New York – Devorah Halberstam Honored at FBI New York

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    Former US Attorney General Michael Mukasey, FBI Assistant Director in Charge (ADIC) Joseph Demarest Devorah Halberstam and Honorable Rudolph Giuliani, Former Mayor of New York. Photo credit: Matthew Coleman, FBINew York – On Dec. 10 the FBI’s New York Division honored a true fighter against terrorism with the presentation of the Director’s Community Leadership Award. This special award, presented on behalf of the Director of the FBI, was formally created in 1990 as a way to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in America.

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    Devorah Halberstam, this year’s award recipient, was recognized for her endless pursuit of justice and dedication for victim’s rights

    On March 1, 1994, Devorah’s son, Ari Halberstam, was murdered in a terrorist attack on the Brooklyn Bridge. Following her son’s murder, Devorah committed herself to the fight against terrorism. She pounded the halls of Congress to change laws on immigration, terrorism and gun control. Working side by side with former Governor of New York George Pataki and other officials, she was instrumental in enacting the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001, the first of its kind in New York State.

    Determined to close loopholes in gun control laws, Devorah pushed for legislative changes and regulation. This led to the inception of Ari’s Law, an interstate gun trafficking law that is part of a comprehensive gun control law passed in New York State through the efforts of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and signed by Governor Pataki. Because of this demonstrated tenacity in her fight against terrorism, Devorah was appointed by Governor Pataki to serve on the first New York State Commission on Terrorism.


    One of Devorah’s proudest accomplishments was the construction of the Jewish Children’s Museum in Brooklyn honoring her son’s legacy and embodying his enthusiasm for his heritage. This multi-media museum opened in 2004 and is dedicated to teaching tolerance to all children so that we may all grow to live in a peaceful society. On the outside of the museum is an inscription, which, translated into English reads, “Inside the museum one will find a living tree. This tree is a symbol, reminding us all that if nurtured, we will all bear great fruit.”

    Devorah is recognized throughout the law enforcement community, and especially within the FBI, as a vital asset in our fight against terrorism. She conducts training sessions throughout the country at colleges and universities and within the law enforcement community. Accepting no compensation, Devorah teaches how to see through a victim’s perspective, instructing on extremism and how to look for subtle clues to connect the dots in preventing future incidents of terror.

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge (ADIC) Joseph Demarest, in presenting this evening’s award, said, “We are honored to recognize a true fighter against terrorism. A woman who has demonstrated an endless pursuit of justice, everlasting love for her family, dedication for victim’s rights and patriotism for her country. It is with heartfelt gratitude on behalf of everyone at the FBI that we present to you the Director’s Community Leadership Award.”

    The Honorable Michael Mukasey added, “It is an honor to be here tonight to recognize someone who has dedicated her life to a cause as great as this. In today’s complex world, the war against terrorism must be confronted not only abroad, but within our borders as well. Education, acceptance, and determination are our greatest assets as we more forward. Devorah Halberstam is a true example of the strength of our nation.”

    The Honorable Rudolph Giuliani stated, “Having known Devorah for many years, her dedication to protect our citizens and most importantly our children is admirable. She is a beacon to the community and has taught us all about the horrible affects of terrorism on our country.”

    In accepting her award, Devorah Halberstam made the following remarks, “I am humbled to be receiving the Director’s Community Leadership Award. It demonstrates the unique partnership that has developed over the last decade between myself, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Justice Department in the ongoing battle against international terrorism.”


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    20 Comments
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    AYid
    AYid
    14 years ago

    Mazel Tov and best wishes to Mrs. Halberstam. May she be zoicheh to be Mekadesh Shem Shomayim with her good and very important deeds on behalf of decent, law abiding people, everywhere. Like her namesake, Devorah, she is a true fighter for justice!

    Eli
    Eli
    14 years ago

    Way to go Devorah, and much hatzlacha with your mission…..

    I have no doubt that the FBI’s selection this year to honor a Frum Jew, is an attempt to water off the unforgettable images of them marching out with Frum Jews and Rabbi’s the past summer, they understand politics too….

    ashkenazi
    ashkenazi
    14 years ago

    maybe she can help all the frum yidden the fbi framed in the dwek case?

    NYCbuff
    NYCbuff
    14 years ago

    congrats Devorah, knowing you it is very well deserved. may you have much luck in the future in nachas from your family. -k-

    Chgoachdus
    Chgoachdus
    14 years ago

    Such a kiddush Hashem!! May it inspire all of us.

    Formally Known as Yodea Sefer
    Formally Known as Yodea Sefer
    14 years ago

    Gun control laws prevent people from protecting themselves when under attack. In no way do they prevent any sort of terrorism.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    kol hakavod to this mom, may god give you the strength and wisdom to do the right things.

    anonymous
    anonymous
    14 years ago

    A Halberstam must be related to the Zanzer, very chushiv

    anonymous
    anonymous
    14 years ago

    The Gorlicer Rebbe is a Halberstam

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    I heard her speak at an NYPD event,she is a great speaker and talks from the hart

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    I don’t understand why a former mayor and a former attorney general and NOT the current mayor or attorney general were present at the ceremony?

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    While one can only pity her for losing her son in such a horrific way, that does not justify her efforts to pass laws confiscating our guns. If Jews in Crown Heights and Williamsburg were allowed to carry concealed weapons, the blacks and ricans would know a lot better than to prey on us. The Nazis, yemachem shemom, were also big gun control activists, let us keep in mind. If Jews were armed then, and if we had the seichel to learn how to use guns, maybe Ari and the 6 million kedoshim (hy”d) would still be here with us. Maybe whomever he was with would have been able to protect him from the murderous Arabs who killed him. Guns are not the problem. Schvartzes and other beheimas are the problem. For every Jew, a .22. Yidden, it is time you start defending yourselves. She has no right to dictate how I can and should defend myself, my family, and my people.

    Brooklyn Jew
    Brooklyn Jew
    14 years ago

    Congratulations Mrs. Halberstam, you truly deserve this award. Keep up the good work. Good luck.

    yoel
    yoel
    14 years ago

    What memorial was set up for mrs lapine and yankel rosenblum who were murdered in cold blood in crown heights when the rebbe was with us?

    yoel
    yoel
    14 years ago

    What memorial was set up for mrs lapine and yankel rosenblum who were murdered in cold blood in crown heights when the rebbe was with us?

    moshe
    moshe
    14 years ago

    To #10 & # 11: If you will have a chance to pray at Ari Halberstams Kever (a couple of feet away from the Tzion of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Ztl) you will see that you are correct and will read his whole yichus inscribed on his tombstone!