faces&places

30 | DECEMBER 26 • 2024
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he Zekelman Holocaust Center
(The HC) hosted its 40th
Anniversary Benefit Dinner on
Sunday, Nov. 10, at Huntington Place in
Detroit.
The evening brought together more
than 1,400 attendees, including com-
munity leaders, corporate supporters,
educators, Holocaust survivors, veterans
and other members of the Jewish com-
munity. The 40th anniversary attendance
marked the largest turnout in dinner
history, reflecting a growing commit-
ment to The HC’s mission to educate the
public about the Holocaust to combat
contemporary antisemitism.
This year’s event honored Marcie and
Rob Orley for their exceptional dedica-
tion to Detroit’s Jewish community, pri-
oritizing the education of the public to
counteract the rising threat of antisem-
itism. As prominent local and national
figures, Marcie and Rob Orley have
contributed significantly to numerous
Jewish and philanthropic organizations.
“Marcie and Rob lend their name to
many important causes. They accepted
this honor because they feel so deeply
that with the passage of time, and the
loss of the survivor generation, that we
must all become advocates for Holocaust
education,” said Rabbi Eli Mayerfeld,
CEO of The HC. “
Antisemitic acts
are reaching unprecedented levels in
American society, and the Orleys’ lead-
ership helps further our work.”
Celebrated international best-selling
author, Detroit Free Press columnist and
broadcaster Mitch Albom served as key-
note speaker. Also among the evening’s
distinguished attendees was U.S. Sen.-
Elect Elissa Slotkin.
“The Center’s commitment to preserv-
ing the memories of Holocaust victims
and survivors, while instilling tolerance,
empathy, and the importance of stand-
ing against hatred and antisemitism,
is a mission of profound significance
— one that will resonate for genera-

The Zekelman Holocaust Center
Celebrates 40th Anniversary

TOP: Alan Zekelman, Steven Grant, Marcie
and Rob Orley, Rabbi Eli Mayerfeld, Gary
Karp. MIDDLE: Benefit chairs Jennifer
and Brian Hermelin. Amy and Bennett
Grosinger. BOTTOM Marcie Orley. Mitch
Albom. Ethan Davidson and Jim Berger.

tions to come,” Slotkin said. “
As we

reflect on its four decades of work and
look toward the decades to come, all
Michiganders should acknowledge the
Center’s essential role in educating our
communities, shaping compassion-
ate leaders and fostering a more just
world.”
Proceeds from the Anniversary
Benefit directly support The HC’s edu-
cational programming, which reaches
more than 100,000 students, teachers
and professionals each year.