Brooklyn, NY – 100’s Attend Event To Support Organization That Helps Children With Autism

Brooklyn, NY – On Wednesday morning, July 14th, nearly 400 of New York’s most influential Jewish community leaders, policy makers, and their constituents gathered at the Renaissance Ballroom in Brooklyn, New York in support of Shema Kolainu-Hear Our Voices, a school and center for children with autism.

Many legislators pledged their enduring support to secure legislation that benefits children and their parents who require ongoing personalized services such as those that Shema Kolainu provides. Assemblyman Felix Ortiz gave a moving speech acknowledging the importance of securing services. Ortiz explained that this cause resonates for him personally as his aunt and uncle have struggled to care for their autistic daughter. He and others stressed the importance of maintaining funding so that budget cuts do not threaten critical programs such as those at Shema Kolainu.

The primary goal of this event was to educate legislators about the urgency of autism care and research, raise support and awareness, and share ideas about working toward combating autism through effective public policy and legislation. In addition, communal leaders, civic and religious leaders, community philanthropists, and elected officials, attended to pay tribute to several outstanding public officials and community leaders for their dedication in furthering the mission of Shema Kolainu.

Shema Kolainu – Hear Our Voices expressed their gratitude to several honorees. Commissioner from the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, Nazli Parvizi, accepted the City Leadership Award. Other awardees were City Councilman Brad Lander who was presented with the Shema Kolainu Appreciation Award,presented by Peter Hatch, State Director of Senator Gillibrand’s office; Steven Cohn of Goldberg & Cohn, LLP whose Public Service Award was presented by Brooklyn DA Joe Hynes; Dr. Randi Herman, Vice President of Council of School Supervisors and Administrators and District Manager of Community Board # 12, Wolf Sender.

A special Appreciated Award was presented to prominent community philanthropist Cheskel ‘Ziggy’ Brach who was joined on stage by Attorney General Candidate Sean Coffey for his commitment to Shema Kolainu throughout the years.

Lastly the very touching award of Lifetime of Excellent Service went to George Kramer. George’s boss, Isaac Abraham presented the award and told the audience about George, a very special elderly man with autism. With his remarkable skills, George has held Kramer’s Hardware store in Brooklyn together for over 50 years. Abraham explained that the store has never needed a computer. “George keeps track of all the inventory in his head!” George’s dedication and his story inspired the crowd.

Video credit: Shimon Gifter


Gratitude and appreciation was also expressed to very strong supporters of Shema Kolainu – Hear Our Voices Assemblyman Dov Hikind and State Senator Kevin Parker. Other speakers were Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny, Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, City Council Members David Greenfield, Vincent Gentile, and Mark Weprin, sponsor of the NYC Council Autism Initiative.

Senator Kevin Parker related that he was once asked how he is able to serve all the different ethnic groups residing in the very diverse 21st district which he serves. He answered that it is not as complicated as one would think because as it turns out “all people no matter what their religion or ethnic background share common interests for their well-being and advancement”. Everybody wants for themselves and for their families a safe neighborhood, good school and educational options, and job opportunities.
Photo credit: Shimon GifterBoth City Council members David Greenfield and Brad Lander affirmed their commitment to fight for this essential funding, “Everyone in NYC knows a family member or a friend touched by autism. I’ve had a chance to see the hard work of the City Council’s Autism Initiative up close, and to see what a difference it makes to have caring teachers and social workers working with autistic kids every day. The progress that families see as a result is truly extraordinary. While these are challenging economic times, we cannot and must not abandon these children and their families” asserted Councilman Lander. “The answer to our budget crisis is not to cut services to special needs children and families. We must find alternative streams of revenue to ensure that vital programs like the City Council Autism Initiative remain intact. It’s the least that we can do for families of these amazing children” proclaimed Councilman Greenfield.

Shema Kolainu, founded by the trailblazing Joshua Weinstein, opened in 1998, headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of children with autism in the five boroughs of New York. Renowned for their unique and pioneering approach based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis, they offer education and other services in the field of autism care. Statistics confirm that autism has risen by epidemic proportions. Vital and urgent expenses for care, education and resources are staggering. Shema Kolainu hopes to build awareness and support to allow more children and families to benefit from the school’s valuable and essential services and programs.

President and Founder Joshua Weinstein thanked everyone for coming and discussed the remarkable progress which had been made; Menachem Lubinsky and Kalman Yeger, Masters of Ceremonies, thanked The Friedlander Group for coordinated the formal breakfast and also thanked everyone for coming to celebrate Shema Kolainu’s “Bat Mitzvah”. The attendees were invited back in 2011 for the “Bar Mitzvah” celebration.