The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation has made possible the Friedlander Upstander Awards, now in its 14th year, in partnership with the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County (HMTC.) The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County (HMTC) annually honors middle school and high school students on Long Island who confront intolerance, prejudice, or other forms of social injustice with the Friedlander Upstander Award. Winners receive a $5,000 scholarship.
The Friedlander Upstander Awards competition is open to students enrolled in a middle school or high school on Long Island. In order to be eligible, a teacher, guidance counselor, or another adult who is not a family member submits a brief letter of nomination in addition, the student is asked to write to a 500-word essay on what actions they have taken that make them upstanders. Winners were recently announced at the HMTC’s annual dinner.
Foundation President Peter J. Klein said “now, more than ever, it is essential to recognize students who make a difference in their communities and schools by acting as upstanders against hate crimes, bullying and hate speech.” Klein continued, “our founder, Claire Friedlander, was a Holocaust survivor and an upstander herself, so it’s critical that we support HMTC’s efforts to reward and recognize Long Island students for setting examples of tolerance and understanding.”
