Those Who Fight Anti-Semitism Honored

The Orange County Society of Fellows of the Anti-Defamation League presented awards Saturday to those who have helped in its fight against prejudice and anti-Semitism.

About 170 people attended the annual dinner and dance at the Irvine Marriott to celebrate the local league’s 10th anniversary and to honor the winners.

A Class Act

Marion Ross, who played Mrs. Cunningham for 11 years on the “Happy Days” television series, received the Artist of the Year Award. Ross now plays Sophie Berger, a Jewish grandmother and Polish immigrant, on the CBS series “Brooklyn Bridge.”

“I’m not Jewish, so for me to please them is a very big endorsement,” Ross said.

“Otherwise,” she joked, “they would have thrown me out of town.”

It was obvious, however, that the audience loved her when clips were shown of Ross as Sophie, dispensing wisdom and wit to her TV grandson.

By the end of the film, Ross was wiping away a few tears.

“It’s incredible for this group to honor the show,” she said.

Other Stars

Supervisor Thomas F. Riley, who attended with his wife, Emma Jane, received the Distinguished Public Service Award for “standing up for fairness and equity for all people in Orange County,” said Jack Goldberg, co-chairman of the event and chairman of the ADL Society of Fellows.

Pat and Mike Harris received the Civic Commitment Awards for their volunteer work with the ADL and B’nai B’rith.

“I believe in the ADL very strongly. There is a great deal of anti-Semitism,” Pat Harris said. “I have nine grandchildren and I want to be sure the country will be safe for them.”

Fighting prejudice

The national ADL was founded in 1913.

“We stand at the forefront of those organizations seeking to wipe out all forms of racism, bigotry and prejudice,” said Goldberg, who was accompanied by his wife, Shirley.

“The honorees were chosen because of the work they do in going back to our credo,” Goldberg said.

Guests paid $200 per person to attend the dinner (salmon with dill sauce or prime rib), which was dished up at tables spread with pink tablecloths and festooned with pink and silver balloons. Dessert was raspberry sorbet served in tall wine glasses.

Guests also included dinner co-chairman Paul Fishbein, ADL national commissioner Howard Rosenberg, Orange County ADL founder George Paley and his wife, Dorothy, regional board chairman Jerry Schwartz and regional director Elizabeth Gale.