Community Briefs: Gratz Visiting Professor, Kosher Food Carts

0
Irwin Cotler. Courtesy of Gratz College

Gratz Names Human Rights Official a Distinguished Visiting Professor
Irwin Cotler, the international chairman of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, was named the first Isaacman Distinguished Visiting Professor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Gratz College.

Cotler is an emeritus professor of law at McGill University, a former minister of justice and attorney general of Canada, and a longtime member of Canada’s Parliament. His post will span the 2021-2022 academic year.

As a human rights attorney, Cotler served as counsel to prisoners of conscience, including Nelson Mandela, Andrei Sakharov and Natan Sharansky.


“I know of no more important academic discipline than Holocaust and genocide studies in this moment in time,” Cotler said. “We need to ensure that ‘never again’ is not just a slogan, but a reality that underpins our international human rights work.”

During his professorship, Cotler will deliver two public lectures about genocide, the Holocaust and mass atrocity. He also will participate in Zoom meetings with doctoral students in the Holocaust and Genocide Studies program.

The professorship is named after Daniel Isaacman, who served as Gratz’s president from 1973 until his death in 1982.

Einstein Debuts Portable Kosher Food Carts
A new service offering portable kosher food carts for patients debuted Sept. 1 at Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, Einstein Medical Center Elkins Park and Einstein Medical Center Montgomery.

The carts, which were bought via grants from Einstein’s Compassionate Care Fund, include a microwave and refrigerator and have room for nonperishable food. They will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, upon request.

Community volunteers from Bikkur Cholim partnered with Einstein to accommodate the dietary needs for patients who keep kosher by stocking the cart and, upon request, providing hot meals for patients. Patients can request the cart from nurses on their unit, reach out directly to Bikkur Cholim or ask staff to reach out on their behalf.

Hospital staffers are encouraged to ask patients how they practice and what type of assistance they need when they arrive on the unit to help them navigate their needs in accordance with their faith.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here