish communities imperative.
“When we connect in person, we realize we have so much more that unites us than divides us,” Kotler said. “I’ve always preferred working behind the scenes, but seeing the impact of these connections has been rewarding.”
Reisa Sweet
Reisa Sweet, chair of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Human Relations Commission, was recognized for her lifelong commitment to fighting bias and fostering dialogue.
Sweet and her husband marched with Dr. Martin Luther King during the civil rights movement. Krivitsky said that her life is marked by building bridges between people of diverse communities to eliminate hate, bias, injustice and discrimination.
“She is the current chair and longtime member of the Ocean County Human Relations Commission focused on preventing bias crime and encouraging community members,” said Krivitzky. “A major focus has been on how to encourage strangers to engage with each other and start a dialog, to bring people together with different lived experiences, and have them get to know each other, to listen to each other and see their commonality.”
Sweet confessed that her late husband had initiated the joining of Martin Luther King across the bridge. She recalled the days as troublesome and said there were even rumors that a bomb was going to be thrown on the plane they rode.
“You had to write out your will before you went on the plane,” she shared. “Because they didn’t know if the people would be coming back.”
Sweet spoke of the importance of connecting with others as part of the Human Relations Commission. She recalled the “Say Hello” campaign initiated by Reverend Simmons of the group during the pandemic.
“We were in a state of isolation,” said Sweet. “And it was a very difficult time because people were in such fear of spreading anything or talking to anyone.”
People responded positively to messages on buttons that just said, “Say Hello,” and opened a dialogue among strangers.
Ariel Ifrah
A native of Jackson and a Rutgers University student, Ariel Ifrah received the Student Upstander Award for his steadfast activism supporting Israel and combating hate on campus.
In addition to his role in the university’s student government, Ifrah has hosted pro-Israel gatherings on campus and is a member of the Students Supporting Israel. Last summer, Ifrah further demonstrated his commitment by volunteering in Israel.
Krivitsky acknowledged the college student’s accomplishments as no small feat, particularly with the rise of anti-Israel sentiments and antisemitism on college campuses.
“It’s important to encourage and recognize student leaders who stand up for their beliefs and their friends and family in Israel, educating their fellow students,” said Krivitsky. “While also making the statement that hate, bias and double standards have no place on campus.”
Reflecting on his experiences, Ifrah said that he was spit on when he first started classes at the university – just for being Jewish. He’s been called names, received threatening text messages and faced ongoing hostility. His experiences only strengthen his resolve.
Ifrah said he drew inspiration from the Jewish concept of “tikkun olam,” or repairing the world. “To repair the world, you have to take steps as individuals,” he said. “Unfortunately, our world isn’t perfect – we see hate and injustice in the streets, on the news, and on our campuses. But even small actions of courage can make a big impact.”
He emphasized that everyone has the power to create change. “We can take these steps, these small actions of courage, these small steps forward to stand up, even a bully in school, just something that may seem so miniscule to you or to other people, can make a really big impact,” he added.
