Throughout the year, AJC pays tribute to those who have made significant contributions to the Los Angeles community through their involvement in civic and communal activities and organizations. 

Please contact Senior Associate Director of Development Elinor Goodman at goodmane@ajc.org or 310-282-8080 for more information about tribute events and sponsorship opportunities.

Community Service Award

2010 Recipients: Sherry Weinman and Michael Umansky

2008 Recipient: Peter Weil

More than 150 people gathered for a garden reception at the home of Lee and Larry Ramer, an idyllic setting for the presentation of the American Jewish Committee Community Service Award to Peter Weil, a founder and senior partner in the law firm Christensen, Glaser, Fink, Jacobs, Weil & Shapiro, and most recently Chairman of the LA Chapter. Peter was honored for his leadership in and involvement with civic and communal activities.

AJC/LA Executive Director Seth Brysk welcomed the guests who had come to honor Peter. Among those joining in the festivities were LA Chapter President Fredrick Levin, members of the AJC National Board of Governors and LA Chapter Board of Directors, former Community Service Award recipients, Jewish communal leaders, and elected and appointed officials, in addition to Peter’s many friends and family. National Executive Director David Harris, who had flown in for the occasion, addressed the challenges facing the United States and the Jewish community today and in the future.

Distinguished Leadership Award

Lynda and Stuart Resnick present 2009 AJC Distinguished Leadership Award to Drs. Barbara and Gerald Levey

Leaders in the business, entertainment, academic and medical communities came out on November 18, 2009 to honor Drs. Barbara and Gerald Levey at the American Jewish Committee’s Distinguished Leadership Award dinner. Held at the Skirball Cultural Center, AJC recognized the accomplishments of (the Leveys, who are long-time bouard members) for (their) contributions to UCLA School of Medicine as well as for their leadership in the broader Los Angeles community.

Sherry Lansing, Master of Ceremonies, spoke of the Levey’s deep commitment to serving the public good - Dr. Gerald Levey as the Vice Chancellor for Medical Sciences and the Dean of the School of Medicine and Dr. Barbara Levey as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Biomedical Affairs. Philanthropist and entrepreneur Lynda Resnick presented the award to (this) humble couple, offering touching remarks about her long-standing friendship and love for the Leveys and extolling their commitment to the highest quality of care for every patient.

Ira E. Yellin Community Leadership Award

This award is given in recognition of leadership in the Los Angeles community and for promoting democratic values, tolerance and understanding among diverse people. The Award is named in memory of Ira Yellin, a renowned downtown LA developer and former President of the AJC Los Angeles Chapter.

John Emerson and Kimberly Marteau Honored at 2009 Ira Yellin Leadership Award Dinner Geoff Cowan presents the Ira Yellin Award Community Leadership Award to John Emerson and Kimberly Marteau

AJC honored John and Kimberly on September 10, 2009 with the Community Leadership Award, named in memory of Ira E. Yellin. The couple were recognized for their accomplishments as Los Angeles leaders who have made the world a better place to live. Dr. Jerrold D. Green, the President & CEO of the Pacific Council, made the keynote address during the awards ceremony.  Notable guests included Aileen Adams and Geoffrey Cowan, Diane and John Cooke, California Governor Gray Davis (Ret.) and Sharon Davis, Eva and Marc Stern, Marianna and David Fisher, Adele Yellin and daughter Jessica Yellin, Madeline and Bruce Ramer, Lee and Lawrence Ramer, and past recipients Myna and Uri Herscher and Cathy and Len Unger. For more information on supporting AJC's important work, click here.  For more picture from the event, click here.

2008 Honorees: Cathy and Len Unger.

Dorothy and Sherrill C. Corwin Human Relations Award

Named in memory of Sherrill C. Corwin, a respected film industry figure, and his wife Dorothy, the Corwin Award is given to outstanding leaders in the entertainment and communication industries, whose professional and civic endeavors have helped to promote tolerance, understanding and cooperation. Past recipients include Steven Spielberg, Jack Valenti, George Lucas, Leslie Moonves, Clint Eastwood, and Amy Pascal.

2007 Honoree: Dick Cook, Walt Disney Studios’ Chairman - Click here.
2006 Honoree: Barry Meyer, Chairman and CEO, Warner Bros Studios - Click here

Judge Learned Hand Award

The Judge Learned Hand Award is the highest honor the American Jewish Committee bestows on members of the legal profession. The award was established in memory of Judge Learned Hand, Senior Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 1924 to 1951, who is widely admired as a dean among American jurists. Previous recipients include Shirley and Seth Hufstetler, Robert Warren, Ken Ziffren, Ron Olson, Marshall Grossman, and Bruce Ramer.

2010 Honoree: Wayne Barsky, Partner, Gibson, Dunn, & Crutcher LLP
2008 Honoree: Martha B. Jordan, Partner, Latham & Watkins LLP
2007 Honoree: Alan Friedman, Partner, Munger, Tolles & Olson, LLP

Civic Achievement Award

Since the inception of the award in 1977, only 16 outstanding leaders have been awarded the Civic Achievement Award, four since 1990. The honor is reserved for individuals who truly distinguish themselves as leaders within the real estate and related industries and who undertake both business and community projects that benefit and serve the greater good.

2007 Recipient: Jerry Snyder, Founding Partner of J.H. Snyder Company - Click here.

Comedy with a Cause 5

Building on success after success, AJC Assistant Director of Development Kathy Cucher left the crowd laughing, though more knowledgeable about the work of American Jewish Committee, at the fifth COMEDY WITH A CAUSE event benefiting AJC.  Chairs Nancy Hochman Ross and Peter Ross welcomed almost 200 supporters who enjoyed dinner and the show at the Improv. If you would like a print or re-print of these pictures please contact Tom Neerken at Th9@earthlink.net or 310-837-6100.