WEST PALM BEACH, FL – History has taught that when antisemitism rears its ugly head, hatred toward others will always follow, which is why a group of local lawyers came together following the massacre on October 7 and decided they were going to do something about it.
 
They formed the Jewish Lawyers Association of Palm Beach County, an organization of legal professionals united in their commitment to the legal profession, support of their Jewish ancestry and the State of Israel and freedom of religious practice.
 
The group hosted a standing room only Opening Event on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at the Palm Beach County Historic 1916 Courthouse. More than 200 lawyers, judges and community leaders were in attendance, including guest speakers West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James and Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz, who presided over the swearing in of the organization’s Executive Officers and Board of Directors.
 
“We are always stronger when we stand together,” said Gary S. Lesser, Founder and President of the Jewish Lawyers Association of Palm Beach County. “We can come together as Jewish lawyers, judges and allies and make a difference, fight antisemitism and hatred, celebrate our Jewish faith and the fact that this great country allows all of us the great freedom of practicing our faith or whatever religion we follow. We should never take that for granted.”
 
Lesser is joined on the Executive Board by Michelle R. Suskauer, Vice President of Communications, Matthew Z. Zimmerman, Vice President of Programming, Arlene K. Kline, Vice President of Membership, Andrew R. Comiter, Treasurer, Ellen M. Leibovitch, Secretary, and Alicia Z. Gross, Young Lawyer Division Chair. The Board of Directors includes Rikki L. Bagatell, James B. Baldinger, Genny I. Bernstein, Robin I. Bresky, Harrison R. DuBosar, Tracy L. Gerber, Ron D. Herman, Jami L. Huber, Allison O. Kahn, Ilan G. Kaufer, L.A. Perkins and Brian M. Seymour.
 
The event was generously sponsored by Greenberg Traurig, Gunster, Holland & Knight, Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, Drowos Private Wealth, Baldinger Mediation, Akerman, FPL, and the William Noonan Foundation.
 
Joining the Jewish Lawyers Association of Palm Beach County provides the opportunity to become part of a dynamic community of Jewish American legal professionals committed to mutual support and professional growth. Membership is open to all professionals connected to law or insurance.
For more information about the Jewish Lawyers Association of Palm Beach County, visit jlapbc.org.