The Star Democrat – Royal Oak Couple receives humanitarian award

LESLEY AND FRED ISRAEL

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

ROYAL OAK — Fred and Lesley Israel of Royal Oak are the recipients of the first Temple B’nai Israel Humanitarian Award. The award was given at a gala dinner held at the Temple’s new home on Saturday, Oct. 27, attended by the couple’s many friends and local dignitaries.

The Israels, who have lived in Talbot County for many years, have been active in public service not only locally, but in the Washington, D.C., area, their former home, as well.

Here on the Shore, Fred Israel has served on the board of governors of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, where he is a life member. For several years he was active on the board of the Talbot Association of Clergy and Laity, and he has appeared as a guest lecturer at the Institute for the Study of Religion, Politics and Culture at Washington College in Chestertown.

Lesley Israel has served as chairman of the board of both the Talbot Humane Society and the Avalon Foundation. For many years, she has been active in the Talbot Democratic Forum.

In 2016, President Obama appointed Lesley Israel as a member of the Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad. In addition, she has worked in democracy and humanitarian development in more than 40 nations across the globe.

In a citation recognizing the Israels, U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., expressed his appreciation to them for their “visionary leadership and engagement in our community,” and his gratitude “for all that they do to touch the lives of others.”

The Israels are longtime members of Temple B’nai Israel, the Satell Center for Jewish Life on the Eastern Shore.