Alpert JCC Spotlight

The Personal Story Behind the BlueFin Swim Team Sponsorship

Forward By Susan Paletz, Director of Fund & Community Development

Rita and Dr. Barry Zamost are long time members of the Alpert JCC (AJCC). Having raised their family in the Long Beach area, the AJCC was their second home. Pre-school, camp and summer stock, there was always a Zamost child participating. They are the proud parents of 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Rita is a past president of the AJCC and Barry is the current co-president of Jewish Long Beach and the AJCC. True supporters of Jewish Long Beach & the AJCC, the Zamost’s are not just major donors, but truly give from their heart to support all the programs and services of the AJCC and Jewish Long Beach.

Barry Zamost | Co-president, Jewish Long Beach and AJCC Board of Directors

While we manage our way through the largest pandemic in 100 years, we often say how lucky we are that this COVID virus predominantly spares children. But that isn’t what happens during a polio epidemic, and in 1915, my father Isadore Zamost, at age 2, was infected and hospitalized with polio. Due to the consequences of this viral infection, he suffered with residual and permanent leg weakness throughout his life. He was luckier than other children, as complete paralysis and death were not uncommon. While he wore leg braces for a few years, he functioned reasonably with his limitations. But for this story, the change came in the 1960s. A new JCC had been built in Highland Park, New Jersey, that included an indoor pool. My father started swimming regularly, several times per week, for over 30 years, well into his 80s, in New Jersey and then in Long Beach. Every time, 44 laps, 1/2 mile, but due to his leg weakness, only the backstroke was possible. With his minimal leg kicking, my father always appeared to the lifeguards as someone on the edge of drowning. The family is convinced that this regular form of exercise allowed him to maintain good health into his 90s.

Isadore, and my mother Regina, were actively involved in their local Jewish Community, holding various leadership positions, and continued their lifelong philanthropy even after moving to Long Beach in the 1980s.

It is with this tradition, that Rita and I, and the extended family, are pleased to honor Isadore Zamost with our initial donation and sponsorship of the AJCC BlueFin Swim Team. His life not only highlights one individual’s challenge to overcome a disability and the importance of regular exercise and wellness, but also the continuation of a family tradition of giving back to the community. We hope that this story inspires others to do the same.

And yes, every time I swim a lap (freestyle) in our beautiful AJCC pool, I think of my father...especially now that I require a swim cap to protect my scalp from the sun’s rays. Oh yes, Dad, thanks for passing that on to me as well.

Barry and Rita Zamost

Barry & Rita with 4 of their grandchildren.

Barry's parents, Regina and Isadore Zamost

If anyone is interested in helping to support the AJCC BlueFin Swim Team, or any of the other aquatics programs, please contact Susan Paletz, Director of Fund & Community Development at ext. 1012