Holocaust Center Names December 'Upstander of the Month'

The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center recognizes Jacqueline Gavrilov as Upstander of the Month of December 2013. 

Jacqueline is a senior at North Shore Hebrew Academy who resides in Queens Village. As a freshman, Jacqueline found herself the victim of bullying and in response, became a bully herself. Searching for a way to make a difference and embody the quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” Jacqueline investigated her high school’s Anti-Bias Talk Force. Jacqueline soon found her voice within the group and introduced a non-profit, “To Write Love on Her Arms,” to her school. The non-profit specializes in teen self-harm, suicide and addiction.

As a result of Jacqueline’s efforts within her community, she soon rose to the position of Co-President of the Anti-Bias Task Force. Now she strives to educate her peers and adults to the dangers of bullying and self-harm. Jacqueline recently presented at the Human Rights Awareness Conference at Adelphi University. During the conference, a member of the audience spoke about their own suicidal thoughts, sighting Jacqueline’s presentation and kindness to have given her the courage to speak up. 

Jacqueline’s experience at Adelphi has encouraged her to create an Anti-Bias Task Force when she enters college. According to Jacqueline, “Bullying has no age limit and even at the university level, people should learn to tolerate others. I would like to communicate my knowledge and passion to inspire others to become aware of the dangers and consequences that bullying brings.”

Each month the Center accepts nominations from teachers, civic leaders, family and friends of a Long Island youth that has implemented the HMTC’s mission by advocating respect for all people.  The student’s action as an Upstander could be one of intervention or prevention.  To nominate a student for “Upstander of the Month” or learn more, email Jennifer Carpenter Low at jenniferlow@holocaust-nassau.org or call 516-571-8040 ext. 107.