2025 Honorees
Public Leadership Upstander Award
Sheriff Michael Mastronardy has been working on cultural diversity issues since early in his career. As Sheriff his department partners with the prosecutor's office on the Hate has no home here initiative. In recent years he has travelled to Poland for a commemoration of the Nazi death march and to Israel soon after the 10/7 massacre.
Organizational Upstander Award
Christ Episcopal Church helps the homeless and needy with a food pantry. They provide ministry or a safe space to those battling addiction, the LGBTQ community and other at risk populations. Christ Church provides loving setting for all of our brothers and sisters in the surrounding communities offering friendship, fellowship, discussions and friends.
Student Leadership Upstander Award in memory of Hersh Goldberg-Polin
Danny Hoffman served as the Executive Student Body President, Founder of the Student Advisory Committee, and the Student Liasion to the Barnegat Board of Education at Barnegat High School. Across these positions, he regularly spoke up for groups of students rendered voiceless at a time when student input was vital. Danny advocated for positive reform and greater enrichment of the local special needs program, garnering media attention. Danny also fought against the countless repeals of inclusive policies and practices throughout the district whilst consulting student opinions via the Student Advisory Committee. He was also selected as a Youth "Changemaker" for the Garden State Equality Conference, and as a delegate for the Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Summit. Danny was a founding member and the first Youth Director at Barnegat Pride. Danny is in his first-year at The Pennsylvania State University - University Park, studying Education & Public Policy and International Politics. At Penn State, Danny continues to serve as a Student Advocate for Lion Caucus, as a member of the First-Year Council, and as a Research Assistant in the College of Education. Danny hopes to, one day, fix systemic gaps and issues with accessibility in education, across the world.
The Mensch Award
George Josephsen exemplifies what it means to live by the Rotary motto: “Service Above Self”. He is a devoted husband, father and grand-dad. He had a successful career running a well-respected insurance agency in Toms River. He became a Rotarian following in the tradition of his father. When people say someone is ‘an active Rotarian’ they are describing George! He has served the Rotary Club of Toms River (evening Club) for many years taking on everything from the most humble tasks (bringing the donuts and coffee for Scouting for Food or marking off the spaces for the street stalls for vendors at Sailfest) to the most significant (serving on the Board for many years as Executive Secretary). George is always the first one to offer to do the real work of any community service project (setting up and serving free refreshments at the Toms River Hallowe’en parade, serving food to persons experiencing homelessness at Supersoul Super Bowl or planning for the work of the Scholarship committee).
George is the definition of a mensch, and that is why the Jewish Federation is proud to honor him for being a mensch and a great community partner.
Lifetime Achievement
Annabel and Manny Lindenbaum. Annabel is our current (and past) Board Chair, who pushes us to do more in our community and have as much impact as possible. Manny is one of the most compelling presenters about how we need to embrace the lessons of the Holocaust to build a better world.
Dear Annabel and Manny.
Mazal Tov on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming "Heroes Against Hate" celebration.
There is no more dynamic couple more worthy and deserving of this special recognition and honor.
Your fearless stand against hate and your tireless fight for justice have lit a path for others to follow.
This award is more than a recognition of your work — it’s a testament to the hope you’ve shared with the world and a powerful reminder that when leaders have the courage to speak out, change is unstoppable.
May this milestone remind you of the lives you’ve touched and inspire even greater victories ahead. Keep leading. Keep inspiring. The world is better because of both of you.
Drew
Heroes Against Hate Honor Roll
