The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County have recognized several Southeast Florida leaders for outstanding service. Ofer Bavly, the Israeli Consul General to Florida and Puerto Rico, Deputy Consul General Paul Hirschson, State Senator Ellyn Bogdanoff, State Representative Mack Bernard and Bernie Friedman, Esq. received awards at a special JCRC reception on June 13, 2011 on the Federation campus.

Bavly and Hirschson have served with distinction since 2007. They will be leaving their diplomatic posts shortly. They were honored for their years of valuable service to the community.

“The friendship of this community with Israel is critical, as the existence of Israel is not guaranteed if the existence of the Jewish Diaspora is not guaranteed” said Bavly. “We must continue to ensure that the connections between us remain strong to face our common challenges. We appreciate that Florida remains at the forefront in slowing down the Iranian nuclear program through economic sanctions.”

Senator Bogdanoff and Representative Bernard received awards for their leadership on Florida’s 2011 “Scrutinized Companies” Divestment from Iran-Sudan legislation, which becomes law on July 1, 2011. The new law adds to Florida’s groundbreaking 2007 legislation, significantly strengthening the state’s divestment from companies that invest with Iran and Sudan.  Sponsored by Bogdanoff and Bernard, the law passed with strong bipartisan support.

“As long as these countries continue to reject the international community’s efforts to stop nuclear proliferation, we will work to ensure that the full financial capacity of the State of Florida is united in our efforts to stop these hostile governments. “Florida will no longer support the authoritarian efforts of Iran and Sudan, or be a partner in their efforts to produce nuclear weapons,” said Bogdanoff.

“I am thankful to the Jewish Community Relations Councils for their support of this important piece of legislation,” said Bernard. “Together, we will help prevent Iran from building its nuclear energy sector through our bipartisan efforts.”

“Our Jewish community has been monitoring the situation in Iran for many years,” said Rabbi David Steinhardt, JCRC Chair. “Iranian leaders’ menacing threats to global stability and to Israel’s existence have made many in the free world understand the great threat this regime poses to the world’s security and freedom. We continue to advocate for economic sanctions as an effective way to pressure Iran to give up its nuclear aspirations, as divestment has shown itself to be a powerful tool.”

Bernie Friedman, Esq., a lobbyist for Florida’s Jewish Federations, was recognized for his dedication, advocacy and support of the Jewish Community of South Palm Beach County for many years.

Jewish communal and government  leaders on hand for the awards reception included Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County Chair Ellen R. Sarnoff, State Representative Mark Pafford, Diego Echeverri from Florida Department of Financial Services, ADL Florida Regional Director Andrew Rosenkranz, and key staff from many elected officials’ offices as well as advocacy organizations.

As the Federation’s public policy, community relations and advocacy voice, the JCRC educates the public, engages government officials and fosters advocacy on issues from world affairs and Jewish security to addressing vital community needs. Through regular meetings and work groups, the JCRC brings together the public affairs and advocacy resources of the local Jewish community. The JCRC is a member agency of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), the national public affairs arm of the organized Jewish community.

Click here to view more photos from this event.

Photo captions from top (L-R):

Ofer Bavly, Israeli Consul General to Florida and Puerto Rico; Rabbi David Steinhardt, JCRC Chair
State Representative Mack Bernard, State Senator Ellyn Bogdanoff
Bernie Friedman, Esq.; Stuart Silver, Esq., JCRC Director
Diego Echeverri, Florida Dept. of Financial Services; Ofer Bavly