Rita K. Levy of East Hills recognized at UJA-Federation of New York’s N.Y. Lions Lunch

The Island Now
Rita K. Levy received the Phyllis V. Tishman Memorial Award for her leadership and dedicated service to the community at UJA-Federation of New York's NY Lions Lunch.(Photo courtesy of UJA-Federation of New York)

East Hills resident Rita K. Levy received the Phyllis V. Tishman Memorial Award for her leadership and dedicated service to the community at UJA-Federation of New York’s NY Lions Lunch on October 27, 2021, at The Mill River Club in Oyster Bay.

In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Levy noted how the act of philanthropy is an instilled family value.

“My parents provided me with a strong sense of who I am and where I’m from, my responsibilities and my possibilities. And they were also there for my children as they grew up, always playing an important part in their lives. They showed us the importance of tzedakah and action.”

Of her experience with UJA, she continued, “I found an organization that inspired me. Through UJA, I’ve made friends, been to countries and cities I’ve never been to before, all while learning how UJA makes a difference in people’s lives all over the world.”

The event, attended by more than 350 women in person and virtually, also recognized Cindy R. Golub of Mamaroneck, Dena Rosenberg Verhoff of Manhattan, and Janna Rosenberg of Hastings-on-Hudson.

Archie Gottesman, co-founder of JewBelong, gave the keynote address about the rise of antisemitism and fighting hatred head on.

In New York, a woman who gives a gift of $6,000 or more, individually or as a family, to UJA-Federation’s annual campaign is recognized as a Lion.

Rita K. Levy is the founding chair of UJA’s Witness Project, an intergenerational program for Holocaust survivors and high school students. She is a Long Island Women Planned Giving and Endowment chair, serves on the LI Women’s Cabinet and LI Executive Committee, and is on the board of Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center, a UJA nonprofit partner.

About UJA-Federation of New York

Working with a network of hundreds of nonprofits, UJA extends its reach from New York to Israel to nearly 70 other countries around the world, touching the lives of 4.5 million people each year. To date, UJA has allocated nearly $70 million to help respond to the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Aid has supported New Yorkers facing food insecurity, UJA partner organizations providing essential health and human services to New Yorkers, Jewish Community Centers, low-income students, single parents, and ensuring dignified Jewish burials. For more information, please visit www.ujafedny.org

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