Lester Friedman Honored as 2025 Yom HaShoah Honoree

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Beverly Hills Councilmember and former Mayor Lester Friedman has been recognized as the 2025 Yom HaShoah Honoree for Assembly District 51 by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. This honor celebrates Friedman’s lifelong dedication to Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism. Recently, the California Assembly passed a resolution designating April 28 as California Holocaust Memorial Day, emphasizing a commitment to education about the Holocaust. Friedman’s personal connection to the Holocaust through his parents greatly influences his advocacy, urging continued awareness and tolerance in the community.

Beverly Hills – Councilmember and former Mayor Lester Friedman has been honored as the 2025 Yom HaShoah Honoree for Assembly District 51 by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. This prestigious recognition celebrates Friedman’s lifelong dedication to remembering the Holocaust, combating antisemitism, and his extensive public service efforts.

Friedman, whose parents survived the Holocaust, was officially recognized during a special ceremony held at the State Capitol. As the son of Saul and Bella Friedman, who endured the Radom ghetto, forced labor camps, and the Auschwitz concentration camp, Friedman’s personal family history has deeply influenced his advocacy for social justice and public service. Assemblymember Zbur commended Friedman for embodying the resilience, memory, and hope that Yom HaShoah strives to uphold.

This recognition comes at a significant time as the California State Assembly recently passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution 59, designating April 28 as California Holocaust Memorial Day. This resolution, presented by Assemblymember Dawn Addis on behalf of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, received overwhelming bipartisan support, highlighting a collective commitment to remembrance and education about the Holocaust.

During his address at the ceremony, Friedman expressed appreciation for the members of the Legislative Jewish Caucus who are actively working to raise public awareness regarding antisemitism—recognized as one of the oldest forms of hate. Friedman’s efforts throughout his political career have consistently spotlighted the importance of Holocaust education and remembrance.

Lester Friedman has been a significant figure in the Beverly Hills community, having been elected twice to the City Council and serving two terms as mayor, first from 2020 to 2021 and again from 2024 to 2025. Under his leadership, he has promoted initiatives focusing on public service, community engagement, and commemorative actions following tragic events, such as leading memorials for the victims of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks in Israel.

Beyond politics, Friedman is also a seasoned workers’ compensation attorney and has been a proud alumnus of UCLA. He has enriched his community as the official scorer for UCLA men’s basketball since 1996. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he is a devoted husband, a father of four, and a grandfather to six grandchildren.

Friedman’s recognition as the Yom HaShoah honoree serves as a reflection of his lifetime commitment to service rooted in historical memory and a pledge to ensure “never again” applies to future generations. Moreover, it signifies the ongoing efforts in California to acknowledge and combat the legacy of hate, solidifying a path towards greater tolerance and understanding within the community.

As Fryman continues to advocate for Holocaust remembrance, his work underscores the vital importance of educating others about this dark chapter in history, ensuring that the stories of survivors like his parents are never forgotten and continue to inform and guide future efforts against hatred and discrimination.

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• Beverly Press: Zbur Recognizes Friedman as 2025 Yom HaShoah Honoree
• Beverly Hills Courier: Mayor’s Summit Against Antisemitism Kicks Off in Beverly Hills
• KTLA: Beverly Hills Marks One Year Since Hamas Attack
• ABC7: Flag Art Installation in Beverly Gardens Park Honors Victims of October 7 Hamas Attack
• Google Search: Holocaust Remembrance