Survivor gives talk at Holocaust Center Lights. Action. Fundraiser

Holocaust survivor and author Leo Ullman recently gave a moving lecture at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, located at the Welwyn Preserve in Glen Cove.

During his Feb. 14 presentation, the longtime Port Washington resident spoke about his harrowing experiences as a very young boy hiding from the Nazis in occupied Amsterdam during World War II and his family’s subsequent emigration to America.

During his lecture, he showed the audience a rug that was given to his father before his family went into hiding. The man who gave Ullman the rug believed that praying on it would protect his family. Ullman still has the rug in his home to serve as a reminder of the strength and sense of hope it provided to his family while they were in hiding in Amsterdam and for the decades that have followed.

“Leo Ullman is doing a tremendous service by continuing to share his family’s story of survival and perseverance in the face of evil,” Nassau County Legislator Delia Deriggi-Whitton

(D – Glen Cove) said. “It is always a privilege to hear my courageous friend speak and lend his powerful voice to ensuring that future generations never have to endure the atrocities that the Nazis inficted upon his family and so many others.”

Ullman is the author of a powerful book entitled “796 Days,” which chronicles the remarkable strength and resolve that his family demonstrated during their more than twoyear ordeal of evading capture by the Nazis.

Previously, Ullman served as director of the Anne Frank Center USA for more than two decades. Located in Manhattan, the center’s mission is to educate young adults about discrimination and the dangers of intolerance.

Ullman’s family was in hiding in Amsterdam at the same time as Anne Frank and her family.

Visit hmtcli.org to learn more about the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center. Visit annefrank.com to learn about the Anne Frank Center USA.

North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center’s family-friendly fundraiser at Manhasset Cinemas was a big hit with kids and parents alike. “Morning Movies with the Guidance Center,” which was held on Feb. 11, featured three flm choices –The Amazing Maurice, 80 for Brady and Minions –and everyone enjoyed bagels, popcorn and drinks.

“We all know that children and teens are experiencing issues like depression, anxiety and even suicidal thinking more than ever before, and that’s why I’m proud to support the Guidance Center’s lifesaving work,” said Jefrey Greenblatt, one of the event’s co-chairs and a Guidance Center board member. “Plus, my family had a wonderful morning, and I’m sure we’ll be back next year for this new tradition.”

Co-chair Joshua D. Brookstein, who also brought his family to the fundraiser, said, “There is nothing more important than the well-being of our kids. It is an honor to help the Guidance Center bring hope and healing to our communities.”

Kathy Rivera, executive director and CEO of the Guidance Center, thanked all who came out, along with the event’s sponsors: Liberty Utilities, Sahn Ward Braf Koblenz PLLC, Americana Manhasset, PSEG LI, Harris Beach PLLC, Cullen and Dykman LLP, the Marcell Family and the Slade Family, as well as Manhasset Cinemas, Tate’s Bake Shop and Bagel Boss of Roslyn.

“The Guidance Center team works hard each and every day to serve the families of Nassau County,” Rivera said. “We couldn’t succeed without the support of the community, our donors and the generous companies who partner with us.”

To learn more about North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, visit www.northshorechildguidance.org.