Page 16 - Jewish News_October-2020

16 October 2020 FEDERATION NEWS

Volunteer Spotlight

Bette Zaret: Passion propels purpose

By Sandy Chase
onored to be a member of resisting all forms and acts of hatred others in this community. Federation’s Director of Commu-
the Heller Community Rela- and discrimination.” Bette became involved with Feder- nity Relations, Jessi Sheslow, sees Bet-
Htions Committee (CRC) and Bette says emphatically, “In to- ation even before moving to Sarasota te’s comments as an understatement,
chair of its Holocaust subcommittee at day’s polarized world, Holocaust edu- in 2009 with her husband, Dr. Andre saying, “She’s one of the most effec-
The Jewish Federation of Sarasota- cation plays a key role in educating us Krauss, a retired art historian and me- tive leaders I’ve ever worked with, as
Manatee, Bette Zaret, founder and about the importance of human rights dia psychologist, who lectures about she continues to find innovative ways
chair of Butterflies of Hope and Re- and how democracy will guarantee Holocaust history, antisemitism and to ensure that the community – espe-
membrance, is fulfilling her lifelong those rights.” other topics. He also offers Holocaust cially our youth – knows about the Ho-
passion as a retiree. Delighted, she notes that Federa- teacher training for the local school locaust.”
This passion – coupled with a systems. Bette’s successful retirement can
successful career and a memorable “Since the early be traced to her exciting 40-year ca-
upbringing – supports her purpose as 1980s, I’ve attended Fed- reer, traveling and collaborating with
a volunteer for Federation and other eration events when we people internationally as a global stra-
nonprofits. visited my mom and step- tegic brand and marketing executive.
“Volunteering is a gift,” says Bette. dad in Sarasota,” says She has worked at major international
“I’m grateful that I can continue pursu- Bette. “The Federation corporations, living in such places as
ing my passion and realize my purpose has always been the hub Paris, Tokyo and London.
to help make this world a better place.” of Jewish life in this com- “Johnson & Johnson, Clairol/Bris-
Bette has been instrumental in pro- munity.” tol-Myers Squibb, Disney, Transitions
moting the Butterflies of Hope year- Bette is thrilled that Optical and Pepsi have provided edu-
long project commemorating the 75 Federation provides a cational experiences that have expand-
th
anniversary of the liberation of Nazi home for greater under- ed my understanding of and respect for
concentration camps. standing, boosting its different peoples – teaching me how to
“With the rise of worldwide an- mission through educa- better communicate,” says Bette.
tisemitism and the awareness that the tion. Majoring in anthropology and
Holocaust is being forgotten among Dr. Deborah Lipstadt and Bette Zaret “Speaking on behalf French also taught her about diverse
school children, and given that the tion is incorporating the Butterflies of of Jewish brothers and sisters encour- cultures. In her junior year, she lived
remaining firsthand witnesses surviv- Hope program into its Holocaust Ed- ages community cooperation while with a Parisian family whom she
ing the Holocaust are sadly passing, I ucation Initiative, providing Holocaust creating a better world now for us and “adopted” as her own, continuing this
knew that I wanted to promote Holo- training to Sarasota-Manatee teachers future generations,” she says. “My friendship after 50 years.
caust education,” says Bette. and other community organizations. background and career have helped Bette is convinced that these first-
For Bette, it’s crucial that all learn Bette describes how she and Ronnie me define my journey into retirement, hand educational experiences have
the truth about this unprecedented Riceberg, another staunch Federation which began in 2017. I’ve found a new taught her that regardless of our diverse
genocide, especially in view of in- volunteer, dreamed up the possibilities meaning, as I strive to make a difference cultures, languages and beliefs – all to
creasing Holocaust denial. for this vital project – making a differ- – receiving so much more than I’m be respected and celebrated – there’s
“We must teach the importance of ence in their lives as well as the lives of giving. But I wish I could do more.” continued on page 17

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