Pictured: ADL National Chair Barry Curtiss-Lusher, Barbara Balser, George Moss, Ruth Moss, Ron Balser and National Director Abraham Foxman
Los Angeles residents Ruth and George Moss were honored on November 1 at the ADL National Commission Meeting in New York. National Director Abraham Foxman presented them with the Barbara B. Balser ADL Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing extraordinary leadership in advancing the mission of ADL. The Mosses have been active ADL supporters in the Pacific Southwest Region and nationally for more than three decades, with Ruth currently serving as Vice Chair of the National Commission and Treasurer of the Pacific Southwest Regional Board and George having served as Vice Chair of the National Commission. They are members of the Executive Committees of both the National Commission and the Regional Board.
Besides the lifetime of commitment, serving as leaders and role models in their family and the community, the Mosses have made significant contributions in time and resources. In 2003, they endowed the ADL Daniel Pearl Award, in memory of Richard’s childhood friend, recognizing individuals who make a positive impact on the image of Jews and Judaism in the Muslim world.
Following a presentation of snapshots from throughout the decades, both presenters and honorees expressed deep emotion. “Ruth and George have become very special family,” said Mr. Foxman. “Far away yet so close.” After acknowledging that they have made ADL a family cause that now includes their son, Richard, a National Commissioner and Pacific Southwest Regional Board Executive Committee member, and their grandson Jonathan, a Glass Leadership Institute graduate and Regional Board member, George quipped, “There’ll be plenty of ‘Moss’ growing at ADL for many years to come.”
The award is named for former National Commission Chair Barbara Balser, the first woman to serve in that capacity. “It’s just such an honor and a privilege … Barbara has been my role model,” said Ruth summing up their feelings about joining the elite group of ADL leaders who have received the prestigious award. George and Ruth received a rousing ovation from the audience, including National Commissioners, a sizable cheering section from Los Angeles and significant contingent of the Moss family.