OVER A HUNDRED YEARS OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE
June 2014 • Volume 99 • No. 4
EVERYONE LIKES to EAT! The Next Generation Builds Momentum in New York and Dallas
Art Draws a Crowd in Florida
VIPs from Israel Make a Big Splash Across the Country
OUR PROJECTS NOURISH and NURTURE
We Know the Way to San Jose
june 2014
16 22 23
11
events
contents 3 An Eclectic Palate
WESTERN REGION
5 Vacation: An Integral Component of Recovery David H. Eisenberg President
18 The CEO of the Medical Center Networks in LA
7 Trust Me Jack Grunspan Executive Vice-President
21 Working Against the Odds for Success in Ahava Village Shmuel Yankelewitz
8 Adding Spice to Our Cover
SOUTHEAST REGION
9 How About a Little Piece of Peace Mel Parness Executive Vice President Emeritus
NEW YORK REGION 10 The Annual Russian Division Celebration 11 Welcoming the Head of Ahava Village
TEXAS REGION 16 Future Leaders Honored at a Sweet Reception
14
MID-ATLANTIC REGION
22 Appreciating Art While Benefiting Bnai Zion
SPECIAL EVENTS 23 Union Solidarity Bolsters Fundraising
OUR PROJECTS IN ISRAEL 25 How Food Helps & Heals
NEW YORK REGION
Wednesday, July 16 Summer Sizzler on the Terrace
SOUTHEAST REGION
Sunday, September 28 Rabbi Rikki Arad, Guest Speaker 93rd Street Baptist Church Miami, FL
NATIONAL
Wednesday, September 10 Dinner honoring Patrick Dewar Washington, DC Tuesday, October 21 Dinner honoring Dr. Susan Windham-Bannister Newton, MA
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NATIONAL Note from the Editor
An Eclectic Palate by LISA PAULE Nourishment comes in many forms, awakening our five senses and contributing to health and wellbeing. Whether we eat for sustenance, for celebration or as part of our social interaction, the ritual of eating is something many look forward to, and count as a highlight of life. That is not always the case. For people at our projects in Israel, eating may involve other considerations. One thinks of hospital food as undesirable, but at the Medical Center, which has the motto “feel at home even when sick,” meals are a delicious pleasure – and patients progress, thanks to the excellent food. In Ahava Village, children at risk learn to organize meals and eat en famille at the big table in their home. For some of these kids, this is their first experience having regular, substantial, warm meals. Communal meals are part of the agenda at the Quittman Center, where residents learn to be self-sufficient and take part in preparation and clean-up. At our projects, good food contributes to the betterment of many less fortunate. B’tay avon – Bon appetit.
Quote of the Quarter
It is not your responsibility to finish the work [of perfecting the world], but you are not free to desist from it either. —Pirkei Avot 2:16 jewishvirtuallibrary.org
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 NEW YORK 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 WESTERN REGION Judy Podolsky • 818 598 1818 • westernregion@bnaizion.org facebook.com/bnaizionwesternregion
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Please help Ahava Village for Children & Youth by
ADOPTING A FAMILY – Mishpachton Your continual monthly contribution will help support one of the fifteen families in this safe haven for over 200 children at risk ages 6-18 removed by court order from abusive home situations. In the mishpachton, “foster parents” and others provide the warm personal care, guidance and validation of a loving family, and the children engage in all the usual activities of youth. Many of the programs in Ahava rely on outside donor support. Your ongoing monthly contribution will enable Ahava to further the opportunities available to help children obtain self-esteem and move forward. For a minimum $36 recurring monthly gift, you will receive a photo of the family and a monthly email update from one of the residents. For more info and to join go to bnaizion.org 100% of all gifts for this program will be transferred to the mishpachton.
VOICE
JUNE 2014 • VOL. 99 • NO. 4 ISSN: 0884-5565
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lisa Paule BUSINESS MANAGER Jack Grunspan ART DIRECTOR Matthew Papa COVER ILLUSTRATION Brooke-Lynn Danoff PRINTING & PRODUCING Cummings Printing CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Irwin Blank David H. Eisenberg Jack Grunspan Mel Parness Raymond M. Patt Lisa Paule CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER David Bacon Rachel Gray Jan Naxon CIRCULATION MANAGER Rosemary Fletcher Published quarterly by BNAI ZION FOUNDATION Annual Periodical Subscription: $2 members $5 non members USPS #546980
Please mark your calendar for our
ANNUAL MEETING Monday, September 8 at 7pm EST 4
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Hear a report on our activities and comments from our special guest speaker,
DR. AMNON ROFE CEO, Bnai Zion Medical Center
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
Vacation: An Integral Component of Recovery Normally, I would write to you about all of Bnai Zion’s ongoing projects, but in this issue I would like to focus on Ahava. As most of you know, Ahava Village for Children & Youth is a home for 250 abused children between the ages of 6-18 who are placed there by court appointment because the court decided that living with their biological families is a danger to the child. The children live with foster parents in an apartment setting and grow up like any other Israeli family, doing chores, going to school, etc. The difference is, what happens when school is out for the summer months? Regular families would have their children going on vacations, to camp, on outings, and in playgrounds. However, the Ahava children do not have such opportunities. While many leave the campus of Ahava for weekends to stay with “host” families (that are paid to accept the children), the number of children who are
so traumatized that they cannot go to host families has doubled in the past two years, to fifty children.
“The number of children who are so
traumatized that they cannot go to host families has doubled in the past two years.
”
Imagine never getting an opportunity to change your environment. Imagine watching your “brothers and sisters” going off for the weekend while you are left at home. This is what fifty children have to deal with at Ahava, unless we help. $1,700 will cover the cost of one child for the entire summer, which is very important to their recovery. Any amount you can give will be of great help! Thank you in advance. Frances and I wish you a very enjoyable summer.
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 june 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
Trust Me While those words can calm you down or, sometimes, cause panic, in the area of tax savings they can have a very soothing effect and be financially beneficial. Joe owned an apartment building for more years than he cared to think about and was ready to call it quits. At his age, the headaches dealing with the tenants and repair people just weren’t worth it anymore. However, the biggest headache of all was getting rid of it. By now, the building had been depreciated down to zero, which meant that he would have to report a Capital Gain of close to $1 million. Not only would this put his other income into a higher tax bracket, but he would be giving away close to 30% in taxes. What to do? It’s really a simple problem – Trust me. It was suggested to Joe to use the building to establish a Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust. Not only would this eliminate his headaches of running the property, but it would also totally eliminate the Capital Gains Tax.
In addition, the Trust could be established for a fifteen year basis, giving Joe 7% income of the Trust assets for that period, even if he should not survive the fifteen years. Based on a value of $1 million, Joe would earn $70,000/ year, more than he could get on his own. Remember, if he sold the property he would only have $700,000 after taxes to invest. To make it even better, Joe would be entitled to a charitable deduction for a portion of the gift, which would result in his yielding even more than 7%. Trust me.
If you would like more information about Bnai Zion’s 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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Enthusiasts assemble from the Tri-State area
SUNSHINE and CELEBRATION MARK the ANNUAL PARADE for ISRAEL About our cover artist
Adding Spice to Our Cover The tantalizing cover for this issue was created by Brooke-Lynn Danoff, a mixed-media artist and photographer inspired by many different types of art, particularly street art. Her photos of urban angles were exhibited recently in a New York art show. Brooke is the media assistant in the Bnai Zion national office, where she creatively handles many graphic art tasks in which some of the influence of the street can be seen. She enjoys photography, cooking, comedy writing and jet skiing on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, and is very devoted to her cat, Wookie. On the first Sunday in June, a large crowd of Israel supporters gathered for a festive walk up Fifth Avenue in solidarity with the Jewish State. Participants of various ages from religious schools, from organizations and from music groups represented the broad array of institutions that took part. Bnai Zion partnered with the American Zionist Movement for a float and spirited teenage members of a vocal group from Israel performed on it while a sizeable group of Bnai Zion supporters marched along, including recent attendees of the NY dessert reception, members of the Russian Division, and others. It was a robust outpouring of love for Israel.
8
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The cover illustration depicts the close connection between the people helped by our projects, and the role of nourishment in their progress. We’re fortunate to have Brooke’s very appetizing vision for this edition.
MEL PARNESS
How About a Little Piece of Peace For the past several months we have been hearing about the ongoing peace process between Israel and the Palestinian people, brokered by the United States. Those of us who have been active in Jewish communal life for as long as I have could see the handwriting on the wall a long time ago. In order to have a partnership you need to have partners and, unfortunately, I don’t believe that Israel has them. Whether you are on the right or left, I think you would agree that Israel would rather live in peace than win another war. I think Israel is tired of winning – they would rather just not fight. So when the deadline for negotiations was coming close to an end, the Palestinians gave Israel the best 66th anniversary present they could have given. Based on their steps to join several NGOs, contrary to their agreement when negotiations started,
“Whether you are on the right or left, I think
you would agree that Israel would rather live in peace than win another war.
”
Netanyahu had no choice but to take his own steps. The responsibility of a government is to protect its citizens, and its nation. It was tough enough to agree to release prisoners in the first place, many who had Israeli blood on their hands (both left-wing blood and right-wing blood), but to do it while your “partner” is breaking the rules was no longer an option.
Now we are once again back to square one. The terrorism will continue. They will continue to fire missiles at us. They will keep trying to destroy us and we will continue to defend ourselves – and win again. The issue is not territories; the issue is not new construction in Judea and Samaria, the issue is, as Golda Meir said, “There will be no peace until they start loving their children more than they hate us.” G-d willing, not in the too distant future.
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.
LOVE PHOTOS?
See many from Bnai Zion events nationwide in our PHOTO GALLERIES on bnaizion.org, and on our Facebook pages: facebook.com/bnaizion facebook.com/bnaizionnewyork facebook.com/bnaizionsoutheastregion facebook.com/bnaizionwesternregion And like us on Facebook!
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NEW YORK
region
CELEBRATING ISRAEL at an ANNUAL BASH
The Russian Division hosts a fundraiser in the Bnai Zion House
O
n Sunday, May 4, the Russian Division held its annual celebration, a fundraiser for Bnai Zion projects that was dedicated to the 66th anniversary of Israel. A friendly team of supporters and volunteers conducted the event, headed by Russian Division president Oleg Liner, including vice presidents Lisa Levina and Rita Sirota, and board members Ninella Saulina, Ida Libken, Maya Brekner, Ella Legai, Boris Abramov, Fridrikh Furman, Leonid Zaslavsky and others. The contribution of each member of the team was very valuble in organizing the event, which over 120 attended, and which included a charity auction, an awards presentation, and an exciting concert with a varied repertoire of Russian community musicians and singers including Natalia Davidzon and Edward Kalantarov. An exhibition of paintings and other artworks was organized by Evgeniya Rozentsvit and her colleagues from the Jewish Guild of Painters. New names in this show were Raphael Akopov, Edward Aminov, and Eugene Khalif. Drawings and paintings by children from the Russian community were also on display. The celebration was attended by public figures from the Jewish and Russian-speaking community of New York. Speakers included the executive vice president of Bnai Zion, Jack Grunspan, state assembly member Alex Brook-Krasny, Ari Kagan, Benzion Laskin, and Mark Nussbaum. It was a splendid afternoon to fundraise for Israel.
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Family Matters
Setting a sweet tone for Ahava Village
The New York region hosted a dessert reception on May 7, to thank attendees of the February GoldBar benefit for Ahava Village, called Ahava Unveiled. Michael Kilcoyne, a fourth generation Bnai Zion supporter and one of the hosts, opened the evening by explaining that his family has shown him the importance of giving. “We should all go to Israel and visit Ahava Village, along with the other important Bnai Zion projects. I look forward to doing so on my next trip.” Rachel Grunspan-Sabo, another host, highlighted the need to raise funds for Ahava, after providing a moving testimonial about her firsthand experience visiting the village last summer. Jack Grunspan, the executive vice president of Bnai Zion, introduced Yoav Apelboim, the
executive director of Ahava Village, who touched the hearts of everyone in the room with stories about children removed from dangerous homes by court order. He explained that the warm and understanding staff in the emergency shelter epitomizes the nurturing spirit found at Ahava through the 18+ Program for young adults. Yoav said, “Ahava provides a safe haven to children and youth at risk in the north, and they progress with our help and care.” Miri Frankel and Lisa Freindlich, other members of the host committee, both have a multi-generational connection to Bnai Zion as well.
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NEW YORK
region
a
Seats 150-200 DIETARY LAWS OBSERVED
AUDITORIUM
is available at the Bnai Zion House in New York For more information call 646 485 7980
A Perfect Space
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Private Parties, Events & Meetings
Surviving a Terrorist Attack in Israel
Sarri Singer recounts her experience and journalist Gil Hoffman updates Sarri, a survivor of the June 2011 terrorist attack on Bus 14 in Jerusalem, established Strength to Strength to support victims of terrorism with longterm psychological needs by providing information and advice and raising awareness of their situation. The New York region presented two perspectives on Israel at its speaker series event on May 8, attended by over fifty Israel enthusiasts. Alicia Post, the director of the Bnai Zion New York region, welcomed attendees. Alan Schwartz, president of the region, introduced Judy Shereck, the treasurer of the American Zionist Movement, which co-hosted the event. Sarri Singer, the founder and director of Strength to Strength, then told her story.
Sarri spoke about the bombing, relating that a young soldier in the Israel Defense Forces, wounded in the attack and also recovering in the hospital, asked his father to visit Sarri. She said the fact that a stranger asked his dad to help her epitomizes the care and concern of Israelis. Sarri’s commentary was followed by a briefing by Gil Hoffman, chief political correspondent and analyst for the Jerusalem Post, who discussed geopolitical realities of the region and answered questions from the audience.
A NOVEMBER DINNER WILL BENEFIT the BNAI ZION MEDICAL CENTER Haim Hershkovitz, a civil engineer and the senior vice president of construction at El Ad US Holding, Inc., will be honored at a Bnai Zion testimonial dinner on November 12 in New York. Proceeds from the dinner will go toward the new protected emergency department at the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa. In an earlier position with El Ad from 2004 to 2008, Mr. Hershkovitz oversaw the construction of the world-renowned Plaza Hotel. In his 34 years of diverse construction experience, Mr. Hershkovitz has overseen significant high profile renovations, restorations and new construction, having been involved in many projects for The World Financial Center, Random House, United Nations Plaza Hotel, Chase Financial Services at the Metro Tech Center Barney’s New York, The Center for Jewish History, Ellis Island and others. He is a graduate of the Technion (Israel Institute of Technology) in Haifa.
DINNER CO-CHAIRPERSONS Felix Wolkowitz, Wolkow Braker Roofing Corp.
Modi Feibish, IGI - USA
HAIM HERSHKOVITZ
dinner
Wednesday, November 12, 2014 6pm reception; 7pm program & dinner For reservations and more information call 646 485 7991
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TEXAS
region
Kosher Chili Reigns Supreme in Dallas On a magnificent, sunny day at the end of March, the 21st Annual Dallas Kosher Chili Cook-Off was held at Tiferet Israel Congregation. Thousands of people came to taste chili and shop at the vendor booths. The Bnai Zion Texas region operated two booths, and Bnai Zion chief chef Theresa Wilson made a delicious chili with the help of many friends and Texas region board members. “One year we may actually win!” Theresa assured everyone. Hava Nagila became Hava-some-chili to the delight of all. For the first time, Bnai Zion was a beneficiary of the event, receiving a portion of the proceeds made, and a spicy time was had by all.
Welcoming a New Regional President The Texas Region of Bnai Zion is proud to announce the election of its new president, Diane Benjamin. Diane has been serving the real estate needs of the Dallas community for thirtyfive years and is an active member of several of the community’s congregations. She has received numerous awards for her civic involvement and has served as a City of Dallas Commissioner for Environment and Health Services and as a Senior Affairs Commissioner. Diane has served on the board of directors of the Dallas chapter of Hadassah (recipient of its National Leadership Award, recognized on its Scroll of Honor) and on the boards of State of Israel Bonds, Jewish War Veterans, the JCC, and many more organizations. With Diane’s enthusiastic personality and constant smile, Bnai Zion is sure to expand under her leadership.
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“Bnai Zion supports so many worthwhile projects
in Israel, including the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa. We’ve been able to become friends with many staff members at the hospital who are committed to healing and saving lives. Our contributions are more meaningful when you realize 100% of our donations go directly to the hospital.” --Larry and Shirley Strauss, proud board members of the Bnai Zion Texas Region
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
ACCOMPLISHED ACTIVISTS are RECOGNIZED at RECEPTION An elegant setting provides the ideal backdrop
O
n May 15, the Texas region held a dessert reception at the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas, recognizing five new leadership professionals: Rivae Balkin-Kliman, Katie Huch, Nathan Mitzner, Isaac Luis Shepherd, and Benjamin Weinstein. In a packed house, the attendees heard from Yoav Apelboim, the director of Ahava Village for Children & Youth, the beneficiary of the evening’s proceeds, as well as greetings from the Bnai Zion national president, David Eisenberg, and Diane Benjamin, the newly elected Texas region president. The special guest speaker was Pastor Larry Huch of DFW New Beginnings Church. A live auction conducted by auctioneer extraordinaire Larry Strauss was coordinated by Carole Wolanow. Jack Grunspan, executive vice president of the organization, served as MC. Thanks to all the volunteers, spotters, registration workers and committee members for making the evening a huge success, and kudos to the professional staff, Avrille Harris and Anita Weinstein.
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WESTERN
region
Welcoming a distinguished guest
CALIFORNIANS RALLY for the BNAI ZION MEDICAL CENTER The CEO of the Bnai Zion Medical Center, Dr. Amnon Rofe, returned to Los Angeles for a week in May to network and continue to fundraise for the hospital. He met with numerous donors and prospects throughout the area on appointments made by Liza Youssefyeh, a Bnai Zion volunteer in Los Angeles. Dr. Rofe spent considerable time with Rabbi Judith Halevy, the spiritual leader of the Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue. He is seen in the group photo along with Judy Podolsky, the Bnai Zion western region director, Rabbi Halevy, her staff, and the Malibu Jewish Center Hebrew school students, whose collective efforts raised funds in support of the new protected emergency department at the Medical Center. Dr. Rofe also met with leaders in the Persian Jewish community who have expressed interest in helping spread awareness of the Medical Center and in raising funds in their community.
Prior to returning to Israel, Dr. Rofe said, “I am most appreciative of Liza’s efforts and the other individuals I met with.” He will be returning to southern California in the next few months to continue his mission to obtain donations for the construction of the underground emergency facility.
Welcoming A New Director for the Western Region Bnai Zion welcomes Judy Podolsky, a veteran fundraiser, as the new executive director of the western region Judy served in many capacities in her community prior to her professional appointments: as president of a conservative congregation in Los Angeles, and on the board of directors of the Pacific Southwest Women’s League for Conservative Judaism. Judy became the San Fernando Valley director of the Jewish National Fund, where she stayed for 18 years, after which she worked as the development director for the western region of Shaare Zedek Medical Center for 7 years, then as the Los Angeles development director for Yad Vashem. Committed to helping improve the quality of life for the people of Israel, Judy has significant experience, and Bnai Zion is fortunate to have her join the staff.
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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. 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 more than 500 victims of Hezbollah rockets. The last rocket of the 34-day barrage exploded just meters from the hospital, highlighting the urgent need to build a new protected underground emergency department. During war or attack, the hospital treats not only victims of any attack, but it continues to treat several hundred in-patients and others seeking emergency care as well. With the only rehabilitation department in the north, and being a designated military hospital, the Medical Center is also prepared at all times to treat the devoted soldiers of the IDF.
UNDERGROUND PROTECTION AGAINST NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL ATTACK: The New Emergency Department A new fortified emergency department - approximately 10,800 square feet, with thirty beds, two trauma rooms and six professional clinics - is in the planning stage. Victims of attack will receive initial treatment in this facility, then will be transferred to a new protected hospitalization unit with 90 beds. This new emergency department must be completed this year, at a cost of $8 million. More than half of that cost has already been raised - thanks to private contributions and government funds - but it is not enough to complete the project, and more help is needed now. 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) whose innovations have received international recognition, the Medical Center treats all patients with a compassionate, humane touch without regard to ethnicity or religion. Its government funding is limited. Won’t you please help today?
100% of all gifts for this emergency appeal will be transferred to the Medical Center. Please contribute online at bnaizion.org.
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MID-ATLANTIC
region
Networking in Philadelphia with a VIP from Israel
The executive director of Ahava Village meets supporters Yoav Apelboim, the executive director of Ahava Village for Children & Youth, spent a day in Philadelphia visiting Bnai Zion donors with northeast regional director Alicia Post, during his May visit to the U.S. Several important meetings were held. A breakfast meeting organized by Eleanor and Chris Dezzi took place at the prestigious Union League, with leaders of social service organizations exchanging information and discussing programs related to abused children in this country and in Israel. Attending the meeting were Joseph Lavoritano and James Black (St. Gabriel’s System; a Division of Catholic Social Services, Archdiocese of Philadelphia), Sharon McGinley (Eddie’s House), Robin Schatz (Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia) and Anne Rice Burgess (Methodist Home for Children).
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Bnai Zion is planning a city-wide event for families that will be held in spring 2015 for the benefit of Ahava Village. Ashley Govberg, the family event chairperson, and members of the event planning committee, Roberta and Ted Kirsch discussed the concept with Yoav. The event will be geared toward family involvement during a day of fun activities in which families can learn about Ahava Village and its role in caring for over two hundred children at risk. In the afternoon, Yoav was introduced to Michael Adler, a newcomer to Bnai Zion who learned about Ahava Village and is enthusiastic about getting involved.
For more information about Bnai Zion activities in the Philadelphia area, please contact Alicia Post at 212 725 0244 or alicia.post@bnaizion.org.
Working Against the Odds for Success in Ahava Village
Ariela & Shmuel Yankelewitz visit Kiryat Bialik during their trip to Israel In March, Ariela and I visited Israel as we love to do. This year, however, we wanted to add a visit to Ahava Village. If you wonder why, here is a bit of history. A little over a year ago Ariela and I met with Jack Grunspan and Marc Nadelman to explore ways to fundraise for Ahava Village and Ariela and I suggested creating more contact between the kids and donors, so that donors could feel and see the impact of their contributions in the dayto-day lives of the kids. Much to our delight, Bnai Zion took the idea and organized a fundraising structure around the adopt-afamily Mishpachton concept, where a donor “adopts” a mishpachton, provides a regular monthly donation (via credit card) and gets regular communications (pictures, emails, updates) from the mishpachton parents and kids. Ariela and I hosted the first meeting in our home and Yoav Apelboim, the executive director of Ahava, presented the history and mission of the village to an invited group of potential donors. Fast forward to March 2014. Ariela and I adopted mishpachton Dahan, headed by Shimrit and Eliran Dahan, and there was no way we could visit Israel without visiting
Ahava. We were greeted by Shimrit and got a tour of the village. It is a wonderful space: clean and cheerful, with vibrant energy. Shimrit brought us to our mishpachton. The little house is very well organized with good living space, a very inviting common area and a very nice kitchen. The time was just before lunch, so the kids were streaming in one by one. Ariela and I introduced ourselves and were very impressed with the natural openness of the kids; it was easy to talk with them and share their space, and I was taking pictures as Ariela was engaging and connecting with the kids. Yoav joined us for a few minutes and it was wonderful to see him again and he invited us again for the full tour the next time we’re in Israel. Donating is a “feel good” act, and donating for kids is a “really feel good” act. Ariela and I saw firsthand the impact of our donation, the family it helped, and the wonderful kids who benefit. Ahava Village works, and it works in many ways against all odds to produce successful adults. For Ariela and me, this was most gratifying.
For more info on how to adopt a family in Ahava Village, go to bnaizion.org or contact Alicia Post.
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SOUTHEAST
region
CELEBRATING ART to BENEFIT AHAVA VILLAGE A southeast region board member opens her gallery to support Bnai Zion On April 3, the southeast region hosted an art exhibition with international style at the d’Art Vine Gallery in Hollywood, filled with camaraderie, joie de vivre and compelling visuals. Bnai Zion supporters and art aficionados gathered in the gallery owned by southeast regional board member and accomplished artist, Diana Rodriguez. Dynamic artworks by six different artists were featured, and there was a tasting of selected wines and a presentation about Ahava Village. Thanks to all for attending, and to those attendees who adopted an Ahava family through the Bnai Zion mishpachton program.
Art Brightens the Bnai Zion Medical Center A vibrant painting entitled Hope by Lesta Stacom, a southeast region board member, purchased at the Florida December Gala, was contributed to the Medical Center, to be displayed in a prominent place. Dr. Amnon Rofe, CEO of the Medical Center, and Professor Isaac Srugo, head of the pediatric department, were happy to receive it. “Putting patients at ease, especially children, is a top priority. The ceiling in the hall in the pediatric department leading to the intensive care unit features innovative tiles that play nature videos of nature and other soothing images for children to see going to and from the ICU,” Dr. Rofe said. The painting will be a cheerful sight for children and their parents alike. Thanks to everyone who made this possible, especially Lesta Stacom.
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A full autumn agenda
Honorees Chosen for January 2015 Gala The southeast region will honor Pastors Carl and Esther Johnson of the 93rd Street Baptist Community Church at its Gala in January 2015. As a kick-off to the Gala, Rabbi Rikki Arad will speak about Bnai Zion work in Israel at the congregation service on September 28, and all offerings collected at the service will benefit the Bnai Zion Medical Center.
A November Event Benefits the Medical Center A festive event honoring Rabbi Loring Frank of All Peoples Synagogue, founded in 1972, will take place on November 4 at First Baptist Church in Ft. Lauderdale. Proceeds will benefit the Bnai Zion Medical Center.
special EVENTS A northern California community helps children at risk in northern Israel
AHAVA VILLAGE BENEFITS from UNION SOLIDARITY
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n April 30 the Bnai Zion Foundation presented its Distinguished Humanitarian Award to Ron Lind, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 5, the largest private sector union in the San Francisco Bay Area. Labor leaders and representatives of organizations that support them were strongly represented at the dinner, which was also attended by individuals who came from as far away as New York to celebrate with Ron and his family.
Proceeds from the dinner will be used to fund the vital work at Ahava Village for Children and Youth in Kiryat Bialik. Ron expressed his appreciation to everyone in attendance, as well as his strong commitment to the project. Bnai Zion executive vice president Jack Grunspan addressed the gathering via video, offering congratulations to the honoree and explaining the role of Ahava Village in helping over two hundred abused children obtain self-esteem and confidence in their future.
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special EVENTS
PATRICK M. DEWAR to be HONORED in WASHINGTON, DC The executive vice president of Lockheed Martin International, Patrick M. Dewar, will be honored by Bnai Zion for his commitment to the military defense and security of Israel at a testimonial dinner in Washington, DC on September 10. Proceeds from the dinner will be used to fund the construction of trauma rooms in the new protected emergency department of the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa. In his role at Lockheed Martin International, Mr. Dewar is responsible for the global operations of the company, for business development and for strengthening international customer relationships and industrial partnerships in 70 countries. Headquartered in London and in the Washington metropolitan area, Lockheed Martin International has a regional office in Tel Aviv, as well as in many other countries.
PATRICK M. DEWAR
dinner
Wednesday, September 10, 2014 6pm reception 7pm program & dinner For reservations and information call 516 342 5751
RECOGNIZING a MASSACHUSETTS LUMINARY DR. SUSAN WINDHAMBANNISTER
dinner
Tuesday, October 21, 2014 6pm reception 7pm program & dinner For reservations and information call 516 342 5751 24 VO I CE june 2014
The president and CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC), Dr. Susan Windham-Bannister, will be the recipient of the Bnai Zion Distinguished Humanitarian Award at a dinner in her honor on October 21 in Newton. The MLSC is a state-funded investment organization that administers the 10-year $1billion Life Sciences Initiative enacted by the Massachusetts Legislature in June 2008. Dr. WindhamBannister is responsible for the overall implementation of the initiative, staffing, developing policies and procedures and formulating investment strategy. She was recognized as one of Boston Globe’s 10 Most Influential Women in Biotech in 2013, and as one of the Harvard Club’s 12 Women to Watch in 2012.
our PROJECTS in ISRAEL AT THE BNAI ZION MEDICAL CENTER
Making Bold Strides Forward The Urology Department Celebrates 50 Years THE MEDICAL CENTER is the MOST PREFERRED HOSPITAL for NORTHERN INTERNS
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edical students recently rated the Bnai Zion Medical Center third nationally and first in northern Israel on the list of preferred hospitals for internship/residency. They explained their preference as a tribute to the high academic level of senior physicians and other well-trained professionals in the Medical Center. Dr. Amnon Rofe, the hospital CEO, sees this result as an impressive achievement, saying, “I’m very proud that the professionalism and humanity of our staff has been acknowledged in this way. This is the second year in a row that medical students have chosen us, which proves that we continue to be a center of excellence nationally, and even internationally.” Dr. Elad Schiff, Director of Internship, explains that the hospital invests in grooming interns, providing quality tutoring that focuses on emergency situations during rotations. In addition, the hospital has a mentoring project in which thirty senior physicians escort interns through their first year, a training model now assimilated at other hospitals in Israel.
In March the urology department celebrated fifty years of extensive work, research and education. A festive ceremony was organized with the mayor of Haifa, hospital management and the entire staff of the department since its earliest days. It was an excellent opportunity to inaugurate the newly renovated department, now a spacious facility equipped with hospitalization and treatment rooms conforming to 21st Century hospitalization standards. Prof. Ofer Nativ, the head of the department, well known in Israel and abroad for his specialization in prostate cancer, summarized the major achievements of the department over the years, focusing on research, education, and collaboration with many centers throughout the world.
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our PROJECTS in ISRAEL
Art Glass: Therapeutic Treatment for Sexual Abuse Victims Liora Zomer, a psychotherapist and bibliotherapist in the Multidisciplinary Center for Sexual Abuse and Incest Victims at the hospital, says “Sometimes, using creative material that has potential risk - for self-injury, or as a potential tool of attack - may help a person acquire self control and cope with strong negative feelings. Art glass therapy is an innovative method to help victims cope with their trauma and produce a therapeutic process, and it also assists the victim to cope with different implications that arise as a result of a traumatic situation involving physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse during childhood. The Israeli Ministry of Health promotes innovative methods of treatment, as they increase the variety of solutions available to victims who come from different populations. The dynamics of art glass treatment were the focus of an extensive lecture that Ms. Zomer delivered at an international convention in Denmark in the spring. The Multidisciplinary Center for Sexual Abuse and Incest Victims was established in 2002 in cooperation with the Department of Welfare of the Haifa Municipality and the Israel Ministry of Welfare. The only program of its kind in Israel, it provides comprehensive care for sexual abuse, incest and rape victims from Haifa and northern Israel. Victims receive care free of charge, including long- term clinical therapy and social support such as housing, and help with employment and daycare.
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A ROBOTIC GUIDANCE SYSTEM IS USED IN SURGERY Recently several orthopedic surgeries were performed successfully with a robotic guidance system called Renaissance©. Surgeons expressed full satisfaction with the system itself, and with the clinical results. Renaissance© transforms spine surgery from freehand procedures to highly-accurate, state-of-the-art procedures that may reduce fluoroscopy - even for minimally-invasive surgery (MIS), scoliosis, and other complex spinal deformity cases. The first surgery in the orthopedic department using Renaissance© two months ago showed that it was performed as planned. Images taken following the surgery showed that implants were placed at optimal locations and the clinical results were perfect as well. The patient was released to go home after a few days and returned to full activity within weeks. Renaissance© is a significant addition to the varied services and advanced technologies offered to patients in the Medical Center. These surgeries are part of a complete project that will lead the hospital and its patients toward a new robotic and advanced technology era that will set and provide health services at new standards.
EVERYONE LIKES TO EAT! How Food Helps & Heals at Our Projects Each of the five projects Bnai Zion supports have aspects that involve food, meal preparation and eating. Nutrition for patients in the Bnai Zion Medical Center, family-style meals for children living in Ahava Village, teaching about food sources to future teachers in the David Yellin College, communal meals for residents of the Quittman Center, and providing holiday meals to seniors and the financially challenged in Ma’aleh Adumim are all significant parts of daily life. Learn how food plays a part.
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our PROJECTS in ISRAEL A new angle on nutrition at the BNAI ZION MEDICAL CENTER
Meatless Monday Contributes to Good Health There is a clear correlation between what is consumed and the quality and expectancy of life. In an extensive survey published by Harvard University and followed for 28 years, 121,342 people and their nutrition habits were followed, revealing that consuming one portion of red meat per day caused a 12% increase in death at an early age, a 16% increase of heart failure resulting in death, and a 10% increase in death by cancer. Foregoing meat once a week may reduce the risk of chronic preventable conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. It can also help reduce one’s carbon footprint and save precious resources like fresh water and fossil fuel. Bnai Zion Medical Center decided to join this initiative and last year became the first hospital in Israel that adopted the change and created a new menu for its employees for Mondays. For Meatless Mondays, the menu includes a wide variety of delicious vegetarian dishes and many vegetables. The philosophy of the hospital is that one day without meat can change the world. There are many health and environmental advantages to this initiative.
HEALTH BENEFITS Limiting Cancer Risk: Hundreds of studies suggest that diets high in fruits and vegetables may reduce cancer risk. Both red and processed meat consumption are associated with colon cancer. Reducing Heart Disease: Data from a Harvard University study found that replacing saturated fat-rich foods (for example, meat and full-fat dairy) with foods that are rich in polyunsaturated fat (for example, vegetable oils, nuts and seeds) reduces the risk of heart disease by 19%. Fighting Diabetes: Research suggests that a higher consumption of red and processed meat increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Curbing Obesity: People on low-meat or vegetarian diets have significantly lower body weights and body mass indices, and a study by Imperial College London found that reducing overall meat consumption can prevent long-term weight gain as well. Living Longer: Red and processed meat consumption is associated with increases in total mortality, cancer mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality. Improving One’s Diet: Consuming beans or peas results in higher intakes of fiber, protein, folate, zinc, iron and magnesium with lower intakes of saturated fat and total fat. ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS Reducing One’s Carbon Footprint: The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization estimates the meat industry generates nearly one-fifth of the man-made greenhouse gas emissions accelerating climate change worldwide, which is far more than transportation. Reining in meat consumption once a week can help slow this trend. Minimizing Water Usage: The water needs of livestock are well above those of vegetables or grains. An estimated 1,800 to 2,500 gallons of water go into a single pound of beef, in comparison to soy tofu that requires 220 gallons of water per pound. Helping Reduce Fossil Fuel Dependence: On average, about 40 calories of fossil fuel energy go into every calorie of feed lot beef in the U.S., compared to 2.2 calories of fossil fuel energy needed to produce one calorie of plant-based protein.
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The many aspects of food in AHAVA VILLAGE FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
Nourishing the Emotional Constitution BY SARA PELEG, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION Sometimes it seems that it’s all about food. Working with children at risk - kids who suffer from emotional abuse, adolescents coming from a very low socioeconomic background who know what poverty really feels like - food is sometimes everything. I remember a conversation I had at Ahava many years ago with one of the kids who is now over 20 years old. It was the first year we held a summer camp for kids and their biological parents for five days. Every morning we started the day with breakfast in Ahava, and then went out for the day until the afternoon. I was talking with one of kids before it started and he didn’t care about the plans and where we would go; he simply asked these questions: “Will my mom get lunch?” followed by, “Will we have meat?” When I said yes, he told me he would convince her to come, because she hadn’t eaten meat for months.
We can give the kids everything they need, and even more. Every year I admire that children in Ahava get fresh seasonal fruit. But the hardest thing to fill is the emotional hunger. Empowering our children is one of many important goals, and we do it in many ways. One of them is a wonderful project called Gourmet, in which the kids learn how to become amateur chefs by working with two chefs from the Ahava staff (one is a father in a home care unit), learning myriad kitchen skills and many other important aspects. They cook for numerous visitors and for events held in Ahava, having a great time, and getting useful experience for life.
“Empowering children is one
of many important goals, and we do it in many ways” Staff is aware of this dynamic every second Sunday when some kids come back from home very hungry, and every September, when new kids are ravenous, eating half a loaf of bread by themselves. This hunger for food is a real physical hunger, but there is another additional layer related to food that is more challenging to satisfy: emotional hunger. We believe in the body-mind connection in Ahava, and we feel it in ourselves: carbohydrates make us feel good, and sweet foods assuage some of our emotional absences. For some of the kids in Ahava, food is a solution to that big absence. Over 18 years ago, as a student working in Ahava four hours a week, I learned something important about food: “There is no place like home.” A mom of one of the kids came to visit, bringing an old snack from the market that looked neither fresh nor good. In the child’s Ahava home care unit, there was the delicious aroma of a cake coming out of the oven. When the child’s mom left, he was holding this snack like pure gold; it was his own, and it was from his mom.
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our PROJECTS in ISRAEL THE QUITTMAN CENTER AT ISRAEL ELWYN
Creative Cooking Helps Heal Food - its flavor, nutritional value and presentation - plays an important role in the lives of the residents of the Quittman Center, part of the Supported Living Services of Israel Elwyn (IE). Kitchens that prepare hundreds of meals three times a day too often focus only on nutrition and the bottom line. But at IE, Etti Sisso, director of the Weinberg Nutrition Center in the Supported Living Services, believes the food offered to the residents must be appetizing. She says, “If meals aren’t appealing enough for residents to want to eat, what does it matter if the food contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals?” RESIDENTS VOTE FOR SOUTH AMERICAN TREAT Some of the residents have difficulty swallowing, and based on an assessment by a speech and communications therapist specializing in the field, only eat soft or ground foods. The challenge for the staff of the Weinberg Nutrition Center is to create meals that are nutritious and appealing to most of their senses – sight, smell and taste, regardless of the texture. Making soft foods is not difficult, as cooked grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits can be mashed with their own cooking liquid to achieve a texture thin enough for easy swallowing. Preserving good taste is more difficult with ground foods, particularly meats and other solids, where the addition of liquids to attain a soft or fluid texture has the potential to dilute the flavor of any seasonings used in cooking. To ensure that all Israel Elwyn residents enjoy appealing food, considerable thought is invested to find appropriate solutions.
“The challenge is to
create meals that are nutritious and appealing” Some time ago, a support provider who emigrated from South America recalled the important and delicious role that flan plays in the menus of that region. A nourishing food that always contains milk and eggs, flan can be made sweet or savory, with other ingredients added for flavor: seasonings and herbs, dried or fresh fruit, even vegetables. Israel Elwyn staff agreed that flan could be an excellent breakfast food – and not just for residents who eat only soft or ground foods. Since introducing flan to the menu of Supported Living Services, it has become a favorite of all the residents.
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COOKING FROM SCRATCH Several years ago, a well-known Israeli chef volunteered to teach a cooking class for residents of Supported Living Services, and they learned how to choose, prepare and cook quality ingredients to make flavorful meals. Since then, the members of this group have maintained a tradition of preparing a meal once a week for their apartment mates. The chef took the opportunity to work with the staff of the Nutrition Center as well. He taught them how to make vegetable stock to replace soup powders previously used for soups, and how to thicken and flavor gravies and vegetable pies. Thanks to his efforts, the staff now cooks all the food consumed by the residents from basic, fresh ingredients and flavors them with a wide variety of spices and herbs, some of which come from the herb gardens tended by other residents of the Supported Living Services. This is truly a comprehensive effort!
COMING in the SEPTEMBER VOICE • Our Projects: The Power of Creative Thinking • Coverage of our summer events • Updates from Israel • Photos, commentary, information ... and many other wonderful features!
You Can Contribute in Meaningful Ways. Do you want to make a difference? Bnai Zion welcomes your support. ❖ Commit to a monthly contribution. 100% of all designated gifts to our projects are sent to our projects. ❖ Become active. Host a parlor meeting and invite your friends to greet a VIP from Israel. ❖ Serve on a planning committee and attend Bnai Zion events. We hold fundraisers across the country. ❖ Learn about our Planned Giving opportunities. There are fantastic options that benefit you while helping our projects in Israel. ❖ Become a corporate sponsor and gain exposure for your company. ❖ Advertise in the VOICE.
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P E RI OD I C A L S
THE MAGAZINE OF THE BNAI ZION FOUNDATION
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OVER A HUNDRED YEARS OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE
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