HAMDEN – More than 250 guests joined the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in honoring Rabbi James Prosnit of Congregation B’nai Israel in Bridgeport and Jill and Ric Nadel of Westport at a reception held in Westport on Sunday, Oct. 25, at which the three were presented with the organization’s 2015 Distinguished Community Leadership Award.

“We were thrilled to honor such committed and accomplished leaders who have done so much to improve the lives of all those in our community,” said Steve Ginsburg, ADL Connecticut regional director. “In accepting their awards, Jill, Ric and Jim each shared stories of what inspired their life-long generosity and dedication to the values of respect and diversity. ADL looks forward to continuing to work with them to achieve our common goal – to secure justice and fair treatment to all.”

Additionally, Associate Regional Director Marji Lipshez-Shapiro was acknowledged for her 25 years at ADL.

“The theme for the evening was ‘Impacting the Next Generation,’ which Marji certainly has done through the years,” said ADL board chair Robyn Teplitzky. “Marji’s commitment to working with schools to develop a comprehensive approach to prevent and intervene against bias, bullying and cyber-bullying as part of a broader strategy to create safe schools for all students has proven that one person can indeed make a difference. We are fortunate to have her on staff.”

CAP: Robyn Teplitzky; Wendy Bloch; Rabbi James Prosnit, Jill and Ric Nadel, and Steve Ginsburg. Photo credit: Harold Shapiro.