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�鶹��Ʒ��ƵReceives Gift to Install Jerusalem Stone on Wallach Building

From left, Harriet Kalin, �鶹��Ʒ��ƵPresident Adam Hasner, Joshua Kalin

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�鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ received a gift from Boca Raton residents Joshua and Harriet Kalin that will support the Kurt and Marilyn Wallach Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building and add a significant element to the building. The couple provided a gift to have a portion of the building’s front façade constructed in Jerusalem stone, the natural stone of Israel.

Jerusalem stone, a limestone mined from the mountains in and around Jerusalem, is rooted in Jewish identity, symbolizing strength, endurance and eternal devotion. Its use connects believers to their faith and the sacred stories that have shaped history in Jerusalem. The Wallach building will stand among the distinct structures around the world that feature the stone. This section of wall will be enhanced with specialty lighting that illuminates the building’s front.

“It is our intention to be a part of the Holocaust and Jewish Studies building in order to provide a resource center for students and the community. This will result in a stronger Jewish presence on the �鶹��Ʒ��Ƶcampus,” said Harriet Kalin.   

The Kalins have been long-time supporters of the Holocaust studies programs at Florida Atlantic, including support of Florida Atlantic’s Raddock Family Eminent Scholar Chair in Holocaust Studies, as well as other programs within the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters.

“The Wallach building’s mission is to teach about one of the most inhumane episodes in world history, in order to ensure a more peaceful future,” said �鶹��Ʒ��ƵPresident Adam Hasner. “A Jerusalem stone façade for the building will send a distinct visual message to our community about the significance of our Holocaust education and Jewish Studies efforts. Thank you to Harriet and Joshua Kalin for this meaningful contribution.”

Construction is currently underway on the Wallach building, made possible through a transformational lead gift from Kurt and Marilyn Wallach. The 22,000-square foot, two-story structure will be the home of Florida Atlantic’s Holocaust education, Jewish studies and related programs. The Kalin family joins a host of other donors who are following the Wallachs’ lead by making additional gifts in support of the building and its programs.

In addition to the distinctive Jerusalem stone façade, the building’s exterior will include an area for quiet reflection within the Marta and Jim Batmasian Memorial Pavilion dedicated to the memory of 1.5 million Armenians who died in the Armenian genocide. Inside, it features two permanent exhibits – the Craig and Barbara Weiner Holocaust Museum of South Florida at �鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ and the George and Irina Schaeffer Dimensions in Testimony interactive display. There also will be a recital/lecture hall and traveling exhibition hall of the prominent Marilyn and Jay Weinberg Grand Lobby. On the second floor, there will be a conference room, student study space and administrative offices for the programs.

“Josh and Harriet Kalin have been longtime supporters of programs within the College of Arts and Letters,” said Michael Horswell, Ph.D., dean of the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters. “In addition to donating to our Holocaust and Jewish Studies programs, they are Gold Ambassadors of the Arts, committed to excellence in art and culture at Florida Atlantic and patrons of Theatre Lab, Florida Atlantic’s own professional resident company. We are very proud and grateful to them for this impactful gift to the Wallach building.”

-FAU-

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