The Workers Circle Honors Henry Winkler and Zoe Winkler Reinis with Generation to Generation Jewish Culture and Activism Award
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(Photo Credit: John Sciulli/Getty Images for The Workers Circle)
May 6, 2024
Contact: Lynsey Billet, lynsey@anatgerstein.com 347-361-8449
(New York, N.Y.)—On May 2, the Workers Circle honored Henry Winkler and Zoe Winkler Reinis with the Generation to Generation/Fun Dor tsu Dor Jewish Culture and Activism Award at a special event, held at a private home in Calabasas, CA. The evening highlighted the strong generational commitment the Winklers have made to building a better and more beautiful world for all, with a special emphasis on equipping the next generation of social justice activists and leaders.
“We are proud to present this award to Henry and Zoe for their lifelong commitment to making the world a better place,” said Ann Toback, CEO of the Workers Circle. “Zoe’s advocacy on behalf of families separated at the southern border, and Henry’s lifelong commitment to improving the lives of children inspire us all, and we are so grateful to have them in the Workers Circle community. The world is made better because of their activism and their dedication for instilling social justice values fun dor tsu dor is an inspiration to us all.”
Henry Winkler will celebrate 50 years of success in Hollywood this year and continues to be in demand not only as an actor, producer, and director but as a best-selling author. His autobiography, “BEING HENRY…The Fonz and Beyond,” was published last October. It was on the New York Times best-seller list for 11 weeks and was a Good Reads Award winner for Best Humor book. Henry co-starred in the hit HBO dark comedy, “Barry.” In 2018, he won his first Primetime Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy for his role on the series. Henry has also won two Television Critics Choice Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and was nominated for both a Golden Globe and SAG Award.
A 1973 audition in Los Angeles forever changed the life of the Yale School of Drama graduate when producer Garry Marshall and Tom Miller cast Winkler in the iconic role of Arthur Fonzarelli, aka “The Fonz,” in the TV series “Happy Days.” During his 10 years on the popular sitcom, he won two Golden Globe Awards, was nominated three times for an Emmy Award and was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Winkler has always believed in helping others and is especially passionate about children. He is a featured speaker at WE Day Celebrations promoting education and service for students. His work also included Honorary Chairman of United Friends of the Children; Founding Member of the Children’s Action Network; the first National Honorary Chairman of the Epilepsy Foundation of America; National Chairman of the annual Toys for Tots campaign; the National Committee for Arts for the Handicapped; the Special Olympics; and the Los Angeles Music Center’s Very Special Arts Festival for children who are physically challenged.
He has received a number of accolades from a variety of prestigious organizations, including B’nai B’rith, Peace Prize by the United Nations and Women in Film’s Norma Zarky Humanitarian Award, presented to both Henry and his wife, Stacey, for their tireless efforts and devotion to the “improvement of the human condition.”
Zoe Winkler Reinis is a native Angeleno. After graduating from Loyola Marymount University, she pursued her lifelong passion for working with children, teaching preschool and becoming a behaviorist. When the family separation crisis came to head, Zoe knew she had to act. Witnessing the pain and suffering of children and mothers separated at the border, Zoe sprang into action and co-founded This Is About Humanity. As a result of her efforts, This Is About Humanity has directed funds to nine different shelters in Tijuana and established partnerships with organizations like Immigrant Defenders Law Center (IMMDEF), Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), and Tijuana Sin Hambre with whom This is About Humanity has opened a relief kitchen in Tijuana that feeds 3000 people a day and are on track to feed 1 million people this year. For her advocacy and leadership, Zoe has received numerous awards, including the Champion of Social Justice Award from IMMDEF and the Generations Award for Advocacy and Leadership from the WIN Organization, which she shares with her father, Henry Winkler.
“To be honored is a privilege,” said Henry. “To be honored with my daughter is glorious.”
The evening included a cocktail reception, followed by a short conversation with Henry and Zoe, moderated by Workers Circle CEO Ann Toback.
About the Workers Circle
The Workers Circle is a national, secular, Jewish social justice organization founded by Eastern European immigrants who came to the United States fleeing autocracy and persecution, and seeking democratic freedoms and economic opportunities at the turn of the 20th century. That history drives our work for an inclusive democracy and human equality today. Our activism is rooted in 1,000 years of Yiddish culture and tradition. Through strategic social justice campaigns, vibrant Yiddish language classes, and interactive educational programs, we power a multi-generational community of activists that is building “a better and more beautiful world for all.” Learn more at www.circle.org.