Community Service Award for JCRC

In April of 2025, UNL Hillel and the Jewish Community Relations Council hosted the event “Spread Cream Cheese Not Hate” on the University of Nebraska campus in Lincoln. The purpose: to spread awareness of antisemitism and other forms of hate in an engaging way.

The JCRC will receive the Jewish Federation of Omaha Community Service Award during our Annual Meeting, which will be held Thursday June 4.
Free bagels with cream cheese were given away, along with information about UNL Hillel and JCRC, including ways to report incidents. Over the course of the event, more than 250 students and faculty interacted with the Hillel students and JCRC to learn about each organization’s mission and to sign a digital pledge to fight antisemitism and other forms of bias on campus. The flyers distributed said:

“As UNL students, we have the power to lead by example. Let’s challenge harmful narratives and amplify voices that need to be heard. Every small act of kindness, every open conversation, every stand against hate counts. We are stronger when we unite, celebrate diversity, and reject all forms of hate. Together, we can build a college community where everyone belongs.”

“This program is an expression of Jewish values in action,” Sharon Brodkey, JCRC executive director, said. “It embodies the Jewish principles of tikkun olam and kehillah, translating deeply held religious and cultural commitments into concrete campus engagement.”
“The bagels and cream cheese are a nod to a food that is iconic in Jewish life and broadly recognized as part of Jewish cultural heritage,” JCRC Assistant Director Pam Monsky added. “For Jewish students, seeing their culture celebrated in a public space is itself meaningful. For non-Jewish students, it offered a warm, low-stakes introduction to Jewish community.”

In partnering with JCRC, the program connected UNL’s Jewish students to a wider network of community support, advocacy, and resources reinforcing the bonds between campus Jewish life and the broader Jewish community in Nebraska.

“Spread Cream Cheese Not Hate” is a program that is greater than the sum of its parts. It was creative in design, successful in execution, distinctive in approach, and deeply rooted in Jewish values and community purpose. UNL Hillel and JCRC have demonstrated that meaningful change on campus begins with showing up, meeting people where they are, and inviting them into a shared commitment to a more just and inclusive community.
The engagement did not stop at awareness. Every participant was invited to sign a digital pledge to actively combat antisemitism and bias-converting passive awareness into personal commitment. This pledge-based model reflects best practices in behavior change research, which shows that public commitments significantly increase follow-through on stated intentions.

The program also succeeded in its secondary goal of introducing both UNL Hillel and JCRC to members of the campus community, who may have been unfamiliar with either organization, building a broader base of allies and potential future participants…The event was sponsored by the Lazier L. and Harriet B. Singer Memorial Fund for Youth, and was so successful, it was back for a repeat performance in April of 2026.

“Spread Cream Cheese” stands out as a genuinely inventive approach to a serious subject,” Pam Monsky said. “By using food, specifically bagels and cream cheese, we have a fabulous icebreaker that invites students in for an engaging interaction with Jewish students – it is truly a grassroots effort!”

“The biggest impact of the Spread Cream Cheese event is education,” said Preston Gordman, student president of UNL chapter Hillel. “Often, offensive comments are not made out of malice but out of a lack of education or experience. Events like this create opportunities for people to learn, ask questions, and build greater awareness.”

While handing out bagels and cream cheese in a non-threatening atmosphere, volunteers have the opportunity to lead by example, engage students in conversations that challenge harmful narratives, and foster a college community where everyone belongs. Students who stop by to enjoy a nosh will learn how to report hate incidents and are invited to sign a pledge, which reads: “I commit to combat antisemitism and all forms of hate on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. I encourage my fellow Huskers to create a safe and welcoming campus community for all.”

5/28/26

Humanitarians of the Year
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Mark Martin

Malashock Award for Professional Excellence

The Jewish Federation of Omaha is pleased to announce Mark Martin as this year’s recipient of the Jody & Neal Malashock Award for Professional Excellence. This award is presented annually to a professional in the Omaha Jewish community who has demonstrated exemplary performance in advancing the mission of their organization. The honoree is selected by the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors.

During his 13 years as Executive Director of the Staenberg Omaha JCC, Mark has made a profound and lasting impact on the community. From his volunteer service to his professional leadership, Mark has consistently dedicated himself to strengthening, supporting, and advancing Jewish life in Omaha.
“Community means everything to me,” Mark said. “I knew taking on the role of Executive Director would be a tremendous responsibility, but also a great opportunity to give back. The Omaha Jewish community is so unique. It is close-knit and caring. By accepting this role, I knew I could help sustain our community while also growing it for the future.”

When asked about his first memories of the JCC, Mark mentions his parents.

“My parents led by example. From a young age they taught me the importance of being involved and giving back. Whether it was through their synagogue, the Federation, or JCC, they prioritized taking an active role in the community,” he said.

Mark’s parents sent him to JCC day camp and Esther K. Newman Camp, both fond memories for him. In his teen years Mark was very active in BBYO – a proud member of AZA. He went to college at the University of Texas – Austin where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu before returning to Omaha to work with his family at the Micklin Lumber Company. Factoring in his part-time employment as a teenager, Mark worked at Micklin Lumber for over 40 years. He left the company in 2013.
Mark has always made time to volunteer. In the 1980s, he served on the Cultural Arts and Film Committee. He was a JFO campaign solicitor for 20+ years and served as a committee chair each time the JCC Maccabi Games® were held in Omaha. Mark served on the Building and Grounds committee for 11 years, including the role of Chairman. He’s been a member of the JCC budget committee, an Executive Committee member on the JCC Board of Directors, and a member of JFO Board of Directors. He is also a two-time JCC Volunteer of the Year Award winner and was named Omaha Public Schools Volunteer of the Year.
In 2013 Mark accepted the role of Executive Director at the Staenberg Omaha JCC. Since that time, he has navigated the launch of a new website, a global pandemic, major renovations and additions to the facility, the implementation of a new CRM system, the launch of the Omaha JCC app, improved email communications, and led 100th anniversary celebrations for both BBYO and the JCC.

The growth over the past 13 years has been undeniable. Even during the pandemic, the J saw growth, gaining more new members than any JCC in the country. The organizational chart has grown from six departments to ten, with numerous programs seeing a steady increase in registration. Collaborations with outside organizations have helped the J broaden its reach, gaining meaningful exposure to diverse communities throughout Omaha. The J has also evolved into a “destination” community center, with 29% of its members traveling from beyond a five-mile radius to use the facilities and participate in programs.

Mark’s proficiency has also assisted the Pennie Z. Davis Early Learning Center in obtaining full National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation for the past ten years, an achievement only 10% of pre-schools attain. The JCC Summer Camp program has also obtained prestigious American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation for the past several years. Mark is particularly proud of these accomplishments because he knows they will make a substantive impact on future generations.

“My favorite part of this job is seeing kids grow up; to watch them learn and grow through all stages of their life. I take great pride in knowing that their time spent at the JCC is helping prepare them for the future,” he said.

Steve Zalkin, Board Chair of the Staenberg Omaha Jewish Community Center Advisory Board, credits much of the organization’s success to Mark’s leadership and commitment.
“One of Mark’s most significant achievements has been growing membership to better support the mission-based agencies of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. When Mark assumed leadership, the JCC had approximately 1,700 paying members. Today, that number has grown to 3,500. Mark has welcomed a diverse audience into Jewish spaces and has modeled inclusivity and outreach. His work has reinforced that JCC professionals must not only serve their immediate constituencies, but also strengthen their connections throughout the wider community,” Zalkin said. “Through both volunteer and professional roles, Mark has modeled what it means to lead with integrity, accountability, and purpose. He has shown that Jewish communal work can be both mission-driven and fiscally responsible.”

Bob Goldberg, Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, agrees. “This award reflects Mark’s consistent leadership and deep commitment to the Staenberg Omaha JCC. He brings both thoughtfulness and strategic focus to his role, ensuring the JCC remains welcoming, forward‑thinking, and responsive to the needs of our community,” he said.

On any given day, the JCC is thriving with activity. Ron Feldman, Chair of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board, credits this to Mark’s leadership.
“Mark has guided the JCC to record levels in all areas. Summer camp programs sell out quickly with a record number of campers. The men’s health club has a waiting list; the woman’s health club is at 100% capacity; overall membership is close to record highs. Though the JCC’s business model is different than any of the other agencies, Mark continues to be a positive role model for other Agency Directors. They look to him for guidance and direction,” Feldman said.

Mark is adamant that all of the accomplishments would not have been possible without his family, friends, staff members, and community members.“There are many people I need to thank,” Mark said. “I couldn’t have done any of this without my family: Julie, David, Lindsey, Daniel and Rachel. There have been many late nights, many weekend hours, and holiday hours worked. Through it all my family has been supportive and understanding. I’m also deeply grateful to Michael Staenberg, Tom Fellman, and Howard Kooper (of blessed memory) for entrusting me to lead the JCC through its renovation. I’m thankful to all of the past and present members of JFO leadership, Board Presidents, professional leaders, lay leaders, volunteers, and staff. None of this would have been possible without them. It truly takes a community, and I am honored to serve on their behalf,” Mark said. “Together we really can accomplish great things.”

Please join us in honoring Mark on Thursday, June 4 at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Awards Night & Annual Meeting. The program will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a dessert reception. Those attending are asked to RSVP in advance at www.jewishomaha.org.

5/28/26

Humanitarians of the Year
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Volunteers of the Year

Jewish Omaha is sustained not only by institutions, but by people — individuals who give their time, talent, and heart to ensure Jewish life remains vibrant across generations.

This year, the Jewish Federation of Omaha and its agencies proudly honor a remarkable group of volunteers whose leadership, compassion, and commitment reflect the very best of our community. These honorees will be recognized at the 2025–26 Awards Night & Annual Meeting, held Thursday, June 4, at 6:30 p.m. in the Alan J. Levine Performing Arts Theater at the Staenberg Omaha JCC. A kosher dessert reception will follow the program.

Together, the 2026 Volunteers of the Year represent the full spectrum of Jewish communal life — from governance and education to caregiving, advocacy, history, and youth engagement. Their paths differ, but each is united by a deep sense of responsibility for the strength and future of Jewish Omaha.

Jewish Federation of Omaha:
Seth Schuchman
The Jewish Federation of Omaha honors Seth Schuchman as its Volunteer of the Year for thoughtful, steady leadership that strengthens the Federation at its core. A member of the JFO Board of Directors, Seth serves on the HR & Compensation and Governance Committees, helping guide leadership development, organizational culture, and long term sustainability.

Seth also serves as Chair of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and as a contributor to the Jewish Press, bridging governance, history, and storytelling in service of the broader Federation mission. Known for his collaborative approach and
careful follow through, Seth exemplifies shared responsibility and
helps ensure continuity between Jewish Omaha’s past and its future.

Institute for Holocaust Education:
Kati Larson
For the Institute for Holocaust Education, Kati Larson has been a trusted leader and valued partner for many years. As a classroom educator, she consistently engaged her students in programs such as Willesden Lane, the Anne Frank Traveling Exhibit, and Search for Humanity, ensuring Holocaust education was meaningful and personal.

Beyond the classroom, Kati helped develop teacher in-services and lessons that strengthened Holocaust education statewide. She now serves as Director of Education at the Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and has been recognized nationally as a United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Teacher Fellow.

Across every role, Kati brings humility, rigor, and deep moral commitment to educating future generations.

Jewish Community Relations Council:
Dr. Ari Kohen
The Jewish Community Relations Council honors Dr. Ari Kohen for extraordinary advocacy rooted in scholarship, moral clarity, and lived Jewish values. A professor of political science, Kripke Chair of Judaic Studies, and Director of the Norman and Bernice Harris Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Dr. Kohen has generously shared his expertise and leadership with JCRC and the Federation family.

Following Oct. 7, 2023, his guidance proved especially meaningful as campus tensions intensified. Through thoughtful diplomacy with students, faculty, university leadership, and community partners, Dr. Kohen helped strengthen relationships when care and clarity were essential. His activism— deeply informed by Jewish ritual observance—models principled leadership at a critical moment.

Jewish Family Service:
David & Carol Alloy
At Jewish Family Service, David and Carol Alloy exemplify volunteerism grounded in empathy and dignity. Over the past year, they devoted countless hours to organizing, shopping for, and coordinating grocery deliveries for the JFS food bank, carefully selecting nutritious items to meet real needs.

Equally important is their advocacy. The Alloys consistently speak out about food insecurity and encourage others to get involved, reminding the community that caring for vulnerable neighbors is a shared responsibility. Through quiet dedication and compassion, David and Carol have made a tangible difference in the lives of many families.

Jewish Press & Nebraska Jewish Historical Society:
Marty Ricks
The Jewish Press and the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society jointly honor Marty Ricks for exceptional initiative and dedication to preserving Jewish Omaha’s story. Serving on the NJHS Advisory Board, Marty undertook—entirely on his own initiative—the ambitious project of researching and writing comprehensive histories of every past president of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

The work has required extensive archival research and persistence, particularly when tracing early leaders with limited records. Marty’s writing now lives in print and online, preserving leadership legacies that might otherwise fade and creating a lasting resource for the community.

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home:
Stan Edelstein
For nearly ten years, Stan Edelstein has brought warmth, reverence, and joy to residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Twice each month, he leads Shabbat services in the Simon Chapel, creating sacred space rooted in welcome and tradition.

Stan’s presence became especially meaningful after the isolation of the COVID 19 pandemic, when in person services were deeply missed. He arrives early to greet residents, assist with tallitot and yarmulkes, and offers gentle conversation that transforms each service into a communal experience. His reliability and kindness have made Shabbat a cherished constant for residents and staff alike.

Staenberg Omaha JCC:
Brooklyn Armstrong, Robert Osborne, Jordan Raffel & Josh Sullivan
The Staenberg Omaha JCC honors Brooklyn Armstrong, Robert Osborne, Jordan Raffel & Josh Sullivan, four emerging leaders whose dedication to youth engagement ensures Jewish continuity.

Brooklyn Armstrong, a BBYO advisor and Next Gen leader, brings energy and authenticity to strengthening pathways for young Jewish adults.

Robert Osborne, a fourth generation Omaha native and union electrician, serves as an advisor to AZA Mother Chapter#1, mentoring Jewish teens as they navigate life after b’nai mitzvah.

Jordan Raffel, a former Robert & Ellen Gordman Jewish Teen Leadership Award recipient, continues giving back to BBYO after holding multiple chapter and council wide leadership roles.

Josh Sullivan, a University of Nebraska at Omaha graduate, advises BBYO while serving on Federation committees, inspired by a family legacy of service.

Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation:
Donald Goldstein
For the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, Donald Goldstein exemplifies leadership through humility, consistency, and stewardship. A Foundation board member since 2002, Don has served as Vice Chair, long-standing Secretary, and a member of the Executive Committee.

Through the Shirley & Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation, Don and his family have distributed nearly $3.5 million to Jewish organizations, synagogues, medical research, human rights initiatives, and education. Signature community spaces—including the Goldstein Family Aquatic Center—reflect that generosity. Known affectionately as the Foundation’s most regular visitor, Don’s quiet leadership has left an enduring impact on Jewish Omaha.

Taken together, the 2026 Volunteers of the Year reflect the extraordinary breadth and depth of service that defines Jewish Omaha. Their leadership reminds us that a strong Jewish community is built — day by day — by people who show up with purpose, care, and heart.

5/28/26

Humanitarians of the Year
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