Jewish pioneers honored at fundraising event

By Marina Berkovich, JHSSWF President

The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida’s annual fundraiser on Jan. 14 in celebration of Florida Jewish History Month was a smashing success. The event, co-chaired by Monica Goodwin, Ellen Frankel and Elena Novik, featured an elegant room setting, delicious afternoon tea delights, gorgeous hats on the heads of stunning ladies and beautiful music by Mike Mendelsohn and Richard Steinberg.

The educational entertainment program was presented by Karen Ezrine, Geri Parsley, Nancy Wiadro and local history expert Lois Bolin, who acted out some unpleasant episodes from the not-toodistant past.

Karen Ezrine, Geri Parsley, Donna Lee Booker, Marina Berkovich, Nancy Wiadro, Lois Bolin, Wayne Smith, Alexander Goldstein and Monica Goodwin

Now is the time to honor the pioneering efforts of those who settled in Southwest Florida early enough to endure and overcome the antisemitism and ignorance of the second half of the 20th Century. It’s time to acknowledge the enduring legacy of perseverance they left behind and to form bonds with the community at large to enjoy a synergistic and harmonious future.

Jacqui and Mike Mendelson and Richard Steinberg

Event co-chairs Monica Goodwin (L), Elena Novik (R) and Marina Berkovich