Zahava Burack

Zahava Burack, born in the shtetl of Nowy Korczyn, Poland, was a Holocaust Survivor who became a philanthropist, community leader and political activist in her adopted land. She resided for the last 40 years of her life in Westchester County, New York.

Philanthropy and Israel Activism

In October, 2000 already ill with undiagnosed cancer, Burack hosted her last fundraiser, for the David Yellin College of Education. Gossip columnist Cindy Adams mentioned the event in her typically snippy style:

ANTHONY QUINN , 85 and honored every week, got honored again. Organizer, a lady named Zahava Burack. Organization, some institution named David Yellin in Israel. In the presence of Consul Shmuel Sisso, funniest was David Dinkins, who said of Quinn's endless tributes, "Next week, Taco Bell honors him."

Bill Cosby emceed odd toasters like Tony's urologist, lawyer Barry Slotnick , tailor Bill Fioravanti discussing Tony's inseam. A mayor from his Rhode Island home talked longer than the whole state. Kathy Quinn's dad: "My son-in-law has children older than me." Le Cirque 's Sirio Macchioni: "I am scared when my wife is in the audience. Please, next time, don't invite my wife."

And Freddie Roman told the jammed Palace ballroom: "I take Viagra just not to fall out of bed at night."