Richter's and Frumkin's efforts are responsible for the restoration and reconstruction of thousands of Jewish lives.
By YANIV SALAMA-SCHEERcohon award 88(photo credit: )
Glenn Richter and Simon Frumkin, two leading activists for Russian Jewry, will share this year's Cohon Award.
The Rabbi Samuel S. and A. Irma Cohon Memorial Foundation grant the award annually to an individual who demonstrates outstanding achievements benefiting Israel and the Jewish community.
According to the foundation, Richter's and Frumkin's efforts and dedication to their work are responsible for the restoration and reconstruction of thousands of Jewish lives in America and Israel.
The Cohon Memorial Foundation estimates that there are over one million beneficiaries of their work today all around the world.
Richter created and headed the Student Struggle for Soviet Jews. Through demonstration, lobbies and political backing, he was able to propel Jewish federations into getting involved with his project for Russian refuseniks.
After the Soviet Union fell in 1991, Richter focused his attention towards educational efforts for Jews still in the former USSR. Today, Richter continues his work defending Jewish identity even in the most obscure places.
Frumkin, who is Russian born, has headed the California Council for Soviet Jewry for some time and is the author of Graffiti for Intellectuals. His campaigning for refuseniks helped recruit the younger generation of California Jewry to the cause.
"The men we honor this year achieved great results in the field of rescue. They set a fine example which we hope will inspire others," said president of the foundation, Rabbi Samuel Cohon. "Rescue begins with saving lives. It must continue with the process of saving and strengthening spirits."
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