over a hundred years of making a difference
June 2010• Volume 95• No. 4
The Splendor of Israel dallas brunch takes center stage Event Raises Funds for Ahava Village
aventura hospital welcomes special guest
plus
russian division celebrates israel boston dinner highlights bnai zion medical center
A Personal Experience at Our Projects june 2010 VOIC E
1
june 2010 contents
8
14
3 Helping Children in Israel 5 Help Wanted By George W. Schaeffer, President
18
6 Celebrating Israel in Russian Style 7 Grandma Wants to Help By Jack Grunspan Executive Vice President 8 Bnai Zion at the Salute to Israel Parade
New York Region 10 An Evening of Laughter
9 My President, Barack Obama By Mel Parness Executive Vice President Emeritus
Western Region
Tuesday, August 24 Summer Serenade Cocktail Party Tuesday, September 28 Speaker Series
Texas Region
Western Region
16 Bnai Zion Spices up Chili Cook-Off
Southeast Region
12
New York Region
12 Exposure at the Interfaith Concert
14 The Dallas Brunch Takes Center Stage
24
events
17 Aventura Hospital Hosts Special Guest 19 Raising Funds in Boca Raton
National 20 Honoring Dr. Dennis A. Ausiello
Our Projects in Israel 22 Progress and Prognosis at the Bnai Zion Medical Center 24 Healing with Art Therapy at Ahava 26 Training Pioneers at the David Yellin Academic College 28 A Meaningful Independence Day By Irwin Blank 29 On-site at Bnai Zion Projects 31 Welcoming the Radomer Society
July – date TBA Financial Planning Seminar
Texas Region Sunday, October 24 Annual Dallas Gala
Southeast Region Thursday, September 16 Planned Giving seminar
National Sunday, October 3 Dessert Reception honoring David Gitlin Bryn Mawr, PA Sunday, November 14 Dinner honoring Dr. David Marcus Boca Raton, FL
national
∆ Note from the Editor
Helping Children in Israel
In this issue you can read about the many different and important ways Bnai Zion helps children in need in Israel. In the Bnai Zion Medical Center’s Adolescent Medicine Clinic, services and treatment that focus on the issues of adolescence – eating disorders, social anxiety, puberty concerns, and self esteem – are provided by talented, knowledgeable staff who care about improving the lives of teens. The multi-dimensional art therapy program at Ahava Village for Children & Youth caters to the varying needs of the children there by offering a variety of artistic pursuits that are highly popular as well as therapeutic. At the David Yellin Academic College of Education, training Israel’s teachers-of-tomorrow, women from a Jerusalem neighborhood banded together to obtain teaching degrees, so they can instill good values in their children and others around them and help reduce social and economic disparities. Supporting our projects means helping children meet their challenges with strength, commitment and determination – characteristics of the State of Israel as well. Please give generously to these programs.
contact us National Office
212 725 1211 Lisa Paule lisapaule@bnaizion.org New York Region
212 725 1211 Justin Brannan justin.brannan@bnaizion.org Southeast Region
305 949 0076 Eileen Glastein eileen.glastein@bnaizion.org Texas Region
972 918 9200 Avrille Harris-Cohen avrille.harris-cohen@bnaizion.org
Western Region
818 716 2722 Benzy Kogen benzy.kogen@bnaizion.org
Meeting Our Cover Artist, Heather Hazut Heather Hazut, the cover artist for this issue, enjoys expressing her creativity through drawing, painting, photography, dance, decorating and other forms of visual design. Heather attended the Art Institute of Boston and specializes in graphic print and web design, and in creating promotional materials. Heather says, “I truly enjoy bringing a concept to reality; there is something exciting about seeing your ideas come to life!” Our cover, featuring colorful nature views of Israel, exemplifies this process.
Noting with appreciation our
corporate donors: • Alert Ambulance Service • American Cancer Society • Massachusetts General Hospital
• Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP • OPI Products Inc. • Pfizer Inc.
• MedVantx
• Polaris Venture Partners
• MIT Collaborative Initiatives
• Pulmatrix
• Molloy College
• Riverview Medical Center • WCBS-AM june 2010 VOIC E 3
j
•
•
Establish a
CERTIFICATE BANK
Editor In Chief Lisa Paule
with Bnai Zion
Business Manager Jack Grunspan Art Director Matthew Papa
Certificates are available for any occasion. Commemorate events with a personalized certificate:
Printing & Producing Cummings Printing Contributing Writers Irwin Blank Jack Grunspan Mel Parness Raymond M. Patt Lisa Paule George W. Schaeffer
\ in memory of a loved one \ to honor an achievement
Contributing Photographers Donna Stanger Justin Brannan
\ to send birthday, anniversary or wedding greetings \ to mark a birth
Cover Illustration Heather Hazut
\ to celebrate a bar or bat mitzvah
Circulation Manager Rosemary Fletcher
\ for any other important event, or just to say ‘thinking of you’
Published quarterly by Bnai Zion Foundation Annual Periodical Subscription: $2 members $5 non members
Certificates available at $10, $18 and $25
USPS #546980
With a certificate bank you can use the certificates any time you need them. Certificates are mailed within 24 hours of receipt of order and we’re happy to help with the wording. Credit cards accepted.
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
For more information or to purchase a certificate please call 800 564 6399, ext. 6222 or email certificates@bnaizion.org
tel 212 725 1211 fax 212 684 6327
j
There is no better way to say you care. •
•
4
VO I C E june 2010
www.bnaizion.com www.bnaizion.org
president george W. schaeffer
Help Wanted
Israel needs a new publicist. by george W. schaeffer
I was really disappointed at the beginning of this year. Why on earth would Israeli officials announce ‘new building’ in East Jerusalem during vice president Biden’s diplomatic visit? And although this incident seems to have ‘blown over,’ this faux pas has come back to haunt us – resuscitated on several occasions, giving our present administration a chance to cite Israel’s lack of cooperation in dealing with ‘the peace process.’ What bothered me most was not even the timing, but why did Israeli officials feel they needed to announce any kind of building whatsoever to the world? Israel is a sovereign country, and I know of no other country that would announce anything regarding building anywhere within its borders. Why does Israel give others the opportunity to weigh in on its affairs? These kinds of announcements just provide ammunition for the other side. When the Chinese government wants to build a road, it pays its citizens a check and tells them to get out of their homes within a certain time frame, take it or leave it. When Dubai built a massive amount of housing and the country’s housing market collapsed because they had no demand for all this fancy, expensive architecture, did anyone say anything? When Israel builds, they are building high quality housing for newcomers of all ethnicities and religions. Israeli Arabs want to stay in Israel because of the high standard of living and quality of life. Israel actually needs the housing it builds. A high-ranking Israeli politician I spoke with right after this incident confirmed that “indeed, we are our worst enemies.” What can we do to change this publicity nightmare? Not long ago, a friend of mine attended the annual fundraiser in New York for the non-profit group CAMERA – Committee for Accuracy on Middle East Reporting in America. Michael Horovitz, editor in chief for the Jerusalem Post, made the keynote speech. Among other things, he charged us – Jews living outside of Israel – with the task of telling the truth. Organizations like CAMERA and MEMRI do it on a professional level, correcting anti-Israel bias in the media
∫
When Israel builds, they are building high quality housing for newcomers of all ethnicities and religions.
and translating Arab language media to bridge the language gap that exists between the West and the Middle East. But we should all do this day-today, speaking with our friends and colleagues, correcting misconceptions, writing letters to the media, and letting people know the truth about Israel – truly the world’s Holy Land. At Bnai Zion, it is our job to strengthen Israel from the inside out. Our humanitarian programs help the least fortunate: the sick, the orphaned, people with mental challenges, and those without means who desire to pursue the life of the mind and a career in the arts. At Bnai Zion, we strengthen Israel’s soul. But remember: in order for Israel to survive and our work to have an effect, we need to help the rest of the world see our beautiful, ethical, humanitarian homeland for what it is. I encourage you to visit the websites of CAMERA and MEMRI as well as our very own Bnai Zion website (bnaizion. org) and become familiar with the resources of each site. As Jews, we have to support our homeland every way we can.
june 2010 VOIC E 5
national
Celebrating Israel in Elegant Russian Style
The Russian Division feted several memorable anniversaries at its fourth annual party on Sunday, April 25 at the Bnai Zion House: 65 years of victory in World War II, the 62nd anniversary of the State of Israel and 102 years of Bnai Zion, and over a hundred people attended. The program was carried out by the president of the Russian Division, Oleg Liner with the assistance of board members A. Saulina, E. Rozentsvit, I. Libkhen, F. Fuhrman, V. Sholokhov, M. Libin and volunteers L. Liner, R. Sirota, M. Rein, D. Abramov, B. Abramov, A. Beygelman, L. Baksansky and others. Sharing stories on how war experiences impacted their lives, and how they are supporting the safety and prosperity of the State of Israel by helping Bnai Zion initiatives and
6
VO I C E june 2010
projects, interviewed by Oleg Liner were veterans of World War II B. Edelman, Y. Shalamov, B. Gutkin, I. Vaynshelboym, D. Meltzer, a young veteran of the U.S. war in Iraq, M. Nussbaum, the vice president of the Russian Division M. Patin, MD, board member M. Libin and community leaders K. Kuchment, G. Davidson and A. Kagan. David Meltzer spoke about American assistance to the former Soviet Union and all the attendees were deeply impressed with a moving speech by Rabbi M. Zarkhi. Talented vocalists performed to much acclaim and The Jewish Artists Guild of New York showcased art by local artists. Proceeds from the event benefited the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa and Ahava Village for Children & Youth in Kiryat Bialik.
executive vice president jack grunspan
Grandma Wants to Help by jack grunspan
Sarah loves her three grandchildren, with more, hopefully, to come. Her children have already set up a college fund for the future doctor, lawyer and accountant, but Sarah would like to contribute for the extras they will need when they attend college. With lots of appreciated stocks in her portfolio, Sarah was in a bit of a dilemma as to how to provide a college fund without having to pay any capital gains taxes and, if possible, to have Uncle Sam help pay for her grandchildren’s college. After speaking to the people at Bnai Zion, the following plan was developed. Sarah would establish a 20-year, $200,000 net income “flip” unitrust, funding the trust with the appreciated assets. The terms of the trust would indicate that when a certain event occurs – namely, the grandchildren attending college – the trust would “flip” and become a regular 5% unitrust, paying an annual cash flow to the grandchildren. Until the “flip” happens, the monies would be invested in funds not producing current income (i.e. zero coupon bonds), so that very little would be distributed until the grandchildren would be of college age. This way, the $200,000 trust would very likely double before any distributions would have to be made. As the distributions are going to be a percentage of the total value of the trust, the amounts distributed would be of significant help. In addition, Sarah would avoid paying any capital gains tax in funding the trust and would obtain an additional benefit of a charitable tax deduction for approximately $60,000. This tax deduction may be taken the year the trust is established, up to 30% of her adjusted gross income, with any unused portion to be carried forward for an additional 5-year period until fully utilized. Knowing the important work of Bnai Zion, Sarah also has the satisfaction that, eventually, her monies will be used to benefit Bnai Zion’s wonderful projects in Israel.
For some creative Planned Giving of your own, please contact Jack Grunspan, Executive Vice President at 800 564 6399.
june 2010 VOIC E 7
national
Bnai Zion Proudly Participates in Salute to Israel Parade
In 1964, thousands marched in solidarity down Riverside Drive in New York for the then-young State of Israel. Nearly a half century later, the Salute to Israel parade has become the world's largest single gathering in support of Israel. This year, Bnai Zion was proud to once again participate in this annual event that drew nearly one million people. Organization enthusiasts marched up Fifth Avenue flanking a large, colorful motorized banner showcasing Bnai Zion projects as part of this celebration of Israel and its people.
8
VO I C E june 2010
executive vice president emeritus mel parness
My President, Barack Obama by mel parness
The Chinese have a saying, “May you live in interesting times.” We certainly do! We live in an era where we have instant communication. On the internet, every day, we receive copies of articles, letters, quotes and excerpts, all purporting to be the truth. Of course, this is impossible, since they contradict each other and we are left to decide what to believe. Individuals and organizations send us their opinions. They believe they know what is happening in the White House and in Jerusalem because this expert or that politician or that news broadcaster told them and said it came from a reliable source. Let me give you some examples from recent articles I have received: 1. “U.S. President Barack Obama made clear in a recent letter to the Palestinians that he views Israel as the obstacle to peace....” according to senior Palestinian Authority officials. 2. “In the majority of respects, relations between the United States and Israel are as good as under any administration,and better than some” said Michael Oren, Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S. 3. “Netanyahu was instructed to come to the White House for a meeting. He was brought in through a servant’s entrance” according to an unnamed consultant who meets regularly with the president. 4. Ambassador Oren stated that Prime Minister Netanyahu was not snubbed recently at the White House... The Netanyahu team, including Ambassador Oren, entered the front door of the White House. So where are we? Who do we believe? If we don’t like Obama and his policies, then we look for things to confirm our opinions. If we are supporters of Obama, then we look for items that support our positions. It is truly a dilemma. Perhaps the best course of action might be to try to be positive in our statements about the relationship between Israel and the United States. Point out, as fifty retired American flag and general officers did in a letter to President Obama this past April, that “Israel is a security asset for the United States.” These American defense professionals look at events in the Middle East “through the prism of American security interests.” I join my friend Robert Rechnitz, who recently stated, “I am deeply disappointed in my president.” But we must remember that we live in a democracy. We must respect our system of government even when we disagree with the
president. We must turn to our senators and representatives and urge them to pressure the president to change his treatment of Israel, our most reliable ally and friend in the world. And we must be vigilant. We must follow the news stories about the Middle East and write letters to editors, to news broadcasters, and to
We must respect our system of government even when we disagree with the president.
∫
the White House. Be forceful but be polite and know your facts. The more we express our concerns, the more we will be listened to by our government. The Chinese were way ahead of the times. We certainly live in interesting – and dangerous – times.
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.
june 2010 VOIC E 9
new york region
Top Entertainers Make a Splash at Comedy Night
On a mild night in May, in conjunction with the New York Hysterical Society, Bnai Zion hosted the Jewish Comedy Tour featuring several world-renowned comedians. Bernie Furshpan, a regular on the NY comedy circuit at Caroline’s and Gotham Comedy Club was the MC for the evening. Hard-working comedienne Jessica Kirson – who had just arrived from Los Angeles, where she had appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno – stepped onto the stage and
10 VO I C E june 2010
quickly had the crowd in stitches and, at times, blushing. Danny Cohen, another headliner, had hilarious material that included a discussion about airport procedures that had the audience doubled-over in laughter. This event, which drew regulars who attend other functions at the Bnai Zion House as well as newcomers seeing it and learning about the organization for the first time, was enjoyed by all – including the comedians.
Israeli Companies Shine at Bnai Zion Tech Expo
Did you know, that after the U.S., Israel has the largest number of high-tech startups? Israel is not only the fastest growing, but one of the most dynamic entrepreneurial innovation-based economies on the planet. Israel has more companies on the tech-oriented NASDAQ than any country outside the U.S. – more than all of Europe, Japan, Korea, India, and China combined. To celebrate Israel’s innovation, Bnai Zion presented its first Israel Biotech Fair at the Bnai Zion House on May 10. Held in collaboration with Katan Associates International, Bnai Zion welcomed 15 promising Israeli start-up companies who all presented their technology, products and prospects to venture capitalists interested in investing in Israel. Attendees were given access information on the Israeli start-ups, all while fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship, international cooperation and business matchmaking. The expo was a wonderful opportunity for prospects to learn more about Israel’s developments in the biotech and life sciences fields, and introduce newcomers to our organization. “Israel has transformed the challenges it has faced into assets that form the cornerstones of its culture of innovation. Adversity of all kinds, such as being under attack, small, isolated, and lacking resources, have forced Israelis to be resourceful, to do more with less, to innovate, and to be global from day one.” Dan Senor, author of Start-Up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle
Professor Steinberg Analyzes Mideast Policy at Lecture In honor of Jerusalem Day and in cooperation with the World Jewish Congress, Bnai Zion was proud to present Professor Gerald Steinberg to a packed house on May 13. Prof. Steinberg, president of NGO Monitor and the chairman of the political science department at Bar Ilan University, discussed Middle East diplomacy, security and the politics of human rights and nongovernmental organizations. Prof. Steinberg is a consultant to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Council as well, credentials which no doubt added much allure to his program, resulting in the large crowd that turned out to hear him.
A New Art Show Opens in the Bnai Zion House Bnai Zion welcomes Israel Rubinstein (rubinsteinart.com), whose modern, cubistinspired oil paintings depicting scenes of New York, biblical themes, music and jazz ensembles now grace the walls of our lobby, gallery and auditorium through August. Israel’s formidable background in fine art can be seen in the detailed angles and refined yet lively color palette of his paintings, which add an air of energy and excitement to our space. Israel, born in PetachTikva, has exhibited at various expos and galleries in New York, Florida, New Jersey and California. His works are available for purchase and can be seen during regular business hours. For more information please call 212 725 1211, ext. 6222.
june 2010 VOIC E 11
western region
∆ West Coast Activities
Reach a Wide Audience
Bnai Zion Participates in Interfaith Effort On April 20 we co-sponsored the first-ever Unity in Concert at Sinai Temple in Westwood. 2,200 people filled the synagogue for a concert aimed at unifying the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim worlds with an outstanding program. Produced by Craig Taubman (a friend of Bnai Zion), and the Sinai Temple Israel Center, Unity was a night to remember. David Broza and the Moshav Band highlighted the musical presentations, while Pastor Rick Warren and Rabbis David Wolpe & Ed Feinstein inspired the audience. Unity in Concert delivered a strong message to the community of Los Angeles: that music speaks louder than words and the whole world listens.
12 VO I C E june 2010
A Special Visitor Highlights the Medical Center
Reaching a Crowd in Woodley Park On April 25, 20,000 supporters of Israel gathered for the annual Valley Israel Independence Day Festival in Woodley Park. The weather was picture-perfect and there was an energy rarely found at Jewish gatherings. There was a lot of information sharing and networking and warm spirit. At a time when support for Israel is under constant scrutiny, it was great to be Jewish in Woodley Park on that beautiful Sunday. The western region sponsored an information booth at the festival for the first time in many years. At the booth, we reconnected with scores of old friends of Bnai Zion and made important connections with hundreds of new friends. We thank OPI Cosmetics for its gracious donation of nail polish and hand lotion distributed at the festival. We are also grateful to the Florentine family for helping us staff our booth.
Dr. Noam Calderon from the Bnai Zion Medical Center visited our region in March and made presentations on the scope of work of his plastic surgery department in the treatment of severe and life-threatening diabetes. He spoke at a dinner we hosted for the AmericanIsraeli Medical Association (AIMA), and he presented at an evening of Israeli song hosted by Isaac and Dr. Barbara Florentine (members of our regional leadership committee). At some other private lunches and dinners, Dr. Calderon dazzled and educated.
Plans Get Underway for Annual Gala We are in the planning stages of our annual gala, to be held in the late fall or early winter. Watch for exciting news about our event honoree(s) and visit our regional page at bnaizion.org for news about coming regional events.
june 2010 VOIC E 13
texas region
∆ A Showcase of Support
The Third Annual Dallas Brunch A huge crowd assembles to raise funds for Ahava Village The Bnai Zion Texas region held its annual brunch honoring Miriam Creemer and Dr. Tim & Virginia Shepherd for the benefit of Ahava Village for Children & Youth. The guest speaker from Israel was the president of Ahava, Maj. General (Ret.) Uri Sagie, and greetings were extended by the director of Ahava, Yoav Apelboim.
14 VO I C E june 2010
The live auction brought in a record amount of funds, which were immediately forwarded to Ahava in Israel for help in completing its emergency shelter. Kudos to the director, Avrille Harris-Cohen and to all the volunteers and supporters who made this event a tremendous success.
june 2010 VOIC E 15
texas region
promoting Bnai Zion at the Kosher Chili Cook-Off The Spiciest Event in Dallas Took Place in March
The 17th Annual Dallas Kosher Chili Cook-Off at Tiferet Israel Congregation – the spiciest event in Dallas – took place on Sunday, March 14, drawing nearly 4,000 tasters, onlookers and enthusiasts who strolled through, sampling the chili and visiting the numerous vendor booths. Our Texas region hosted a booth to inform and educate the public about our projects and our work. We also raised funds for our projects in Israel by selling assorted products. Like last year, throughout the day we had a large crowd surrounding our table as we tried to keep up with inquirers and customers. We are thankful to our very knowledgeable volunteers, who helped tremendously.
Hold the date for the annual
Texas Region Sunday, October 24, 2010 Benefiting the Bnai Zion Medical Center Reception 6pm Dinner and Program 7pm at the Westin Galleria Business Attire | Live Auction Under the supervision of the Dallas VAAD For more information & reservations call 972 918 9200 16 VO I C E june 2010
Gala
southeast region
∆ A Distinguished Visitor Comes to South Florida
Dr. Calderon Presents at Aventura Hospital In March, Aventura Hospital hosted another segment of the Healing Hands Across the Ocean exchange with the Bnai Zion Medical Center, welcoming Dr. Noam Calderon, head of the plastic surgery department, from Israel. Dr. Calderon made a compelling presentation about diabetic limb salvage and many fields of medicine were represented by the participants from Aventura Hospital, which awarded nurses and doctors continuing medical education credit for attending. Because of the high incidence of diabetes in the South Florida population of seniors, every health care provider deals with related issues, so this was a very popular topic. Dr. Calderon invented the C Boot and continues to research other innovative mechanisms to improve care and treatment for patients.
Dr. Calderon Greets the Men’s Club at Broken Sound
Dr. Calderon continued his tour, speaking to Broken Sound Men’s Club. Thirty men living in Boca Raton meet every Tuesday to discuss current events, tell jokes and support Israel. The questions they had for Dr. Calderon ranged from issues in the medical field to “when is Israel going to take care of Iran?” We thank Stan Morganbesser for making our visits to Broken Sound so pleasant, and we’re looking forward to our next opportunity in the Broken Sound community in October. june 2010 VOIC E 17
southeast region
Dr. Calderon Meets the Aventura Marketing Council
Racks Italian Bistro at Intracoastal Mall was a perfect setting for inviting the local community to meet Dr. Noam Calderon. The Aventura Marketing Council reception was attended by 75 people who all wanted a chance to discuss Dr. Calderon’s research and learn more about his inventions. Celebrating the relationship between Aventura Hospital and Bnai Zion brought out many community leaders. 18 VO I C E june 2010
Bnai Zion Teams Up with the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce A Former Honoree Retires
The American-Israel Chamber of Commerce held an event for Bnai Zion at the European Café in Boca Raton, where Bnai Zion executive vice president Jack Grunspan was the guest speaker. Jack spoke about how investing with charitable organizations can benefit donors in terms of tax relief, insulation from stock market volatility, and reducing or eliminating a variety of problems connected with real property. The attendees were lively and enthusiastic, the food was excellent and it was a great opportunity to launch Bnai Zion into “planning for the future.”
Barry Mankes, the South Florida Shomrim Society president, has done it again: He retired for the third time! As they say, the third time is a charm. His retirement bash was held at Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center, the place where so many milestones in life are celebrated. Bnai Zion presented Sgt. Mankes with a congratulatory certificate. Barry was our first Man of the Year in the southeast region.
A November Dinner Set for Boca Raton
david marcus
reception
Dr. David Marcus will be the recipient of Bnai Zion’s Distinguished Humanitarian Award at a dinner on November 14. Proceeds from the event will be used to endow a project at either Ahava Village for Children & Youth in Kiryat Bialik or in the Pediatric Surgery Department at the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Dr. Marcus is a physician at Pediatric Associates in Boca Raton, one of the preeminent pediatric practices in South Florida. A board-certified pediatrician, Dr. Marcus has been in private practice for over two decades. In addition to his professional work, Dr. Marcus donates his time to people in need. He recently travelled to Vietnam to help treat people there.
6:30 pm program and dinner
at Temple Beth Am in Margate 5:30 pm cocktails
For reservations and more information call 516 342 5751
june 2010 VOIC E 19
national
∆ Bestowing the Bnai Zion Distinguished Humanitarian Award
The Chief of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital is Honored The who’s who of the medical, investment and business communities came together in Boston on April 15 to pay tribute to Dr. Dennis A. Ausiello, the Jackson Professor of Clinical Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Chief of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and Chief Scientific Officer of Partners HealthCare. Dr. Ausiello received the Bnai Zion Distinguished Humanitarian Award and many of his colleagues were in attendance including Jon Flint, co-founder and general partner of Polaris Venture Partners, Elizabeth G. Nabel, MD president of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, nobel prize laureate Phillip Sharp, Ph.D., Mary Woolley, president of Research America, Stanley Rabinovitz, an active member of the Brookline Jewish community and Dr. Andrew Warshaw, Surgeon-in-Chief and chairman of the Department of Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Warshaw served as the evening’s master of ceremonies and Jack Grunspan, executive vice president of Bnai Zion was the featured speaker. Dr. Amnon Rofe, the director-general of the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa extended greetings. Proceeds from the dinner will be used for the new Pediatric Surgery Unit at the Medical Center.
20 VO I C E june 2010
Bnai Zion National Dinner Calendar Sunday, November 14 in Boca Raton honoring Dr. David Marcus Pediatric Associates Coming in the September Voice • How You Can Make a Difference at our Projects • Coverage of dinners in Ohio and Texas • Personal Experiences in Israel ...and much more!
David Gitlin to be Honored at Reception in Philadelphia David Gitlin, a Partner at Blank Rome LLP, a prestigious Philadelphia law firm, will be honored at a reception in October. He received his JD from Tel Aviv University -The Buchmann Faculty of Law with honors and his LLM from the University of Pennsylvania Law School with honors and the Gowen Award. David Gitlin concentrates his practice in corporate acquisitions and divestitures, venture capital and technology development, and corporate finance. His extensive practice represents foreign clients doing business in the United States and American clients doing business abroad. Since 2006 he has handled more than twelve cross-border M&A transactions and eight cross-border venture capital transactions and his practice is heavily involved with technology transfer between Israel and the United States. In January 2005 he received parallel citations from the Mayors of Philadelphia and Tel-Aviv for exceptional accomplishments in developing business opportunities for Israeli companies in the United States. He is the immediate past president of the America-Israel Chamber of Commerce, mid-Atlantic chapter.
david gitlin
reception
Sunday, October 3, 2010 7pm at the Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy in Bryn Mawr, PA Proceeds to benefit the Pediatric Surgery Unit at the Bnai Zion Medical Center
june 2010 VOIC E 21
our projects in israel
∆ At the Bnai Zion Medical Center
Progress and Prognosis: Finding Solutions that Advance Wellness From Vision to Reality in Urology
The development of the ‘next generation’ urologic stent began with a urologist highly familiar with stents, Dr. Boaz Moskovitch, deputy director of the Urology Department, and a group of designing engineers who examined all the currently available stents. Their purpose was to produce an improved stent likely to decrease complications. The group found that permanent urologic stents used to treat the urethra or ureter stenosis by changing the diameter or length of the stent is more like trying to adjust the organ to the stent, instead of the stent adjusted to the organ. There was need to structurally change the stent to fit the organ it serves: to make it very elastic but without changing its shape in cold or heat, with a strong covering to prevent connecting with the hostile chemical environment of the urine, and to make it possible to be pulled out from the urethra with no trauma. The result of this cooperation is the development of a new stent produced by an Israeli company called Allium. Made of nitinol, the new stent is covered with a sleeve that prevents the tissue around it from growing and penetrating inside, and in spite its large diameter,the stent can be pulled out relatively easily. The Allium stent is already being produced and licensed for use and sale in Europe, and the hospital started using this stent a few months ago in an endoscopic procedure and patients are very satisfied.
Above, Dr. Boaz Moskovitch (on the right) performs surgery using the new stent; at left is a photo of the new urethral stent.
22 VO I C E june 2010
Updates from the Adolescent Medicine Clinic
Four years have passed since the Adolescent Health Clinic started to operate in its current structure as a multidisciplinary clinic whose focus is to promote the health of adolescents in the Haifa area by providing comprehensive services to them and their parents. The highly experienced clinic staff includes a senior physician specializing in adolescent medicine, two clinical psychologists, a clinical dietician expert on eating disorders and sport diets, family therapists, speech and art therapists. Most adolescents come to the clinic because they want to treat or examine undiagnosed pain, weakness, weight issues, eating disorders, chronic diseases in puberty, sexual development, relationships with parents, test anxiety, low self esteem, and other concerns. The clinic also serves as a guidance center for students at the University of Haifa specializing in the treatment of emotional issues of adolescents. One of the advantages of this project is that the hospital can now provide treatment for emotional disorders almost free for those who can’t afford it.
Treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The Medical Center’s psychiatric unit, along with other psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers from northern Israel participated in a six-day program conducted at the hospital, which introduced new, effective treatment techniques for people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. The techniques taught how to relate to the traumatic event, which has created a memory of unpleasant physical sensations. With PTSD, difficult memories connect to physical reactions, and invasive memories (flashback) may suddenly occur and interrupt one’s daily routine. It is clear that memories need to be changed, or a change needs to occur in the meaning they have, in order to ease coping and improve the psychological and behavioral quality of life. One new technique exposes the event in the imagination to explore new ways of treatment, showing it as a crisis but then as a story that doesn’t threaten. Another treatment uses cards and metaphor to help heal a traumatic event, by coordinating the two hemispheres of the brain and using intuition and logic with cards that impart pleasant and safe feelings. Another method to reduce symptoms uses reconstruction of memories while a pendulum swings in front of the eyes from side to side. At this continuing education workshop, participants acquired the necessary theoretical knowledge for treating PTSD and the practical skills required to diagnose and treat it.
The Anesthesia Department Acquires an Innovative Ultrasound Machine A new ultrasound machine carefully examines different areas in patients up to the resolution of a single nerve, allowing medical staff to pinpoint a nerve and precisely install a needle to anesthetize the patient. This machine is a very important device in different kinds of local anesthesia: for operations, as well as for decreasing pain after surgery.
Everything in EASY The EasyLabour‰ equipment is a unique medical device for labor pain relief, now available in the delivery department upon request. It provides a natural and easy way to relieve pain during labor, based on the well-known acupressure technique whereby local mechanical pressure is applied above the buttocks on the lower back, known as the most efficient pushing points to ease pain during labor. EasyLabour provides circular, gentle and specific massage; it can be used when contractions start and anytime the woman feels pain, and it doesn’t interfere with an epidural or other anesthetic procedure. Women report that pain was eased within five minutes of using the device, and the duration of pain at each contraction was decreased.
june 2010 VOIC E 23
our projects in israel
∆ At Ahava Village for Children & Youth
Healing Torment and Grief with Art Therapy by Sara Peleg, Director of Education at Ahava
“Fine art is that in which the hand, the head, and the heart of man go together.” —John Ruskin When you enter Ahava Village for Children & Youth you can sense the importance of the arts and art therapy in the lives of the children who live here. On your right, the window of the crafts workshop is full of children’s works; on your left, the wall of the youth club has a colorful mosaic handmade by the kids, just like in the school yard; and you can hear the choir or the band rehearsing in the central hall. Then come the areas of art therapy which you can feel the influence of
24 VO I C E june 2010
in daily life at Ahava: drama therapy, bibliotherapy, music therapy and other art disciplines that help the kids here. Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of communication. The kids referred to an art therapist don’t necessarily have previous experience or skill in art, and the art therapist is not primarily concerned with making an aesthetic or diagnostic assessment of the child’s image. Instead, the overall aim of
its practitioners is to enable a child to effect change and growth on a personal level through the use of art materials in a safe and facilitating environment. Art therapy differs from other psychological therapies in that it is a three-way process between the child, the therapist and the image or artefact. Thus it offers an opportunity for expression and communication that can be particularly helpful to people who find it hard to express their thoughts and feelings verbally. At Ahava we believe that arts and crafts – as well as art therapy – have an important influence on one’s wellbeing and development. Art therapy provides solutions to about seventy children and youths ages 6-18 in our village. Most of the work is through individual therapy, which takes place once a week for a whole year (sometimes for few years), but we use all kinds of art therapy in our work with groups. In drama therapy, for example, where kids can express themselves in many other ways beside words, there is space to be angry, to be sad, to hate one’s parents and to look at one’s life from a distance. There is space to be the “bad boy” you have inside you, or the lucky girl you wish to become. In bibliotherapy you can talk about your feelings or relate to the character in the story you read; you can talk from the character’s point of view and still feel protected because you’re not talking about yourself. You can write letters to significant individuals in your life, to tell them things you don’t dare tell out loud. Kids need these safe places
for individual development without feeling vulnerable and exposed. Other arts and crafts at Ahava may not be part of a recognized therapeutic process per se, but are part of the therapeutic spirit and value of the village. Arts provide a comfortable place for the kids to feel productive and find success and empowerment. Some kids paint, some sculpt, some sing in the choir and some play in a band or perform in the drama group, and between the various arts activities, about 160 kids at Ahava take place in at least one. About seventy of those boys and girls get art therapy every year as part of the therapy process during their stay. We have also worked with a mosaic artist for the past five years. It started with one mosaic on the wall of a building and continues to the school yard. This artist planned the general design but provided ample space for the creativity of the kids. The children broke the stones, cut them and created a beautiful, textural scene. When you visit Ahava, you can find their hearts and even the name of a football group they admire on the various eye-catching mosaics.
Mosaics created by the children at Ahava appear on many of the buildings there. Other colorful, expressive artwork by the kids is displayed throughout the campus.
june 2010 VOIC E 25
our projects in israel
∆ Progress and Innovation at the David Yellin Academic College of Education
Training Pioneers to Influence Volunteering in Education In November, a course was introduced by the college’s School of Continuing Studies to train educational supporters as part of the Yahad Morim (teachers together) project, enabling people from the private and public noneducational sectors to contribute their experience and personal leadership to the education system. The first part of the course involved an intensive two-month class at the college aimed at exposing learners to key educational and teaching themes. Part two of the course consisted of several meetings to increase the participants’ knowledge, coordinated with the voluntary community work. Participants brought cases to the meetings to be analyzed with help from course instructors and fellow students. The volunteers work in educational frameworks ranging from kindergartens to high schools for at least two hours a week, providing different forms of educational support in a setting of their choice, and coordinating their activities with the school principals. Their work involves teaching in groups or individually, research supervision, helping teachers, and other activities.
26 VO I C E june 2010
A New, Popular Masters Degree Program is Established The Council for Higher Education has approved a new master’s degree program: Mainstreaming Children with Learning Difficulties and Behavioral Problems, an addition to two existing programs, Teaching and Learning and Library and Information Science in Educational Settings. The program was developed for teachers with experience in integrating children in mainstream classrooms. The new program has drawn considerable interest and enrollment is high, as are the thresholds for acceptance. Many applicants have a bachelor’s degree from the college while others studied in other universities and colleges. The two specialization subjects – learning difficulties and behavioral problems – address key subjects in education that challenge every teacher. Mature, experienced teachers with the right academic foundation will find the course very useful and can use it to improve their contribution to education.
A Second Chance: an Empowerment Program for Women
This year a group of thirty women from the Kiryat Hayovel neighborhood in Jerusalem enrolled in the college. The women organized themselves independently as a group and contacted the college to express their desire to enter higher education and receive academic degrees. The women are all over thirty with children; some are married, others are single parents. All are from the lower socioeconomic sector of Israeli society. The initiative of these mothers, who are socially active in their neighborhood, stems from their desire to improve their employment, social status, and life circumstances by expressing their skills and talents through higher education. They chose education as a tool for change that can enable them to impart values to their children and others around them, help prevent violence, and reduce social and economic gaps. Upholding the value of education and its contribution to the community, the college is doing the maximum to help the students of this group, who have already started their first year of studies.
june 2010 VOIC E 27
our projects in israel
A Meaningful Independence Day by irwin blank
It was the day after Yom Hazikaron, the Day of Remembrance for Israel’s fallen soldiers, Holocaust fighters and victims. It is really appropriate, I think, that the celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day) follows such a somber day of reflection and prayer. The military cemeteries, all too many of them, with far too many graves of young men and women who have fallen in the defense of the homeland, and the ever-present views of flags at half-mast all over the country lend a sad, almost mournful atmosphere to the day, akin to Yom Kippur – without the atonement but with all the bereavement. When the sirens went off at 10am for two minutes I was sitting on a bench waiting for the bus home after shopping at the mall in our town. Sitting next to me was a very pretty Ethiopian soldier in her uniform, talking on the phone. When the klaxon of the siren burst forth, she put down her phone, and together we rose from our seats, she saluted the flag across the street and I stood and watched the bus come to a halt up the street, the taxi drivers across the road got out of their cars and stood in silence, people coming out of the mall with their bundles, put them down at their feet and some bowed their heads in prayer. At that moment in time, the people of Israel, all over the country, stood as one in solemn thought. That evening around 8pm, at the stadium of Hebrew University on Mt. Scopus, the military bugler of the IDF orchestra played the salute, the flag was raised to full mast and Yom Ha’atzma’ut began. In Ma’aleh Adumim the barbeques were fired up and the celebrating, after a day of sadness, gave way to joy, happiness, patriotism, fireworks and much music. It is an Israeli tradition that families grill meat like there is no tomorrow on this day. The smell of charcoal and hot dogs, kebabs and steaks filled the air. Israeli flags were hanging from every window, terrace, garden fence and municipal building as cars – with plastic flags fluttering from their windows – zipped through the streets headed to the official town celebration. The mayor of Ma’aleh Adumim, Benny Kashriel, gave a great speech and promised us that when the freeze is over, we will build again on the northern dunes known as
∫
Israeli flags were hanging from every window, terrace, garden fence and municipal building
28 VO I C E june 2010
E1. Children of all ages sang and danced across the stage to folk dance music of the pioneers who built this land. Teens performed myriad songs and dances, and the program was capped off by a wonderful fireworks display that you could see and hear for miles. The seats for the ampitheater were filled up so quickly that the entire hillside was packed with families and friends. The police estimated that there were over 15,000 people at the park watching the festivities, over a third of the entire population of this city. Sabras and immigrants, Anglos and Ethiopians, Russians and Oriental Jews were all one family as we celebrated our country’s birthday. Here, on the ancient hills of Judea, on the edge of the desert from which our people sprung, we came together, from all corners of the world to sing Yom Huledet Sameach (happy birthday) in our country, the State of Israel.
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.
Our Trip to Israel: On-site at Bnai Zion Projects by Ron & Lynn Freeman, West Hills, CA We arrived in Haifa and contacted Keren Wind, executive director of Friends of Bnai Zion Medical Center. As soon as we got off the phone with Keren, Dr. Noam Calderon called us and we met him and his wife at their home and had a great time with them! The next day at the Bnai Zion Medical Center we were introduced to Dr. Michael Kafka, director of emergency services, who showed us a video about the hospital that we discussed at length. We toured the emergency room and learned how the hospital has to be prepared for any attack that could occur, be it artillery, missile, or biological. We also met Dr. Amir Kugelman, director of the neonatal intensive care unit, and we were impressed with the care that everyone received.
At Ahava Village for Children & Youth we were met by Raanan and Chana Gal, a couple who volunteer at the village. The Gals and Mira, a social worker, spoke with us about the role of the village. We toured the grounds and spent time in one of the apartments, and we walked through the emergency services building, where children are taken after being removed from their homes because their parents can’t take care of them. We heard a little boy crying in his room as he had just heard that his mother would not be coming to visit him. We concluded our visit with a tour of the new emergency services building, only partially completed since the recent economic downturn. When built, this center could help many more children in a welcoming environment during the most stressful time in their lives. The connections we made at Ahava Village and at the Bnai Zion Medical Center were very moving for us.
june 2010 VOIC E 29
The Cemetery Committee of Bnai Zion Chapters Invites You, Family and Friends to Participate in Our
Annual Holocaust Memorial Service Sunday, September 12, 2010 12 noon New Montefiore Cemetery Pinelawn, New York Section 5, Block 10 These services will fulfill the Jewish tradition of visiting the symbolic last resting place of our beloved family and friends during the High Holiday period
BNAI ZION FOUNDATION GIFT ANNUITY High Interest Guaranteed • Income Tax Deduction • Capital Gains Tax Deferral age
Sample Single Gift Annuity Rates
75 80 85
rate
principal
income
7.4% 8.4% 9.5%
$10,000 $10,000 $10,000
$740 $840 $950
Earn high interest while helping to support Bnai Zion’s life-transforming projects
For a confidential Personalized Gift Annuity Proposal, please complete and return the form below. interested in a Personalized Yes, IGiftam Annuity illustration.
Confidential information is needed to complete illustration. Name of person to receive annuity payments: Name Date of Birth
❑ Please mail the illustration to me.
2nd person if applicable
❑ Please contact me to arrange an appointment.
Name Date of Birth Amount to be used for illustration: ($5,000 minimum) $
Name
Type of Asset:
Address City Phone Email Best time to call
❑ Cash ❑ Stocks/Bonds (original cost) $______________________ ❑ IsraeliBonds State
Zip
DESIRED FREQUENCY OF PAYMENT:
❑ Annual
❑ Semi-Annual
❑ Quarterly
❑ Monthly
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 • bnaizion.org
remembering
Charlotte Jacobson Charlotte Jacobson, the fifth recipient of the Bnai Zion Dr. Harris J. Levine award, passed away in May in Florida. For 60 years she served as a leader of American Jewry in many organizations: as president of Hadassah from 1964 to 1968, as chair of the American Section of the World Zionist Organization from 1972 to 1982, and as president of the Jewish National Fund, elected in 1981. She also served on the boards of many other organizations including the Jewish Agency and the American Zionist Youth Foundation. Nancy Falchuk, current president of Hadassah stated, “we have lost a monumental figure, a role model.” Charlotte was a stalwart supporter of Israel and a good friend of Bnai Zion, and will be missed.
Rabbi Reuben Katz Honored Early in May at his former synagogue in Freeport, Long Island, a former president of Bnai Zion, Rabbi Reuben Katz, was honored. Now in his 90s, Rabbi Katz and his wife of 65 years, Reba, have moved to Massachusetts to be closer to their children. Over 175 friends and relatives came to thank the Rabbi and his wife for their many years of devoted service to the congregation and the community. Many of the participants talked of the impact Rabbi Katz had on their lives. One of them told the story of a child who met him for the first time and was in awe of him to the extent that when he said goodbye to Rabbi Katz, he said “Goodbye Uncle God.” The love and respect for both Ruby and Reba was expressed beautifully by the president of the congregation, Fran Lerner, who really spoke on behalf of everyone present. Ruby and Reba will be missed in this community, but will always be remembered with love and admiration.
Bnai Zion Welcomes the Radomer Society
On the eve of Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day for the Holocaust), Bnai Zion hosted the Radomer Society for its annual memorial service. Sam Feldman, president of the Society, introduced a number of moving speakers who read poetry, articles, and personal accounts of growing up after the Holocaust. In attendance were a number of second-, third-, and even fourth-generation survivors who participated in this service to perpetuate the memory of the Holocaust and to remember those who lost their lives during this terrible time in history. At the close of the service, Mr. Feldman presented a check to Bnai Zion for the support of its life-saving work in Israel. In the past the Radomer Society donated money to buy several ambulances that were sent to Israel, and continues its support for a strong Israel.
june 2010 VOIC E 31
P e ri o di 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
32 VO I C E june 2010