Jen and Dan Mendelson Breslau Goldman Award Honorees, 2023 Gala
Jen and Dan Mendelson believe in the power of partnership -- with each other and in supporting the professionals who work tirelessly to create organizations in our community.
Their current focus is a strategic initiative with 3G (grandchildren of Holocaust survivors) chapters in 10 states to build Living Links, a national organization that is devoted to growing the 3G community and training them to tell their grandparents’ stories and family narratives. Speakers are sent into classrooms and organizations to combat intolerance and hate. In the face of rising antisemitism and the distortion and denial of the Holocaust, this work is more critical than ever. Jen is co-leading this work in partnership with a wonderful group of volunteers from 3G organizations around the country, as well as the USC Shoah Foundation.
Holocaust remembrance has long been a focus of the Mendelsons’ work. They are forever grateful for the life lessons learned from Jen’s father, William Loew, a beloved Holocaust survivor who passed away in April 2022. His resourcefulness to survive and his resilience in building a beautiful life shaped their volunteer commitments with the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Defiant Requiem, and JxJ at the Edlavitch DCJCC.
Jen and Dan have long supported the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School and Camp Ramah in New England, where Dan’s parents, Sandy and Adina, met. Dan has served on the CESJDS Board of Directors for 10 years, including three years as president. Jen currently serves on the school’s Strategic Advisory Cabinet. They believe that Jewish education is a pillar of the community both now and in the future,
Dan and Jen want to express their deep appreciation for the staff and mission of the JCRC. They tackle antisemitism and partner with educators and principals to be more effective. They work with the Maryland General Assembly to increase Holocaust education, and have strong partnerships with other marginalized communities because they know that if a society starts with antisemitism, it rarely ends there. Offering your help to this mighty and small group is critical for their success, and we are proud to be a part of this amazing group of professionals.