Leslie was an open, warm, unpretentious, and hard-working fighter for social justice and a better, more equitable Los Angeles. She was always willing to offer the help and support of the Jewish Labor Committee on behalf of Local 800, supporting our members and advocating for us in contract negotiations. In 2012, she organized the extensive Jewish Labor Committee network to support our organizing drive of 100 workers at Jewish Vocational Services-GAIN offices, and to urge JVS not to challenge the NLRB vote of the members and to recognize the Union. She also participated in and organized JLC supporters to walk the picket line with Bet Tzedek workers in their contract fight to protect their health insurance in 2013.
She identified with the Jewish social justice tradition, and was committed to what in Hebrew is called Tikkun Olam, repair of the world. Leslie fought for the farmworkers. She fought for working families struggling to make ends meet. She identified strongly as a feminist and fought for women's rights, and was always an egalitarian. She was unfailingly on the front lines of seemingly every battle on behalf of the vulnerable and the voiceless.
On April 19, Los Angeles City Council Member Paul Koretz adjourned the Council session in her honor. May her memory be an inspiration for us all.
