The American Friends of Yitzhak Rabin will honor AFT president Edward J. McElroy at a dinner in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 20 that will support the naming of a classroom in the Yitzhak Rabin Center in Israel in memory of former AFT president Sandra Feldman.

The Center seeks to preserve the legacy of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was assassinated while in office in 1995, by promoting the ideals he championed--international leadership development, public dialogue and tolerance.

McElroy will be the first recipient of the Friends' Leadership in Education Award for his support of education as a weapon against poverty and as a defender of democracy throughout the world.

"Mr. McElroy has been a staunch advocate of free high-quality education as an important tool to combat poverty, promote peace and support democracy," said Dalia Rabin, chair of the Yitzhak Rabin Center. "Yitzhak Rabin's legacy, being carried on through the educational programs that focus on leadership and tolerance throughout Israel, is consistent with the goals articulated by Ed McElroy and the AFT."

McElroy requested that proceeds from the dinner be used to establish the classroom in memory of Feldman, who died in 2005, within the Morton Bahr Educational Wing. Morton Bahr, former president of the Communications Workers of America, established the educational wing at the Center upon his retirement last year.

The Yitzhak Rabin Center complex, established to commemorate the life and work of Rabin, expands on the concept of the American presidential library, fusing commemorative, historical, education and public endeavors in one facility. The Center's main focus is education, highlighted by a museum with interactive exhibits that explore the development of contemporary Israeli society and the fragility of democracy.

Tax-deductible contributions in any amount are welcome and can be made payable to the American Friends of the Yitzhak Rabin Center, (indicate "Feldman classroom" in the memo portion of your check), 866 Second Ave., 10th Floor, New York, NY 10017.

August, 2006