OVER A HUNDRED YEARS OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE
September 2014 • Volume 100 • No. 1
לשנה טובה ומתוקה
Wishing You a Happy & Sweet New Year
The Power of Creative Thinking at Our Projects
New York Events Attract the Younger Generation In-depth:
The World Zionist Congress Election
Newcomers Voice Enthusiasm on the West Coast Coping During Operation Protective Edge
september 2014
contents
3 Layers of Impressive Work
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4 Art While Under Attack 5 When Is Now David H. Eisenberg President 7 Time for a Second Opinion Jack Grunspan Executive Vice-President 8 The World Zionist Congress Election 9 Please, Not Again Mel Parness Executive Vice President Emeritus
NORTHEAST REGION 10 Solidarity at Summer Sizzler
WESTERN REGION 13 Introducing Bnai Zion Projects
TEXAS REGION 14 Gala Planning Gets Underway
SOUTHEAST REGION 17 Retirees Help Israel in Pembroke Pines 18 Remembering Our Colleague, Boris Kiderman
events NORTHEAST REGION Tuesday, October 14 Sukkah in the City Wine & Cheese Party
Tuesday, October 21 Dinner honoring Dr. Susan Windham-Bannister Wednesday, November 5 Speaker Series: An Overview by El Al Pilots Wednesday, November 12 Dinner honoring Haim Hershkovitz
TEXAS REGION
19 Ready, Set, Swing: A Baseball Fundraiser
Sunday, November 9 Annual Gala honoring Dr. Jaime A. Davidson, with Featured Speaker Michael Medved
OUR PROJECTS IN ISRAEL
WESTERN REGION
SPECIAL EVENTS
23 Ingenuity at Work: Creative Solutions to Challenges 30 Operation Protective Edge: The Experience in Israel
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Saturday night, November 8 Kol Ahava presents the Bnai Zion Cabaret
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NATIONAL Note from the Editor
Layers of Impressive Work by LISA PAULE Since I started working at Bnai Zion in 2007, I’ve been continuously impressed by the successes at our projects. But it isn’t only that our projects accomplish great things, it’s the thinking and open-mindedness that go into solving problems that is impressive as well. The cardiology department at the Bnai Zion Medical Center was the first one in the western world to integrate traditional Chinese medicine – acupuncture – into its treatment protocol, recognizing the significant benefits heart attack patients could derive from its use. Building on that experience, the Medical Center expanded complementary medicine to other departments to help more patients, integrating a speciallytrained staff to not only provide complementary medicine treatment, but teach about it as well. Each institution and the city we support has unique ways of tackling complex challenges. In Ahava Village for Children & Youth, where abused children find caring refuge, the emergency shelter enables children removed from dangerous home situations to find immediate trauma relief, expediting their journey from harm to healing. I was in close touch with the people I work with at our projects during Operation Protective Edge, and their resilience, strength and fortitude in carrying on in as normal a mode as possible, even while the country was under attack, was extraordinary. There is so much heart in our projects. Best wishes for a happy & healthy New Year.
Quote of the Quarter
Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel said: On three things the world is sustained: On truth, on judgement, and on peace, as it says (Zechariah 8:16): “Speak the truth to one another, render in your gates judgements that are true and make for peace.” —Pirkei Avot, Chapter 1 100% of all designated gifts to Bnai Zion are transferred to our projects in Israel.
see us bnaizion.org FACEBOOK: facebook.com/bnaizionfoundation TWITTER: twitter.com/bnaizion
contact us
NATIONAL OFFICE Cheryl Bier • 212 725 1211 • cheryl.bier@bnaizion.org NORTHEAST REGION Alicia Post • 212 725 0244 • alicia.post@bnaizion.org facebook.com/bnaizionnewyork MID-ATLANTIC REGION 800 564 6399 • midatlanticregion@bnaizion.org SOUTHEAST REGION Rikki Arad • 305 949 0076 • rikki.arad@bnaizion.org facebook.com/bnaizionsoutheastregion TEXAS REGION Avrille Harris • 972 918 9200 • avrille.harris-cohen@bnaizion.org facebook.com/bnaiziontexasregion WESTERN REGION Judy Podolsky • 818 598 1818 • judy.podolsky@bnaizion.org facebook.com/bnaizionwesternregion
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Illustrating While Under Attack
Our cover artist lives in the south part of Israel We’re pleased to welcome back Ilana Graf, the artist who created the cover illustration for this issue. Ilana previously created the cover illustration for our September 2011 issue. A resident of Rehovot, Israel, Ilana was working on the illustration throughout the weeks Israel suffered barrage after barrage of rockets fired on its communities. During the process, Ilana was interrupted numerous times by sirens indicating the need to take immediate shelter. The graduate of an art school in Israel, Ilana is a member of the Israeli association of illustrators, and her work has been shown in many art exhibitions and special projects both in Israel and abroad. She enjoys working on paper, and the use of water colors, ink, collage and mixed-media. In the past few years Ilana has been working with prints, etchings, ON THE COVER and linocut, as well as using a digital pen. The cover illustration is a combination of collage and ink on paper, with digital work. With a main focus on children’s books, Ilana works with publishers in Israel and made her own digital children’s book entitled The Flock, which can be found on amazon.com, iTunes and other readers. Ilana’s heartfelt imagery adds substance to the cover, and her dream of a peaceful Israel - as epitomized by the doves - is made even more profound by the fact she was creating this visual story during the rocket attacks. “But with all that,” Ilana says, “I tried to be optimistic, and you can see the result in this cover drawing.” How fitting to have that positive spirit for the cover for the New Year, which includes a depiction of David’s Citadel.
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Correction to Article in June issue For the article that appeared on page 13 about a terrorist attack in Israel, please note the attack took place in 2003, not 2011.
VO I CE september 2014
VOICE
SEPTEMBER 2014 • VOL. 100 • NO. 1 ISSN: 0884-5565
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lisa Paule BUSINESS MANAGER Jack Grunspan ART DIRECTOR Matthew Papa COVER ILLUSTRATION Ilana Graf PRINTING & PRODUCING Cummings Printing CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Irwin Blank David H. Eisenberg Jack Grunspan Mel Parness Raymond M. Patt Lisa Paule CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Brooke-Lynn Danoff CIRCULATION MANAGER Rosemary Fletcher Published quarterly by BNAI ZION FOUNDATION Annual Periodical Subscription: $2 members $5 non members USPS #546980 Bnai Zion Voice (ISSN 0884-5565) Periodical postage paid at New York, NY and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address change to Bnai Zion Voice 136 East 39th Street New York, NY 10016 phone 212 725 1211 • fax 212 684 6327 bnaizion.org The Bnai Zion Foundation, Inc. is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Please consult your tax advisor regarding specific questions about your deductions.
DAVID H. EISENBERG
When Is Now With what is going on in Israel the past two months, I have decided to dedicate this issue’s column to the Bnai Zion Medical Center. Operation Protective Edge has involved the entire country of Israel, as we have unfortunately found out firsthand the reach of Hamas and other terrorist organizations in Gaza which, simply put, are looking for the elimination of Israel. As many wise men have said, if they tell you they want to destroy you – believe them. Since the second Lebanon war, the director of the Bnai Zion Medical Center has always said, “The next war is not IF, but WHEN.” Well, folks, the WHEN is NOW! Look at what our enemies have done to the mindset of the entire Israeli population with hundreds of rockets fired at Israel every day. The citizens are constantly on standby to run to the nearest shelter where everyday events become a life-questioning situation (“Am I safe to take a shower now?”). And for those of you who think only the south and central parts of the country are targeted, as I write this article several rockets were fired into northern Israel from Syria and Lebanon. The daily trauma on the residents of the north wondering, “Are we next?” has already shown itself.
As you know, our hospital has been planning an underground emergency department for several years, protected from biological, chemical, and nuclear attack. This is something that is not a luxury, but a necessity. I am happy to tell you that enough funds have been raised so that the planning stages can be finalized and construction should begin in the very near future. But we have not reached our goal. There is still another $1 million that needs to be raised just to insure the completion of the department, let alone equipping it properly. This is the time for you to be part of the solution and help save lives. Haifa was a front-line city during the second Lebanon war and will certainly be again. We have enclosed an envelope in this issue to make it convenient for you to help. Please use it during this time of year - when we are all looking to be inscribed in the Book of Life - and send as much as you can. Frances and I wish all of you a year of good health and happiness and especially a year of peace in our beloved Israel.
of all DESIGNATED GIFTS to BNAI ZION are TRANSFERRED to our PROJECTS IN ISRAEL. 100%
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Optimum Retirement: Your Future Can Be Enhanced with Smart Planning Support our humanitarian projects in Israel while earning high interest with a
BNAI ZION GIFT ANNUITY High Interest Guaranteed | Income Tax Deduction | Capital Gains Tax Deferral A Bnai Zion Gift Annuity: How It Works A Gift Annuity with our organization is a contract under which the Bnai Zion Foundation, Inc. commits to paying a fixed-rate lifetime annuity to one or two individuals in exchange for a contribution of cash or marketable securities. The fixed annuity rate is based on the age(s) of the annuitant(s) and is drawn from Bnai Zion Gift Annuity tables for one or two lives. More information can be found on bnaizion.org.
Yes,
I am interested in a Personalized Gift Annuity illustration. ❑ Please mail the illustration to me
❑ Please contact me to
Compelling Reasons to Enroll One wants assurance that one’s fixed income investments are secure and that the income received is enough to help with the high cost of living when retired. Reputable, stable charitable organizations have made regular and reliable payments to annuitants over decades, throughout all sorts of economic fluctuations. The Bnai Zion Gift Annuity reserve fund, required to conform to regulations of the New York State Insurance Department, provides our annuitants with assured, timely income.
arrange an appointment
NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE
ZIP
PHONE EMAIL BEST TIME TO CALL
Learn More For a confidential, customized Gift Annuity proposal, contact Jack Grunspan, Bnai Zion Executive Vice President, at 800 564 6399 or via grunspan@bnaizion.org
Confidential information is needed to complete illustration. Name of person to receive annuity payments: NAME
For a confidential personalized Gift Annuity proposal, please complete and return the form at right.
bnaizion.org
6
VO I CE september 2014
DATE OF BIRTH
Mail this form to: Jack Grunspan Executive Vice President Bnai Zion Foundation 136 East 39th Street New York, NY 10016 212 725 1211 or 800 564 6399
JACK GRUNSPAN
Really? I’m a Millionaire and I Can’t Touch My Money? Time for a Second Opinion! David and Rachel, ages 79 and 78 respectively, had been investing in the stock market their entire lives. Finally, after all the ups and downs (yes, the stock market has ups and downs), the market was hitting new highs with the Dow Jones exceeding 7,000. Was this going to continue or was there going to be another bubble? Well, David and Rachel, at this point, were too old to risk the bubble and wait for another comeback. They wanted out NOW! When they went to sell the stock their broker informed them in advance of the Capital Gain taxes they would owe and suddenly their own bubble burst. They would have to pay more than $100,000 of their portfolio in taxes. Their investment cost them $400,000 and was now worth $800,000.Time for a second opinion. Approaching Bnai Zion for a way out, David and Rachel were given two options. The first option was to establish a Bnai Zion Endowment. It was suggested that they put $100,000 into the fund, giving them a full $100,000 tax deduction. At any time they could recommend
distributions from the Endowment to any other 501(c) (3), which would also include 10% of such contribution to Bnai Zion Foundation (there is no annual fee for the Endowment). The charitable deduction would totally offset their tax liability. The second option they were given was to establish a Gift Annuity in the amount of $400,000. This would give David and Rachel a lifetime income at the rate of 5.5% and would continue for as long as either spouse was alive. By transferring the stock rather than selling it they avoid any upfront Capital Gains tax and have the full $400,000 earning income for them. If they sell the remainder $400,000 they will have a gain of $200,000 obligating them to approximately $50,000 in Capital gains Tax. However, because they established the Gift Annuity, they are entitled to a tax deduction of $165,000, more than enough to offset the tax liability, with an extra deduction of $115,000 to save additional taxes. Lookout Bnai Zion; here we come.
If you would like more information about Bnai Zion Planned Giving programs, please contact Jack Grunspan at 212 725 1211.
SAMPLE SINGLE GIFT ANNUITY RATES
AGE
RATE
PRINCIPAL
INCOME
75
7%
$10,000
$700
80
8%
$10,000
$800
85
9%
$10,000
$900
90
10.5%
$10,000
$1,050
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World Zionist Congress. World Zionist, What? by JACK GRUNSPAN
m
While many of you know what I am referring to, many of you do not. So allow me to give you a primer of exactly what I am talking about.
On August 29, 1897, Theodor Herzl convened the first Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland. It was done as a symbolic Parliament for those in sympathy with the implementation of Zionist goals. The approximate number of attendees was 200. By the time the second Congress took place in 1898, there were 913 groups that had joined the organization with a total of 400 participants. The Zionist Congress formed what is known as the World Zionist Organization (WZO) and has continued to this day. At the 2nd Congress they discussed the implementation of the goals of the Zionist Organization, which included establishing settlements in Eretz Yisrael, gathering of Jews into action in various countries, strengthening the Jewish national feeling and consciousness, and working toward world recognition of the Zionist purpose. The Zionist Shekel was introduced indicating that a person had bought a certificate of membership in the WZO. Herzl remained president of the WZO until his passing in 1904. Congresses were held in Basel,
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London, Hamburg, Vienna, Zurich, Lucerne and Geneva. Since the establishment of the State of Israel, all congresses have been held in Jerusalem. (Are you bored yet? Keep reading, it gets more interesting!) The flag and anthem used by the WZO were adapted by the State of Israel. It formed many institutions including Jewish Colonial Trust (Bank Leumi), Keren Hayesod (United Israel Appeal), Hebrew University, and Palestinian Airlines (El Al). In 1901, during the 5th Zionist Congress, Theodor Herzl convinced the delegates to approve the establishment of a “national fund” for the Jewish people (JNF). In 1903 JNF acquired its first parcel of land – 800 acres in Hadera. In 1908, the first JNF trees were planted at Hulda; olive trees in memory of Theodor Herzl. In 1929 (we’re getting closer), the 16th Congress approved the establishment of the Jewish Agency, an expanded agency as a partnership between the WZO and non-Zionist public Jewish groups. At that conference, half the delegates represented WZO and half represented the non-Zionist organizations. David Ben-Gurion served as chairman of the Jewish Agency Executive from 1935 -1948. Why do you care, you ask? What does it mean to me, you ask? Read the conclusion of the article in our next issue when all the secrets will be revealed. Special thanks to W. James Schiller who endowed me with the knowledge to make this article possible.
MEL PARNESS
Please! Not Again In the 1930s, the world did almost nothing to stop the rise of the Nazi movement. As a result, six million Jews were exterminated. The Nazis could have been stopped earlier, and many lives could have been saved. No one knows if, among the victims, there was a doctor who could have developed some life-saving procedures, or a drug to cure or control AIDs, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or myriad other diseases. We’re watching the development of ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) in places like Syria and Iraq. We hear that people who support ISIS have joined their ranks from other countries. Will we be shown more images of subsequent beheading victims who are killed because ISIS terrorists don’t agree with what they say and advocate? These Islamic fanatics - who claim Islam is a religion of peace - have committed acts of unspeakable barbarism. We have witnessed the murders of Muslims and nonMuslims at the hands of ISIS terrorists, kidnappings, the brutal enforcement of Sharia law, and forced conversions at the threat of death.
said, is whether ISIS “is really a group just devoted to the regional goals of establishing an Islamic caliphate, or if at the same time they are developing global - not just ambitions but capabilities - to attack the West.” * We must be more vigilant than ever before to make sure ISIS cannot succeed. We read in the Torah that if someone comes to kill you, you should kill him first. Please! Not again.
The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s and not necessarily the organization’s. Comments can be sent to the Letters to the Editor column.
ISIS preaches a doctrine of hatred toward non-Muslims, invoking Koranic verses pertaining to Jihad, in which non-Muslims are viewed as “apostates” and “infidels” to be exterminated. That sounds a lot like what Hitler and his followers were saying in the 1930s. “Historically, we know quite a bit about these networks,” said Juan Zarate, a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and visiting lecturer at Harvard Law School. What is not known, he
* cbsnews.com / August 13, 2014
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NORTHEAST
region
Hundreds Stand with Israel at Rally for Three Teens The NY community had a strong show of solidarity with Israel at two public events during the summer. At a rally called #BringBackOurBoys to encourage the release of the three Israeli teens who were kidnapped, Naftali Frenkel, Gilad Shaar, and Eyal Yifrach, Bnai Zion supporters joined with hundreds of others to hear the latest news from representatives of the Consulate of Israel, and commentary by other city luminaries. Subsequently, Bnai Zion supporters shared the grief of all who learned of their murders.
New York Supporters Enjoy Summer Benefit
As Operation Protective Edge got under way, Bnai Zion participants attended another rally in solidarity with Israel called We Stand With Israel (#NYStandsWithIsrael) at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, where thousands heard from elected officials and synagogue and community leaders voicing collective support for the State of Israel, under rocket attack from Gaza.
On Wednesday, July 16, the New York Region hosted a sold-out event called Summer Sizzler, a community-wide barbecue held on the terrace of the Bnai Zion house. Attendees from the tri-state area enjoyed exceptional weather, delicious grilled dishes, cocktails and music in a beautiful outdoor space.
Both programs exhibited the enduring strength and vital significance of the U.S.-Israel relationship.
A festive evening showcases Bnai Zion work in Israel
Jack Grunspan, Bnai Zion executive vice president, introduced Alicia Post, director of the New York region, who spoke about the organization’s humanitarian projects, emphasizing the importance of giving to help improve the lives of people in Israel. Alicia also stressed the urgency to complete the new protected underground emergency department at the Bnai Zion Medical Center, particularly crucial in view of continued rocket attacks on Israel. The crowd included members of the New York and national boards, including Alan Schwartz, the NY region president, Shelley Kilcoyne and her family, the honoree of the November 12 NY dinner, Haim Hershkovitz, and many others. Summer Sizzler was generously sponsored by Universal Protection Services. Thanks to the wonderful host committee that included Marian Ferziger, Ilene Tannen and Donald Vogelman, and to Goldstar, which provided the beer, imported by Eurobrew.
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The Northeast Region has its own Facebook page! Catch up on our news and events and like us at facebook.com/bnaizionnewyork
HAIM HERSHKOVITZ will be HONORED in NEW YORK At a dinner on Wednesday, November 12, Bnai Zion will present its Distinguished Humanitarian Award to Haim Hershkovitz, senior vice president of construction at Elad Group. Mr. Hershkovitz, a graduate of the Technion, agreed to be honored by Bnai Zion because of his sense of obligation to the people of Israel, and is being recognized for his commitment to their wellbeing.
HAIM HERSHKOVITZ
dinner
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Proceeds from this dinner will be used to help fund construction of the new protected underground emergency department at the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa, a teaching hospital for the B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine at the Technion (Israel’s Institute of Technology).
6pm reception; 7pm program & dinner For reservations and more information call 646 485 7991
Reaching out to the next generation
Future Leaders Intrigued by Accomplishments in the Arts On August 11, Mel Parness, executive vice president emeritus of Bnai Zion, and New York director Alicia Post explained Bnai Zion work to a group of future Jewish leaders called the Chavaya Fellowship. The Chavaya Fellowship is a year-round program to develop the future generation of global Jewish community leaders through the arts. It consists of artists, lay leaders, entrepreneurs and students who encourage Jewish engagement, peoplehood and community. Twenty young adults ages 21 to 32 from the U.S., Israel and Germany interested in creating innovative models of Jewish unity and involvement were chosen to participate in the fellowship. Mel gave an overview of Bnai Zion activity over the organization’s 106 years, highlighting its accomplishments in the art arena, with projects at Beit Hatefusot, (The Museum of the Diaspora), in the artists’ colony Ein Hod, at Bezalel Academy, and at two current projects, Ma’aleh Adumim and Ahava Village for Children & Youth. Alicia discussed ways the fellows can become involved in Bnai Zion, including visiting the projects, volunteering, and spreading awareness of the significant work of the organization. The group was fascinated by the diversity of Bnai Zion work and its members were excited about visiting Bnai Zion projects during a trip to Israel next year.
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NORTHEAST
region Sponsored by the Northeast Region
DON’T MISS TWO WONDERFUL UPCOMING EVENTS at the BNAI ZION HOUSE SPEAKER SERIES
Navigating the Sky Despite Turbulent Times
Sukkah in the City Wine & Cheese Party
A fascinating overview from El Al pilots and crew
Celebrate Sukkot by joining us in our beautiful terrace sukkah for a selection of fine wine and artisanal cheeses on
Wednesday, November 5 at 7:20pm (doors open at 7:00)
Tuesday, October 14 from 7-9pm
In partnership with Stand With Us (standwithus.com) Light refreshments will be served.
Space is limited for both events • Please reserve early For reservations and more info contact Alicia Post, Northeast Region Director 212 725 0244 • alicia.post@bnaizion.org Or go to bnaizion.org
In Midtown During Sukkot? We Have a Sukkah!
If you’re looking for a Midtown location during Sukkot, bring your lunch to the Bnai Zion House. Our sukkah will be available •Monday, Oct. 13 from 10 to 4 •Tuesday, Oct. 14 from 10 to 4 •Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 10 to 2
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WESTERN
region
Showcasing Bnai Zion at a Friendly Gathering In June, Judy Podolsky, the new western region executive director, and her husband Stanley hosted friends in their home to meet and greet Bnai Zion Executive Vice President Jack Grunspan and become familiar with the organization. Everyone enjoyed an Israeli dinner and learned a lot about the Bnai Zion projects that benefit so many in need in Israel.
The Western Region has its own Facebook page! Catch up on our news and events and like us at facebook.com/bnaizionwesternregion
Do You Like Videos? Our video library showcases Bnai Zion projects in Israel from a variety of angles. Learn how our work benefits those who need it most in medical, social service, educational and cultural arenas, and how our efforts make a significant difference.
bnaizion.org
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TEXAS
region
A Planning Meeting Paves the Way to a Successful Gala At a planning meeting for the annual Gala held at the Texas region office on July 24, Ana Davidson, the wife of the Gala honoree, Dr. Jaime Davidson, discussed publicity with Diane Benjamin, president of the Texas region, and Avrille Harris, the local executive director. The Gala is being promoted throughout the area, with information distributed to synagogues, schools, restaurants and other enterprises, to ensure another landmark turnout. Having become a Dallas tradition, each year the Gala has broken the attendance record of the previous year, with a steady increase in proceeds sent to the Bnai Zion Medical Center. The featured speaker at the Gala will be Michael Medved, the nationally syndicated radio host and best-selling author.
BENEFITING FROM THE KOSHER CHILI EVENT For its participation in this annual event, the Texas region received a share of the proceeds generated at the Kosher Chili Cook-Off. From left to right are Diane Goldblatt, Avrille Harris, the Texas region executive director, Diane Benjamin, the Texas region president, Linda Greenberg, Ed Jerome, and Betsy Wernick, granddaughter of Diane Benjamin.
The Texas Region has its own Facebook page! Catch up on our news and events and like us at facebook.com/bnaiziontexasregion 14 VO I CE september 2014
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SOUTHEAST
region
Bnai Zion Reaches Many Florida Communities
The southeast region of Bnai Zion has been expanding its reach in Florida from north to south and from east to west. PEMBROKE PINES
The southeast executive director, Rabbi Rikki Arad, held a Lunch & Learn session at Century Village in Pembroke Pines, bringing together members of the reform and conservative Jewish population. The lunch was cosponsored by Village Reform Congregation in Century Village, led by Rabbi Steven Newman, and by Century Pines Jewish Center, led by Rabbi Harvey Hoffman. With over 150 in attendance, the group was shown the Bnai Zion Medical Center video and was educated by Rikki about the urgent need for the completion of the underground emergency department.
PORT SAINT LUCIE
In early September, Rabbi Rikki was “up north” at Temple Beth El Israel in Port Saint Lucie for a Lunch & Learn program. As Rabbi Shafir Lobb says of her 300-family congregation, “The temple is the home and center to everything Jewish in Saint Lucie County.” This event opened a new community to Bnai Zion, an area that until now was not approached by the organization, educating the group about Bnai Zion’s projects and needs.
AVENTURA
In November, Beth Torah Congregation at the Benny Rok campus in Aventura will host a Lunch & Learn program for Bnai Zion. Rabbi Rikki will introduce Ahava Village for Children & Youth to the attendees, with funds solicited directed to this project.
TAMARAC
Rabbi Rikki is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at a luncheon held by Kingsport Holocaust Survivors and Friends in Tamarac. She will be discussing her journey of growing up in Israel to her passionate commitment to help its citizens through Bnai Zion’s humanitarian projects.
TAMPA
A meeting recently took place in Tampa with four of its Jewish community leaders: Nathaniel Doliner, Steve Marx, Martin Borell and Brian Taub. A working lunch resulted in a commitment to help Bnai Zion spread its message on the west coast of Florida, in Tampa, Sarasota, and other nearby cities. Bnai Zion is planning to bring in Dr. Michael Kafka, director of emergency services at the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa, as a special speaker to the community.
MIAMI
Reaching out to the Christian community, Rabbi Rikki will be joining Pastor Carl Johnson of the 93rd Street Baptist Community Church at his Sunday service in late September. She will be addressing the congregation about the difficult times currently facing Israel. Pastor Johnson, a long-time supporter of Israel, has generously agreed to dedicate funds received that Sunday to the Bnai Zion Medical Center. Stay tuned for more!
The Southeast Region has its own Facebook page! Catch up on our news and events and like us at facebook.com/bnaizionsoutheastregion september 2014 VOI CE 17
IN FOND REMEMBRANCE of BORIS KIDERMAN His Work Continues
Bnai Zion and the Russian Division lost a vibrant, esteemed member last summer, Boris Kiderman. As a vice president, Boris cultivated support among the Russian-Jewish community in New York for decades, soliciting contributions notably for the Bnai Zion Medical Center for construction of a new fortified underground emergency department. A staunch advocate of helping Israel, Boris was fiercely dedicated to this campaign, and always did his utmost to expand awareness of Bnai Zion and raise funds for its projects. Members of the Russian Division remember Boris and speak glowingly about him and his work.
IDA LIBKHEN
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OLEG LINER
During the Intifada, Boris wrote an article for the Russian newspaper Jewish World, in which he described the situation in Israel and called for help and support on behalf of Bnai Zion. His passionate words had me call him right away, and I started volunteering to help Boris raise funds for Bnai Zion projects in Israel. Boris had an outstanding ability to engage people in the pursuit of justice and peace in Israel, and his passion and love for Israel and the Jewish people was contagious. “The ashes of Buchenwald” were always in his heart, and he devoted his life to making sure that can never happen again.
Every person is a unique cosmos, and there are facts that unmistakably characterize the core traits and soul of an individual. It fascinates me how Boris Kiderman - through his volunteer work of more than 30 years at Bnai Zion - helped Israel.
RITA SIROTA
LEONID ZASLAVSKY
I met Boris, and was totally smitten with his aura of kindness and humanity. He spoke about Israel, about his personal involvement in fundraising, about his older son, a doctor living in Israel, and about the importance of supporting the country. During my three years of volunteering for Bnai Zion, Boris always supported Russian Division ideas and events. His personal touch was inspiring. He taught us how to engage people and how to touch their hearts, and he tried to help all the people he met, proving that “we are all Israel.”
NELLY SAULINA Boris’s calm and smart attitude, his unobtrusive help in Russian Division work, and his patriotism to Israel and “all things Jewish” were an example for me - and for all of us. His wise remarks and personal stories inspired us to love and support Israel. Boris was an example of how to engage family members in the cause of Bnai Zion projects, and how to encourage the young generation to give and perform mitzvot.
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Last year I met his son Alexander in Israel - a handsome medical doctor, scientist, travel guide, and an active IDF reservist. With excitement and love he talked about the Holy Land, and about his readiness to defend each and every space on that land. For that reason alone - that Boris raised such wonderful children - he deserves the deepest respect and praise. For the last couple of years I spent one summer week with friends in the Kislak resort in the Poconos. Last summer Boris and his wife joined our group for the first time. Boris - who didn’t know anyone there except for me - became the heart and the soul of the group right away! He was the most interesting storyteller and tireless billiard player. People were drawn to Boris, wanting to talk with him and be around him. At one of the breakfasts, Boris announced his desire to talk to the resort guests about Bnai Zion and events taking place in Israel. My friend Gregory, who was a regular at the resort and knew the crowd, did not support the idea. He predicted that no one would show up for such a talk. It turned out, to everyone’s surprise, that there were not enough chairs for all who gathered to listen to Boris.
LISA LEVINA Boris Kiderman dedicated his life to helping the vital causes of the Jewish State. His commitment and tireless efforts are an example to all of us.
special EVENTS
Two National Events Will Benefit Bnai Zion Projects DR. SUSAN WINDHAMBANNISTER will be HONORED in MASSACHUSETTS Dr. Susan Windham-Bannister, the first president and CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, will be honored on October 21 at a dinner in Newton. Dr. Windham Bannister is a staunch Zionist who recently returned from a trade mission to Israel with Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick. Proceeds from the dinner will be used to help fund construction of the new protected underground emergency department at the Bnai Zion Medical Center. Serving as co-chairpersons for the dinner are David Barone, Boston MedTech Advisors, Inc.; Dalia Cohen, Ph.D., Beryllium, LLC; Michal Preminger, Ph.D., Harvard University Office of Technology Development; Stanley Rabinovitz, and Peter Slavin, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital. Members of the dinner committee include Kathryn Bloom, a longtime supporter of the Bnai Zion Foundation, and Robert Caret, president of the University of Massachusetts.
DR. SUSAN WINDHAMBANNISTER
dinner
Tuesday, October 21, 2014 6pm reception 7pm program & dinner For reservations and information call 516 342 5751
AUDREY ARNOLD will be HONORED in NEVADA
Audrey Arnold, the executive director of the United Labor Agency of Nevada, will be honored at the first annual Swing For the Fences baseballthemed event that will take place in Las Vegas on Wednesday evening, March 18, 2015. Ms. Arnold is being recognized for her commitment to the welfare of members of organized labor who are experiencing challenging times. John Elliot of NEPC, one of America’s foremost experts on the TaftHartley Labor Act, will serve as the dinner chairman. Proceeds from this event will go to Ahava Village for Children & Youth in Kiryat Bialik.
For more information about these two events, please call 516 342 5751.
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our PROJECTS in ISRAEL
The Bnai Zion Medical Center: New Treatments Offer New Hope
An Acoustic Stage Enhances the Experience of Visually Impaired Children Ofarim is the rehabilitation daycare center for blind and visually impaired infants up to age three. Part of the Child Development Center, it offers therapy, paramedical treatments, and typical nursery school activities, and is the best option for the rehabilitation and education of these infants. A new acoustic stage is part of an innovative treatment designed to help these children not only hear music, but feel it. According to Prof. Emanuel Tirosh, head of the Child Development Center, the acoustic stage allows
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these children to develop other senses as compensation for the lack of vision, with step shoes that encourage movement and provide children a physical motion experience. Research indicates that one system of the senses can replace another system, so in this case, hearing and feeling can replace vision. Children with visual challenges are not born with other developed senses, thus it is necessary to help them develop alternative senses.
The First Time in Israel: A New Method for Adrenalectomy Adrenalectomy is the surgical removal of one or both adrenal glands, usually advised for patients with tumors of the adrenal glands. The procedure can be performed using an open incision (laparotomy) or laparoscopic technique. The surgery department has begun to perform adrenalectomies using a more advanced technique via a direct cut in the back instead of the stomach, instead of using the laparoscopic technique (cutting small cuts in the stomach). Dr. Ibrahim Matar, chairman of the department, and Dr. Gideon Sroka, deputy, have successfully performed eleven surgeries using this method. Recently they removed both adrenal glands by using the new technique, and it took 25% less time compared to other techniques.
A MATHEMATIC MODEL PREDICTS REPETITION of URINARY BLADDER CANCER
A
mathematic model that can predict the repetition of urinary bladder cancer based on a blood test was developed at the Medical Center by Prof. Yacov Rubenstein of the faculty of mathematics at the Technion, and Prof. Sarel Halachmi, the deputy director of the urology department.
This work is based on the concept that the best solutions will derive from a cooperative effort by an engineer, mathematician, and physician. Prof. Halachmi met Prof. Rubenstein, a math specialist of biological systems. Following the meeting, Prof. Halachmi mentioned the topic of urinary bladder cancer, which cannot be cured even after successful treatment. Up to 70% of patients will experience repetition, and 15% will experience an increase in tumors. Currently doctors have no way to predict who will experience a repetition, and consequently this disease requires close follow-up and unpleasant examinations. Prof. Halachmi said they discussed customizing the follow-up of each patient, based on his needs. They knew that the ratio of white blood cells in a simple blood test could indicate repetition, but this parameter was not tested on urinary bladder cancer patients. With the help of Prof. Rubenstein, the Medical Center developed a mathematic model that established a value indicating the repetition of the cancer, and a value to show freedom from the disease. This model manages to predict a patient’s condition with 80-90% accuracy. Prof. Halachni and Rubenstein continue to work together in the field of urinary bladder cancer, and their findings will be published soon in the prestigious journal Urologic Oncology.
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EMER
L A E P P A GENCY
“The situation is not if we’ll suffer another missile attack, but when. We must be prepared.” Amnon Rofe, MD CEO, Bnai Zion Medical Center
SAFEGUARDING ISRAEL’S FUTURE ISRAEL MUST BE PREPARED FOR ANY ATTACK FROM THE NORTH. Israel’s enemies are ceaseless in their determination to inflict damage on the Jewish State. The Bnai Zion Medical Center is a municipal hospital with 450 beds that provides exemplary medical care and services. A leading teaching and research hospital affiliated with the B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine at the Technion (Israel’s Institute of Technology), its innovations and accomplishments have received international recognition. The Medical Center treats all patients with a compassionate, humane touch without regard to ethnicity or religion. During the Second Lebanon War in 2006, the Bnai Zion Medical Center was on the frontlines as Haifa was attacked, and outstanding medical care was provided to hundreds of wounded citizens, including IDF soldiers. The last Hezbollah rocket of the 34-day barrage exploded just meters from the hospital, reinforcing the urgent need to build a new protected underground emergency department. In the case of war or attack, the hospital treats not only victims of the atrocities, but continues to treat several hundred in-patients and those seeking other emergency care as well. With the only rehabilitation department in the north, and as a designated military hospital, the Medical Center is also prepared at all times to treat the valiant soldiers of the IDF.
PLANS FOR A NEW EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT: Protection Against Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Attack Architectural renderings have been completed for a new fortified underground emergency department of nearly 11,000 square feet - with thirty beds, two trauma rooms and six professional clinics. Patients will receive initial treatment in this facility, then they will be transferred to a new protected hospitalization unit containing 90 beds. The new emergency department must be completed this year. More than half of the cost has already been raised thanks to private contributions and government funds, but it is not enough to complete the project and furnish the new facility. The Medical Center needs more help now.
100% of all gifts for this emergency appeal will be transferred to the Medical Center.
Please contribute online at bnaizion.org. 22 VO I CE september 2014
CLEVER THINKING
at Our Projects
LEADS TO SMART SOLUTIONS The four projects and the city we support strive to do the maximum for their client base. They all have their share of service-provider challenges that extend to various aspects of their work. With creative thinking, the Bnai Zion Medical Center, Ahava Village for Children & Youth, Ma’aleh Adumim, the Quittman Center and the David Yellin Academic College of Education have each attained positive results. Read about their success in this enlightening section.
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our PROJECTS in ISRAEL Taking the lead at the Bnai Zion Medical Center
Integrating Complementary Medicine Treatment for Patients Background A unique service that integrates complementary medicine treatment for in-patients was established in the Bnai Zion Medical Center in April 2010 under the leadership of Dr. Elad Schiff, Chair of Internal Medicine, and a graduate of Dr. Andrew Weil’s fellowship in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona. The complementary medicine service was initiated in the general surgery department. Treatment is free of charge, and includes preparation for surgery within the outpatient clinic, treatment in the department before and after surgery, and treatment in the surgery preparation room and in the recovery unit. Eight experienced individuals provide hypnosis, guided imagery, reflexology, Chinese acupuncture, and the integration of these modalities. Using defined parameters and taking clinical considerations into account, department doctors and nurses make referrals for this treatment, which is offered in the standard patient rooms, often with therapeutic suggestions for family members. In recent years, the service has expanded to more departments, including cardiology, pediatric surgery, urology, and post-anesthesia care.
Research Treatment outcomes are monitored via quantitative and qualitative research. The hospital evaluates the effects of the integration on patient-reported outcomes, as well as on the way the service affects the staff, the environment in the department, and the hospital as a whole. With over 3,000 treatments having been provided thus far, based on current data, the result of research shows that complementary medical treatment significantly decreases anxiety, pain, and nausea; contributes to improvement in the overall sense of wellbeing of patients; and saves patients from needing to use catheters, and from many side effects of medication. Complementary medicine helps reduce nurse burnout In order to improve the ability of department staff to cope with professional burnout, the complementary medicine practitioners led workshops customized for nurses, where nurses were exposed to complementary medicine on both the theoretical and practical level, and were shown tools to prevent burnout. Research results accompanying this process indicated that a significant decrease in the sense of professional burnout was evident among the nursing staff.
left: A patient receiving massage and using guided imagery after surgery. right: Tai Chi daily practice with patients, families, and personnel in a department space.
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above: An architectural rendering of the new Serenity by the Sky terrace.
Academic involvement The service professionals are active in the academic domain as well, teaching a compulsory course in complementary medicine to medical students at the Faculty of Medicine at the Technion. They also teach courses to complementary medical students and complementary medicine practitioners, with the aim of training therapists to work in a hospital environment. Additionally, the service conducts designated workshops that provide tools from the world of complementary medicine to personnel in the hospital, as well as to medical and paramedical professionals outside the hospital. Extending the service to transform hospital care In recognition of the value of complementary medicine for hospital patients and medical staff, the hospital administration recently decided to extend the complementary medicine service to the OB-GYN and IVF departments, and currently seeks philanthropic support for the new OB-GYN service. The goal is to secure five years of service at a cost of $4,200 per month ($50,400 per year). Your support is greatly appreciated! Integration of complementary medicine in the hospital environment Following the successful integration of complementary medicine in patient care, the Medical Center is planning a place of wellness where patients, families, and hospital staff can meditate, relax and practice movement therapies such as yoga and tai chi. The ideal location for such a space was designated on the hospital roof, where it will be called Serenity by the Sky. The hospital seeks support for this exciting new project as well.
COMING in the DECEMBER VOICE • Our Projects: Awards and Distinctions • The World Zionist Congress Election, part 2 • Coverage of our nationwide autumn events • Updates from Israel • Photos, commentary, info – and many other wonderful features!
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our PROJECTS in ISRAEL
Adopt-a-Family in Ahava Village Meet a Mishpachton With a continual monthly contribution, you can support one of the fifteen families in this refuge for abused children, and learn about the role of the mishpachton in providing nurturing care and tools for a brighter future to its children.
Ahava Village
Ahava Village is a residential center in Kiryat Bialik for children ages 6-18 removed by court order from abusive home situations. Composed of apartments, educational facilities, and recreation areas, the campus is home to over 200 children who benefit from customized care, education and training. Ahava offers different kinds of therapy and a range of activities to help children overcome past traumas and persevere with hope and positive spirit.
Meet a Mishpachton
In the mishpachton, “foster parents” and others provide the warm personal care, guidance and validation of a loving family, where the children engage in all the normal activities: helping with meals and chores, doing homework, watching TV, computer time, scheduling recreational pursuits, participating in hobbies and enjoying the company of pets. Because of limited funding, many of the programs in Ahava rely solely on outside donor support. When you adopt a family, your ongoing monthly contribution will enable Ahava to continue the range of opportunities available to the children. As a sponsor, for a $36 recurring monthly gift, you will receive a photo of the family and a monthly email update from one of the residents. You can make an ongoing difference to a family in Ahava Village – just go to bnaizion.org and sign up today! Thank you for your kind support.
100% of GIFTS for THIS PROGRAM will be TRANSFERRED to THE MISHPACHTON 26 VO I CE september 2014
Fond Reflections on Ahava Village by SARA PELEG, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION Another year at Ahava is over, and in the midst of many farewells, I’m leaving too. For the past 14 years, with Bnai Zion accompanying my work, I participated in very meaningful activity in Ahava Village, as an observer and as a participant, as a follower and as a leader, taking part in small and big changes that touched the lives of many adults, Service-Year volunteers and residents. I was working at Ahava when there was just one leader for 15 family-care-units, when we had the old Culture Hall, the old Service-Year commune with 11 volunteers (and some mice!) and 3 women soldiers working with the family-care-units. In my first year at Ahava as a road safety instructor, Ofra Meirson was the Director, and the Saar group - with Aliza Sitbon as their caregiver - lived in the building that today accommodates the social workers. The majority of my memories of the present millennium were experienced at Ahava. I was meeting with Alon Reuveni, a Service-Year volunteer leading the newspaper, when we heard on the radio about the falling of the towers on 9/11; I was out buying presents for the summer camp when we heard about the kidnapping of our soldiers on the northern border; and I was standing near the playground when missiles fell without any prior warning.
“I believe that
‘with giving there comes great receiving.’ ” I had a major part in the vast development of the Ahava educational system that is taken for granted today, having created the first - and many more since - memorial room for those who died for Israel, all the educational projects, the summer camps, the first and only very meaningful March of the Living in Poland, and much more. Expanding all these areas helped build my professional identity, as well as developing and running summer training programs for 13 years, and facilitating the Service-Year training groups.
I believe that “with giving there comes great receiving.” For years I’ve felt part of this magical place, where I could bring my therapeutic knowledge and understanding and where I was enriched in dealing with the capabilities of the residents. For the past 7 years, parallel to my work at Ahava I’ve been teaching about working with children and youth at risk at Oranim College, having started through the guidance of students at Ahava. I plan to teach more, start my PhD studies, and continue my educational/ therapeutic work with communities at risk. Emotional connection is difficult to describe verbally, and human communication is beyond language and barriers. There are amazing people around us, and we don’t always really notice them. Watch, listen and benefit. So will they. Sara has accomplished great things in Ahava Village – Kol Hakavod. We wish Sara the best in her future pursuits.
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our PROJECTS in ISRAEL At the Quittman Center
Widening Employment Options for Challenged Adults Israel Elwyn (IE) - on whose Jerusalem campus the Quittman Center is located - both welcomes and long preëmpted the significant focus the government of Israel is placing on the inclusion of workers with disabilities in the competitive job market. Currently about 40% of 300,000 individuals with disabilities of working age are employed, while the unemployed 60% face poverty.
For decades, the Israel Elwyn supported employment program has helped people with disabilities prepare for and find employment in the competitive job market. Each worker is helped to achieve employment goals by learning skills and work habits through a personalized program developed by the worker and IE professional staff. Thousands of workers with disabilities have been helped to join the competitive job market and improve their earnings through this program. Employees with disabilities work in high tech, offices, factories, restaurants, hotels, and stores, with employers such as the Knesset, the Supreme Court, the Aroma Espresso Bar Israel Ltd. chain, the Israel Electric Corporation, Dan Hotels, and others. Still, the number of people referred to IE by national and local government offices has been relatively limited, and far from the government’s goal. Rather than depending on the goodwill of Israeli employers, the government recently decided to augment efforts to meet the challenge of inclusion and employment among people with disabilities by initiating a law that will require all large companies (over 100 employees) to hire workers with disabilities in 3% of the company’s jobs. This dovetails with Israel Elwyn efforts, and through a cooperative agreement with a large human resources company, will help IE provide more people with disabilities with the tools and support they need to obtain meaningful and remunerative employment. There are many reasons people with disabilities do not work: Some were never offered the opportunity or given training that would help them acquire the requisite skills; along with their families, some are discouraged by the lack of compassion and understanding they have experienced in public settings; others may have had to leave previous employment because of medical problems. Whatever the reason, IE works to reach the unemployed and assists them in finding their place in the working world.
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IE has helped scores of employers remove a range of barriers to adding workers with disabilities to their employee rolls by providing ongoing support for both the employee and the employer at the level they each request. Employers are sometimes unclear in envisioning how workers with disabilities will fit in, the type of work they can do, how to interact with them, and/or how the workspace can be adapted. Employees without disabilities may need guidance in how to work with an individual with disabilities, and to understand what they can expect of their new colleagues. The current goal is to open more doors at large employers while pursuing a campaign that encourages more people with disabilities to seek work. IE welcomes the government’s initiative and new partners.
Ma’aleh Adumim: Part of the security belt for Jerusalem
Making Sure Children Are Protected During summer vacation, normally about 6,000 youth residents of Ma’aleh Adumim are out and about, participating in the numerous entertainment events for children held in town, in Jerusalem, and in the surrounding areas.
Ma’aleh Adumim is a thriving city just minutes from Jerusalem, surrounded by many Arab villages. After the kidnapping and murder of the three Jewish teenagers and the ensuing war against Hamas forces in Gaza, stabbing attempts, the throwing of Molotov cocktails, and attempts to penetrate security checkpoints have sadly all been exacerbated. Consequently, the mayor of Ma’aleh Adumim, Benny Kashriel, expressed great concern for youngsters hitchhiking and traveling with Arab taxi drivers. With protection in mind, the mayor set up a think tank to find an immediate solution to this problem, and a creative
idea was put into action: the city subsidized buses for specific hours during the evening and at night to transport youngsters back and forth to all places of entertainment, ensuring their safe return home.
Personal Stories During Operation Protective Edge Israel: One Big, Caring Family By Sara Kremer, International Marketing and Business Development Manager, Ma’aleh Adumim Summer is usually a time of unity for the family and rest from the usual daily burden, but this summer, the citizens of Ma’aleh Adumim found themselves dealing with a new situation: facing sirens and “red alerts,” and seeing a kassam rocket lobbed from Gaza that fell in a municipal open area. In spite of that, residents of Ma’aleh Adumim mobilized to help residents of the south by opening their homes to them for a few days, as a place of relaxation and quiet. The City Hall and Community Volunteer Center added a series of benefits, including free entrance to the country club. In addition, the residents of Ma’aleh Adumim and local volunteer organizations raised funds for packages to be sent to soldiers at the border.
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our PROJECTS in ISRAEL
Personal Stories During Operation Protective Edge Life Goes On, In Spite of Rockets By Keren Wind, Director of Friends of Bnai Zion Medical Center The Bnai Zion Medical Center was - and is - all set and prepared for any emergency scenarios, in case rockets will be directed to Haifa or if G-d forbids, a northern frontline will open as well. As a mother of two small boys, I was very worried. During the Second Lebanon War, I was pregnant with my older son and it was different. Worrying for your children’s safety is totally different than worrying for yourself. I was afraid the war will come to our city as well, and I was scared for them.
Israel is a small country and when half of its people are suffering from rocket attacks and the entire country is worried for its soldiers, life cannot be normal. Nevertheless, life in Haifa was relatively normal. Missiles were directed to Haifa twice, but luckily they fell in open territories. The scariest experience for me was the difficult thought that my two boys will have to go into the army some day. I pray for peace.
Our Summer of Uncertainty By Janet Elion, Projects Coordinator, Israel Elwyn EDITOR’S NOTE :
The Quittman Center is located on the Jerusalem Israel Elwyn campus
This could be called our summer of uncertainty. Will there be rockets today or tonight? Is it safe to leave the house? Will we have time to reach shelter? Will there be a ceasefire and how long will it hold? Will our soldiers be safe? Even when we have an answer, we still ask how long it will hold true. The situation affects everyone in Israel, regardless of who we are, but it is again the residents of the south that bear the brunt. There, many have no warning before mortars land, and now know about the threat of the tunnels. The vast majority of the people served by Israel Elwyn (IE) south of the Jerusalem environs – and our staff – have been forced to stay home or have sought refuge in another part of the country. Our Jerusalem programs operated at normal levels, although some service recipients remained home for
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the first few days of the operation. Our Beit Shemesh program was closed for just two days. In our Ashkelon occupational training center, we’ve been able to serve 20 of the usual 100 workers with disabilities, as we are limited by the size of our shelter. People who work in the competitive job market with our support have abided by the instructions of the IDF’s Home Front Command and their employers, based on security considerations. Our staff in the south has been in constant contact with the people they serve, first by phone and then in home visits, to help them deal with the uncertainties and dangers of the situation. Elsewhere, our staff is at all times prepared to give service recipients the opportunity to discuss their fears while trying to maintain a reassuring routine. How long will it last? Your guess is as good as mine.
Personal Stories During Operation Protective Edge Fighting in Gaza: Ahava Alumni Soldiers Participate by Yoav Apelboim, Executive Director, Ahava Village for Children & Youth In the Second Lebanon War, we were in the front. We needed to leave the village because rockets were exploding around us. This time, the war was in the south (where we spent the time during the previous war), but we are still on alert in the north, where the situation is sensitive as well. Before this war started, we had decided to extend the summer camp until August 27, to keep the children safe. We were especially worried about ten members of our 18+ Project, with no family support, fighting in Operation Protective Edge. For ten days we had no contact with them, and when the forces entered the Gaza area, we were worried for their safety. Our teams went to the gathering areas of the fighting forces near the border and delivered packages with food, clothes
a
Seats 150-200 DIETARY LAWS OBSERVED
and letters. It wasn’t simple to maintain the summer camp activities while worrying about our fighting soldiers, who are like our own children. And every one of us has family members in the fighting forces or living in areas that were under constant rocket attack. We decided to buy items and equipment for our summer camp from providers in the south, to support these businesses that have suffered significant financial damage during this war, as our contribution to a strong civilian Home Front. Now that a ceasefire has been declared, we are glad that all Ahava soldiers are safe. We hope that the ceasefire will last, and will provide long peace for the population in the southern part of Israel.
AUDITORIUM
is available at the Bnai Zion House in New York For more information call 646 485 7980
A Perfect Space
Private Parties, Events & Meetings
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P E RI OD I C A L S
THE MAGAZINE OF THE BNAI ZION FOUNDATION
Bnai Zion Foundation 136 East 39th Street New York, NY 10016
OVER A HUNDRED YEARS OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED