(Courtesy of Camp HASC) Dozens of federal, state and local elected officials and community leaders came together at Camp HASC in a bipartisan show of support for an informative and uplifting day of education, conversation, networking and action for individuals with special needs and developmental disabilities.
HASC’s longtime chairman, Abe Eisner, shared opening remarks that framed the goals of the program “to look toward the future and ensure we are on track to provide for those most vulnerable members of our community.” Recognizing the longtime friendship and support of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, Eisner thanked all those who gathered for their support, hard work and commitment.
Guests were greeted by Shmiel Kahn, CEO of HASC Center, and toured Camp HASC’s fully adaptive facility, receiving an insider’s view of the extraordinary therapeutic, medical and academic programs and services offered.
Rabbi Chaskel Bennett, the program’s master of ceremonies, led the charge with passion and eloquence, introducing Rep. Marc Molinaro, who spoke movingly as a dedicated advocate and parent of a young woman with intellectual disabilities, praising Camp HASC as a “beacon of service, hope and inspiration” for all. New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald shared opening remarks, praising Camp HASC’s work on behalf of the most vulnerable members of the Jewish community.
A tireless advocate for klal Yisrael, Chaskel moderated a meaningful program honoring three accomplished public servants who have made an indelible mark on care for children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism in New York state: Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein and outgoing OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) Commissioner Kerri Neifeld. New York State Assembly reps. Simcha Eichenstein and Stacey Pheffer Amato paid tribute to Gunther, while former Commissioner Niefeld was honored by Rachel Grey, a camper at Camp HASC. Yehudah Schupper accepted an award on behalf of Weinstein, recognizing her decades of dedicated service.
At the reception marking her retirement from the New York State Assembly, Gunther remarked, “I am so grateful for what you do and the wonderful, loving care and services you provide … it has been the honor of a lifetime to represent and advocate for all the individuals with disabilities and their families in Albany. I’d love to come work here in your beautiful new medical center as a nurse!”
Stalwart friends of HASC, New York City Council member Kalman Yeger and Rep. Mike Lawler shared uplifting remarks. OPWDD Commissioner Willow Bier toured Camp HASC’s new TYH Beis Refuah Medical Center alongside Dr. George Malegiannakis, lead internist at Blanche Kahn Family Health Center in Brooklyn; and Rabbi Yehuda Meir Horowicz, HASC’s chief administrative officer.
The representatives in Washington and Albany were joined by a contingent of dedicated community leaders including Yechiel Kalisch, CEO of Hatzalah; and Dr. Shimshi Zimmerman, Hatzalah’s medical director.
In his closing remarks, Rabbi Judah Mischel, executive director of Camp HASC, evoked “the golden rule” and praised the special guests for choosing a life of public service and dedication to others: “Let us close our meaningful day together the way we began by accepting upon ourselves the mitzvah of loving one’s fellow as ourselves and commit ourselves to further action on behalf of those counting on us.”
