Joshua Nash (l) receives the Jack Nash Award of UJA-Federation’s Private Equity Division from Ludwig Bravmann. Photo: Michael Priest Photography

More than 200 of Wall Street’s icons gathered at the St. Regis New York, raising $1.1 million to support UJA-Federation’s annual campaign and expressing their good wishes and gratitude to the Nash family.

Throughout the evening, speakers praised Jack Nash, a legendary hedge fund pioneer who died in 2008, as one of the giants in the New York Jewish world, and they marveled at how his son has matched his example. “We often say l’dor v’dor” about the transfer from generation to generation, said John S. Ruskay, executive vice president and CEO of UJA-Federation, “Tonight we’re seeing it up close and personal.” Ruskay remembered how “Jack Nash’s presence filled a room,” and talked about how Joshua had inherited a similar presence and developed it in his own way.

Ludwig Bravmann, a longtime Nash family friend and business associate who presented Joshua with the first annual division award, added, “How proud your father would be to see you following beautifully in his footsteps.”

“This is a special and emotional night for me,” said Nash, recounting highlights of his father’s charitable work and thanking his mother, Helen, and many other family members and close friends in attendance. Receiving this award “is a privilege almost beyond comprehension,” he said.

Honoree Joshua Nasha (center), flanked by Jeffrey Stern (l), Peter May, James Tisch, and John Ruskay. Photo: Michael Priest Photography.

Nash praised his father as a mentor to many, including a number of people in the room, and a self-effacing believer in the responsibility to help others. He recalled how his father “admired the reach and impact of UJA-Federation,” and also talked about his own work with UJA-Federation and its enormous importance to him. “We are all so fortunate to live in America at the time we do,” he said, and spoke of the critical importance of doing tzedekah to improve the world.

“We’re so overwhelmed by the response for Josh,” said David L. Moore, CEO, Moore Holdings, and chair of UJA-Federation’s  Private Equity Division. He talked about the “widespread love and respect” for Nash and pointed to the thick journal full of personal messages of congratulations.

A Chance to Help the Most Vulnerable

Marc Lipschultz, Member and Global Head of Energy and Infrastructure for Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., and vice chair of the Private Equity Division, said, “UJA-Federation established this division to give professionals in our industry a chance to work together to help the most vulnerable in our society in New York and in Israel, and to address critical challenges facing Jewish communities around the world. How it has blossomed.”

Ruskay thanked the Nash family and others at the event for their key support and guidance in UJA-Federation’s work. Ruskay spoke of the great needs in New York, Israel, and around the world, and what UJA-Federation is accomplishing, “What a privilege it is for us to be able to do this work together.”

From left, Real Estate Division Chair, Lloyd Goldman; Luncheon co-chair, Rob Speyer; honoree Burton P. Resnick; and Luncheon co-chair Jonathan L. Mechanic. Photo: Michael Priest Photography

More than 600 guests turned out to honor Resnick, chairman and CEO of Jack Resnick  & Sons, Inc., at Cipriani 42nd Street.

“Burt Resnick is a giant in our community personally, professionally, and philanthropically,” said Jonathan L. Mechanic, one of the luncheon chairs.

When Governor Cuomo recognized how UJA-Federation helped New York following Hurricane Sandy, he also noted that the recent increase in extreme weather presents a new set of questions to take up for study and rebuilding, and how Resnick’s attitude provides a guiding light.

“That’s what the real estate community has always done, taken a challenge and made it into an opportunity,” he said. “You have taken traumatic episodes and learned how to make things better. If we do it right, we can rebuild New York for a new generation. And no person better symbolizes that spirit than Burt Resnick.”

Senator Schumer also paid tribute to the real estate community and its role post-Sandy. “Knowing you and the work you do and the people of New York, we will come back bigger and stronger than ever,” he said.

From left, Journal chair, Jonathan Resnick; Scott Resnick; Peter Resnick; with their father Burton P. Resnick, honoree; and Real Estate Division chair, Lloyd Goldman. Photo: Michael Priest Photography

Turning his attention to Resnick, Schumer recalled their relationship of more than 30 years and said, “You all know the great work he’s done in this industry, and how much he cares about the city and Jewry around the world. Civic leaders are not just concerned about their own family and business but also the city and country where they live, and Burt exemplifies that.”

John S. Ruskay, executive vice president and CEO of UJA-Federation, noted the honoree’s outstanding contributions over decades. “What you have given this community is beyond words,” he said. “It’s not only that Burt understands clearly the role of UJA-Federation in Jewish life, his contributions have been multiple.”

Rob Speyer, another of the luncheon chairs, pointed out that Resnick’s generosity comes from a genuine desire to help, not a need for recognition. “Burt Resnick is one of the most beloved men in the real estate industry. He wants to help this city, he wants to help Judaism, and he does it for its own merits,” Speyer said.

Pivotal Role in Jewish History

In responding to the tributes, Resnick said, “I was brought up by both my parents to know the importance of UJA-Federation.”

Honoree Burton P. Resnick with Larry A. Silverstein Photo: Michael Priest Photography

It is a legacy he has passed on to his children. His son Jonathan D. Resnick, who was journal chair along with David L. Picket, presented the Jack D. Weiler Award to his father.  “My father is a role model for the next generation, a man of integrity with a fierce work ethic and an equally deep commitment to philanthropy,” he said.

The honoree, who accepted the award with gracious gratitude to his family and the leadership of the Real Estate & Allied Trades Division, also acknowledged the work UJA-Federation does serving New Yorkers through nearly 100 network agencies. He also remembered when Ethiopian Jews immigrated to Israel in Operation Moses during 1984.“I was chair of Operation Moses and it was an honor to have that role,” he said.

His wife, Judy, explained in a video tribute, “Burt was thrilled to have helped people who were never permitted to be free Jews because of where they were born.”

During the luncheon, Ruskay spoke to the guests about how their crucial support helps create a caring community in New York, Israel, and around the world. In addition, he noted the essential part the Building Repair Fund plays in keeping buildings of beneficiary agencies in safe condition and at standards of good maintenance.