The ABEK Student Upstander Award Nomination- Part I

The ABEK Student Upstander Award is named in memory of Abek, friend of Holocaust survivor, Gerda Weissmann Klein. Gerda Klein, a very proud citizen of the Buffalo Community, was a renowned author, inspirational speaker, humanitarian, subject of a documentary that won an Oscar and Emmy and the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom- the nation's highest civilian award.

During World World II, Abek painted portraits of German officers, which gave him access to additional food, clothing, and books to send to Gerda while she was imprisoned in labor camps. Like millions of others, Abek perished in the Holocaust. In Gerda Klein's classic autobiography, All But My Life, she wrote extensively about her friendship and gratitude to Abek. It is in recognition of the qualities of kindness, generosity, sacrifice, and bravery that Abek Feigenblatt displayed under the most difficult circumstances, that the adult children of Gerda Weissmann Klein have now established the prestigious ABEK Student Upstander Award to honor his memory.

The Holocaust Education Resource Organization (HERO) defines an Upstander as an individual who uses his/her voice to stand up for others' rights, combat injustice, inequality or unfairness.

Two ABEK Student Award Winners will be selected this year, one in middle school (grades 6-8) and one in high school (grades 9-12).

The deadline for this part of the nomination is April 18, 2025.

In order to be nominated for the ABEK Upstander Award, the winner needs to accept the award in person on JUNE 9th at 7pm at the Holocaust Education Resource Organization's Award Ceremony.

Upon submission of this form, HERO will send a notification to the student whom you have nominated. Note that in order for this nomination to be considered complete, your student nominee will be responsible for submitting their part of the nomination which will be on a separate form.

Nominator Information

First Name

Last Name

Cell Phone

Relationship to Nominee

Nominee Information

First Name

Last Name

Cell Phone

Grade

School Name

Please share why you feel this student demonstrates qualities or characteristics of an upstander:

Please describe the student's involvement in the school community or other organizations:

If applicable, please share any information such as links to school newspapers, projects or pictures that further demonstrate the student as an upstander.