American Friends of Yitzhak Rabin Recognize Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh with 2015 Yitzhak Rabin Leadership and Public Service Award
Awards gala dinner will feature remarks from Yuval Rabin, son of the
late Israeli Prime Minister
BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American
Friends of Yitzhak Rabin (AFYR) announced today that they will
recognize Boston Mayor, Martin J. Walsh, with the final Yitzhak Rabin
Leadership and Public Service Award. Terry O’Sullivan, General President
Laborers’ International Union of North America, will present the award
to Mayor Walsh at a gala dinner at the InterContinental® Boston on
October 13, 2015.
The event, which is being Co-Chaired by Peter Palandjian, CEO
of Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation, and Ed Zuker, CEO
of Chestnut Hill Realty, will include remarks by Yuval Rabin, son of
late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin; Professor Reuven Hazan, chair of the
Political Science Department at the Hebrew University; and the honorable
Yehuda Yaakov, Consul General of Israel to New England. Mayor Walsh will
be recognized for his dedication to public service, the labor movement
and further improving the economic development opportunities between
Boston and Israel. A special candle vigil and moment of silence will
also take place to honor all victims of gun violence. Yitzhak Rabin, a
victim of gun violence himself, was killed 20 years ago on November 4,
1995 at a peace rally.
“My father’s lifelong mission was to make a lasting impact on his
country by providing security, reinforcing democratic values, building
bridges between communities, allowing equal opportunity through
education and creating a cadre of young leaders,” explained Yuval Rabin,
son of the late Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin. “He understood that this
could only be achieved by leading by example, and Mayor Walsh does
exactly that every day. Similar to my father, he is fully committed to
his people and understands the importance of bringing individuals
together to achieve the goal of making the city he leads bigger and
better. It is an honor to recognize Mayor Walsh for his leadership and
commitment to improving economic ties between Boston and Israel.”
Like Rabin, Mayor Walsh comes from a working class family. He was born
and raised in the community he leads, the Boston neighborhood of
Dorchester, and like Rabin he has devoted his personal and professional
life to public service. He is passionate about making Boston a city
where anyone can overcome their challenges and fulfill their dreams. As
a young adult, he joined Laborers Local 223 in Boston and quickly rose
to head the Building and Construction Trades Council of the Metropolitan
District. In this role, he worked with businesses and community leaders
to promote high-quality development and career opportunities for women
and minorities. Since taking office on January 6, 2014, Mayor Walsh has
mirrored the essence of Yitzhak Rabin by working to create good jobs,
great schools, safe streets and affordable homes, while building a more
responsive, representative and transparent city government. In addition,
he has invited the people of Boston to help build a blueprint for the
city’s future through Imagine Boston 2030, the first citywide
planning process in half a century.
“Yitzhak Rabin was a lifelong advocate for working people, and I am
beyond humbled to accept this award in his name,” expressed Mayor Walsh.
“In the years following his assassination, I visited Israel and was
deeply moved by the legacy he left behind. You could feel his presence
interwoven into the fabric of the Israeli culture – he embodied what it
means to be a leader. I am fully committed to strengthening ties between
Israel and Boston and will continue to honor Rabin’s legacy.”
Over the last ten years, AFYR has successfully raised the funds
necessary to complete construction of the Yitzhak Rabin Center and its
remarkable Israeli Museum in Tel Aviv while filling its classrooms with
substantive and meaningful programs. With the Rabin Center built and
flourishing, and 20th anniversary of Rabin’s assassination
fast approaching, AFYR has decided to further commemorate Rabin’s legacy
by establishing the Yitzhak Rabin Fellowship in Post Graduate Democracy
Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Proceeds from the gala
will go towards this fellowship, which will be dedicated in Mayor
Walsh’s honor early next year.
“The American Friends of Yitzhak Rabin decided that supporting an
important educational program reflecting the late prime minister’s
legacy is an important next step in fulfilling our mission,” explained
Stuart Davidson, AFYR Chairman and Master of Ceremonies for the gala.
“The Yitzhak Rabin Fellowship in Post Graduate Democracy Studies will
not only help to establish a new generation of statesmen in the image of
Yitzhak Rabin but it will also make an important impact on public policy
in Israel. We are proud that funds raised during Mayor Walsh’s event
will support this important cause.”
For information about the gala dinner, please email WalshDinner@friendsofrabin.org.
For information on American Friends of Yitzhak Rabin, please visit www.friendsofrabin.org
or follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/AmericanFriendsofRabin) and
Twitter (@FriendsofRabin).
About American Friends of Yitzhak Rabin
This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the assassination of
Yitzhak Rabin, the late Prime Minister of Israel. The American Friends
of the Yitzhak Rabin Center, a registered 501/c/3 non-profit
organization headquartered in New York City, is now known as American
Friends of Yitzhak Rabin to reflect an expanded scope of support for
educational programs and initiatives that reflect the legacy of Yitzhak
Rabin.
Contacts
American Friends of Yitzhak Rabin
Jeanne Hoffa, 949-233-5372
Jeanne@coastprgroup.com
