NJDC Honors County Executive Ike Leggett with “Tikkn Olam Award”
Listed in: Other Domestic Policy, NJDC News, Press Releases
Montgomery County (MD) Executive a Friend of the Jewish Community
POTOMAC, Maryland - Last evening, the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) presented Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett with the "Tikkun Olam Award" in honor of his service to the community. "Tikkun Olam" is a Hebrew expression that is literally translated as "repairing the world." The expression is often used to describe service to community, country, and global humanitarian efforts.
Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot and U.S. Representative John Yarmuth (D-KY) joined NJDC Executive Director Ira Forman, NJDC Board Member Barbara Goldberg Goldman and Democratic activists Annie and Sami Totah in honoring County Executive Leggett.
"Ike Leggett is a role model who leads by bringing people together from all walks of life in pursuit of the common good. As a citizen of Montgomery County, I am proud to call Ike my County Executive, but more importantly, my good friend. I sincerely congratulate Ike on receiving this award honoring his service to the community," said Comptroller Peter Franchot.
"NJDC is pleased to honor County Executive Ike Leggett, a distinguished public servant and leader in the Montgomery County community," said NJDC Board Member Barbara Goldberg Goldman. "A veteran, teacher, Council Member, and County Executive, Mr. Leggett has chosen to give of himself for the betterment of the world. That is the true spirit of Tikkun Olam."
County Executive Leggett, who has visited Israel, maintains a strong friendship with the Jewish community. He is a former board member of the Jewish Foundation for Group Homes, an organization which seeks to assist disabled adults.
"I am grateful to be honored by the National Jewish Democratic Council, an organization committed to equal treatment and social justice in the United States and throughout the world - and committed as well to the state of Israel and the values of the Jewish community," said Leggett. "It means a lot to me and I look forward to our continuing to work together."
The event was held at the home of Annie and Sami Totah. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) and U.S. Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) were Honorary Chairs. Co-Chairs included Richard Cohen, William Dockser, Mort Funger, Michael Gelman, and Barbara Goldberg Goldman. Hosts included: Annie and Sami Totah, Gary and Pennie Abramson, Cathy Bernard, Len Blondes, Paul Chod, Edward and Debra Cohen, Sheldon and Faye Cohen, Rick Edson, Peter Gillon, D. Jeffrey Hirschberg, Ken Gross, Alan Meltzer, Arnold Polinger, Jules Polonetsky, Josh Rales, Jay Rosenblum, Andy & Eve Stern, and Mark Winston and Bonnie Casper Winston.
According to County Executive Leggetts's official bio: "In November 2006, Isiah Leggett was elected to a four-year term as Montgomery County Executive. He is the first African American to be elected to this public office. Isiah Leggett was the first African American to be elected to the County Council. Ike Leggett served four terms as an At-Large Member (1986 - 2002). He also served as the Council's President three times (1991, 1998, 1999) and as its Vice-President three times (1990, 1997 and 2002). As a Council Member he also chaired the Council's Transportation and Environment Committee and served on the Education Committee. His other political service includes chairing the Maryland Democratic Party from December 2002 - December 2004, which involved working with local officials throughout the State of Maryland."
Photos of the event are available upon request.
