over a hundred years of making a difference
March 2011• Volume 96• No. 3
reaching the Allies for Ahava Expands in Florida
special feature
A Personal Touch at Our Projects: Beneficiaries Opine
Baltimore Event Reaches New Community Bnai Zion Establishes New Mid-Atlantic Region
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contents
events
3 A Personal Perspective 5 Celebrating in Israel By George W. Schaeffer, President
New York Region Saturday, April 30 Concert Series continues with evening of famous film scores
6 Behind the Scenes at Bnai Zion 7 Timing is Everything By Jack Grunspan Executive Vice President
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9 A Random Concept By Mel Parness Executive Vice President Emeritus
Thursday, May 12 Bnai Zion benefit at 25th Annual Israel Film Festival
Texas Region
Sunday, April 3 Booth at Kosher Chili Cook-Off at Tiferet Israel
New York Region 10 Israeli Cabaret Trio Entertains
Sunday, May 15 Annual Brunch to benefit Ahava Village
Southeast Region 12 Allies for Ahava: Full Speed Ahead
13
Texas Region
SPECIAL EVENTS
14 Texas Donors Visit Israel
18 Honoring Dr. Lorretta Johnson
mid-atlantic Region
OUR PROJECTS IN ISRAEL
16 Our New Region Takes Off
22 Treating Autism at the Bnai Zion Medical Center
special feature
24 What This Project Means to Me
western Region
Sunday, May 1 Bnai Zion special presentation at Congregation Bnai Shalom in Walnut Creek Wednesday, May 18 Bnai Zion Community Dinner at Sinai Temple
National
Tuesday, May 31, 2011 Dinner honoring Dr. Peter Rosen & Dr. Richard Wolfe Boston
national
Note from the Editor
Presenting a Personal Perspective by Lisa Paule
We are always delighted to showcase the meaningful work done at our projects in Israel that improve the lives of so many thousands of people there, with the hope of increasing contributions from supporters, educating prospects who may not be familiar with Bnai Zion, and encouraging involvement in our organization. In this issue we are highlighting our progress in outreach via social media - so essential in today’s instant-information age - and we present personal perspectives from beneficiaries at each of our projects that provide a unique, inside point of view into each institution. As detailed by these beneficiaries, you will appreciate the caring, thoughtful and innovative aspects of our projects, which have such a tremendously positive impact on the people they help. You will be touched by the very moving stories that affirm just how significant the Bnai Zion Medical Center, Ahava Village for Children & Youth, the David Yellin Academic College of Education, the Quittman Center at Israel Elwyn and Ma’aleh Adumim are to countless Israelis in need. We hope you will be inspired to do more.
see us bnaizion.org Facebook: facebook.com/bnaizionfoundation Twitter: twitter.com/bnaizion
contact us
National Office Lisa Paule • 212 725 1211 • lisapaule@bnaizion.org New York Region Cheryl Bier • 646 485 7980 • cheryl.bier@bnaizion.org MID-ATLANTIC REGION Sharona Durry • 267 250 3835 • sharona.durry@bnaizion.org
meet our new art director Our new art director, Matthew Papa, is responsible for the fresh look of the Voice since the June 2010 issue. He has worked in publishing for nearly twenty years where he has donned many hats. Most recently he worked at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia designing books and special-topic magazines, including Martha Stewart’s Dinner at Home and Martha Stewart Halloween 2009. In January 2010 he left there to devote himself full-time to his one-man design firm Papa Design Co. He lives in New York with his partner Andy and their much beloved black pug, Malcolm.
Southeast Region Eileen Glastein • 305 949 0076 • eileen.glastein@bnaizion.org Texas Region Avrille Harris-Cohen • 972 918 9200 • avrille.harris-cohen@bnaizion.org Western Region Benzy Kogen • 818 716 2722 • benzy.kogen@bnaizion.org
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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
7.7% 8.7% 9.8%
$10,000 $10,000 $10,000
$770 $870 $980
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. ❑ Please mail the illustration to me. ❑ Please contact me to arrange an appointment. Name
Business Manager Jack Grunspan Art Director Matthew Papa Printing & Producing Cummings Printing Contributing Writers Irwin Blank Jack Grunspan Mel Parness Raymond M. Patt Lisa Paule George W. Schaeffer Contributing Photographers Cheryl Bier Terrence Cooper Cover Illustration Melissa McGill Circulation Manager Rosemary Fletcher
Address City
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Confidential information is needed to complete illustration. Name of person to receive annuity payments: Name Date of Birth
2nd person if applicable Name Date of Birth Amount to be used for illustration: ($5,000 minimum) $
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❑ Cash ❑ Stocks/Bonds (original cost) $______________________ ❑ Israel Bonds DESIRED FREQUENCY OF PAYMENT:
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Editor In Chief Lisa Paule
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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
Published quarterly by Bnai Zion Foundation Annual Periodical Subscription: $2 members $5 non members USPS #546980 Bnai Zion Voice (ISSN 0884-5565) Periodical postage paid at New York, NY and additional mailing office. Postmaster: Send address change to Bnai Zion Voice 136 East 39th Street New York, NY 10016 phone 212 725 1211 fax 212 684 6327
bnaizion.com bnaizion.org
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VO I C E march 2011
president
george W. schaeffer
Celebrating in Israel This past January, for the first time in decades, I had the pleasure of spending the holiday season at home. I attended a fantastic New Year’s party, hosted by my daughter Nicole. The food was perfect. The champagne was better. Nicole looked stunning. But more impressive than all of that was the fact that absolutely everyone was having a fantastic time. Nicole had friends there from Australia to Russia, and everywhere in between. They were all dancing, laughing, enjoying the evening and having amazing fun ringing in 2011. For over sixty people, Nicole turned New Year’s Eve 2010 into real celebration. Nicole, of course, made the whole evening seem effortless. But I had a peek behind the scenes. In the weeks prior, probably a hundred phone calls, hours of research, shopping, planning, countless errands and of course a great deal of troubleshooting had gone into creating this perfect evening. And this got me thinking. Celebration Decades of harsh struggle and doesn’t just selfless contributions created the happen; it takes homeland we know today. preparation and effort, and elbow grease and sacrifice. In order to celebrate, we have to put in a whole lot of work. Israel is not that different from Nicole’s party. People of all backgrounds and religions enjoy economic opportunities, democratic government, a free and open society, ethical social institutions, and safety and security. And, as we all know, this amazing country
didn’t just come into existence because someone woke up and thought it might be a nice idea. Decades of harsh struggle and selfless contributions created the homeland we know today. But the job isn’t finished. The Israel ‘celebration’ is still under construction. And Bnai Zion plays an indispensable role in the daily process. At the Quittman Center at Israel Elwyn, hours of dedicated instruction support each developmentally challenged young adult who celebrates the ability to hold down a job and live an independent life. The latest and most advanced procedures and state-of-the-art equipment in the neo-natal ward at the Bnai Zion Medical Center ensure that even the most fragile infants can enter the world safely and successfully. At the emergency shelter at Ahava Village for Children & Youth, social workers labor to create an atmosphere of security and love, giving previously abused and fearful children a chance to re-envision life with hope and possibility. Dedicated teachers study the latest methodologies at the David Yellin Academic College of Education so that challenged students can experience life-changing breakthroughs in their ability to learn. And the unfailing perseverance of the staff and educators at the Ma’aleh Adumim Library of Peace and music conservatory give young people the thrill of experiencing new cultures and the arts. Spring is here. Help us all keep celebrating.
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national
Helping Behind the Scenes
Bnai Zion advances thanks to our website designer Bnai Zion is fortunate to have expert website designer Marita Carroll handling the technical details of the development and expansion of our website and creating online collateral providing an enhanced user experience, which are ongoing tasks. Over fifteen years ago, at the beginning of browser-based internet, Marita Carroll established her web development business, The Design Dept., out of the kitchen in her home. For many years she volunteered her time designing print materials for local schools and non-profits that she became acquainted with while raising three children. After experimenting with desktop publishing, Marita eventually gravitated to website design and realized this work had great potential for a new career path. Combining her love of design and excitement for new technology, creating websites proved to be a perfect fit. While her clients - and children - have grown and now span the globe, Marita has since moved beyond her kitchen table to running a small business that provides personal service and attention to details. Working with Bnai Zion has proven to be an ideal fit as well. Our website has grown into much more than the informational piece it once was, becoming a user-friendly tool that not only promotes our work but offers a variety of interactive features. We now have detailed pages to reserve seats and tables for our dinners and buy ads for our dinner journals; we have a section with individual pages that gauge funds individual supporters have raised to date; for our other events, attendees can reserve online; and we are in the process of re-formatting the site to make it broader in content and visually. We also send eblasts to promote our events, which include links to our pay online options that Marita is responsible for setting up. Marita attributes her successful, long-term relationship with Bnai Zion to the timely and excellent service she offers. She not only knows our staff and understands our mission, but recognizes our need to reach out in the quickest and most effective way as well.
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Introducing Our March Cover Illustrator The cover illustrator for this issue, Melissa McGill, works from her studio in Las Vegas, where she lives with her husband Carl Adami and their son Vaughn. Melissa has worked for over fifteen years as a commercial illustrator and fine artist, creating visual communications using a combination of digital and traditional techniques. Her spring theme draws the reader into the magazine, and her background creating visual communications for the Smithsonian Magazine, The Sierra Club, New York Graphic Society, Good Housekeeping and many others serves Bnai Zion well.
executive vice president
jack grunspan
Timing is Everything It was an interesting and exciting year for Max and Helen. Finally, Max decided to retire, and at age 74 was looking forward to his “golden years.” They had wonderful plans for their retirement: cruises, a home in Florida, visiting Israel, and other activities. Following his retirement party, Max and Helen went out to dinner with their best friends, Dan and Naomi, to start planning their future. Over dinner Dan asked Max about the insurance coverage he obtained for long-term care, now that Max would be living on a fixed income. Max told Dan that he hadn’t really given it any thought. Dan reminded Max about Sam, their mutual friend who was forced to mortgage his condominium just to pay for his wife’s long-term care expenses. The next day Max contacted a long-term care insurance expert to look into obtaining coverage. Max realized how important the coverage was, and he was determined to obtain the insurance. His concern was the high cost of the insurance premiums. Max went to see the Planned Giving experts at Bnai Zion. In reviewing Max’s portfolio it was discovered that he had $20,000 of Israel Bonds earning 4% interest, a
$15,000 CD earning 2¾% maturing in 60 days and IRA accounts earning an average of 4½%. Additionally, Max was at the age that he must make withdrawals from his IRA accounts, which was suddenly going to give him an income tax liability. The Planned Giving director established a $50,000 2-life Gift Annuity which would give Max and Helen a lifetime income at 7.1%. Because part of the income will be tax free, their yield was going to be 8%. The annuity was funded with $20,000 of Israel Bonds, $15,000 cash from their CD and $15,000 of IRA monies which Max had to withdraw. Establishing the annuity gave Max an $8,000 tax deduction, eliminating more than half his tax liability on his IRA withdrawal, a savings of $3,300. In addition, their cash flow increased by almost $100 a month allowing them to purchase their long-term care insurance without having to sacrifice any of their retirement plans.
For your unique financial dilemma, to see if Bnai Zion can help, please contact Jack Grunspan, executive vice-president, for a confidential discussion at 800 564 6399.
Our Website Is Ideal for Updates Go to bnaizion.org to get the latest information about our organization, to see enhanced photo galleries with images from our recent events, to learn about Bnai Zion activities taking place nationwide, and to make online contributions. Please check back from time to time!
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VO I C E march 2011
executive vice president emeritus
mel parness
A Random Concept This idea deals with the U.S. budget, which is now being discussed in Congress. We hear from almost all of our representatives that the budget must be cut in an effort to correct the exploding debt that will damage our country for years to come. Everyone has an idea of what to cut out of the budget. Many people believe that the solution lies in severely cutting those programs that cost the government the most money, such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, etc. Others think we should end foreign aid. Still others believe a combination of these and other programs is the answer. Let’s examine these concepts. Changes in Social Security can and should be made by raising the age of retirement. This can be done gradually, over a period of about five years, so as not to severely impact people approaching retirement. The original year of retirement was established when people did not live as long as we do today. With advances in medicine we can work longer, remain healthy and strong, and live for many more years than previous generations. Another plan might be to increase the maximum earnings on which social security taxes are paid to bring additional income into the fund. Let’s look at Medicare. I believe some kind of “means test” could be introduced into Medicare law. An individual with substantial earnings, who is eligible for Medicare, should have a deductible applied in an effort to save money for the government and provide service without having to reduce benefits to those who need it the most.
Medicaid is a program for the indigent who would not get proper medical treatment if not for this program. It would be sad if we damaged this program. Now let’s look at foreign aid. The entire foreign aid package represents less than 1% of the federal budget. This is a small price to pay in our country’s effort to have influence in world politics. I am not entirely happy with how the money is spent but I The responsibility of Congress recognize the is to keep our country and its importance of the program in citizens safe. general. I do not think we should continue to fund those countries that continually spit in our face at the United Nations. I don’t think it is necessary to vote with us all the time, but certainly we should require some kind of support for what we believe is in the best interest of the world. Congress should continually review how we allocate our foreign aid dollars. The responsibility of Congress is to keep our country and its citizens safe. We definitely need to get rid of waste in government. Congress continually spends money on programs that most of us think are unnecessary. We see programs added onto other bills as representatives make deals to support pet projects. This must stop! Programs should stand on their own merit or be cast aside. Time is of the essence.
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.
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new york
region
The Doo-Wop Girls
Perform at the Bnai Zion House
This Israeli cabaret trio brings charisma and style to favorite nostalgic songs The talented Doo-Wop Girls impressed the standing-room-only audience on Saturday night, February 26 when they sang a variety of American classics with an Israeli twist, and branched out into popular American and Israeli tunes with verve and panache. Known in Israel and returning to the States for their current tour, the three vocalists studied at the Jerusalem Music Academy and have received rave reviews for enchanting audiences with their exceptional harmonizing and diverse repertoire. Avri Fuchs, a member of the New York region’s board of directors, and an organizer of this event, welcomed the audience and spoke movingly about the work of Bnai Zion in Israel. Proceeds from this event benefited the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa.
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The Roth Project Holds Dinner for Israel The Roths are longtime supporters of Bnai Zion
Once again, Dr. Olitsa and Herman Roth were there to step in for the benefit of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). At a gala event held in Brooklyn, hundreds turned out to help raise funds for the purchase of hats, gloves, and jackets specifically designed for IDF soldiers serving in northern Israel to help protect them from the elements, where the temperature at night dips well below freezing. The Roths were recognized by friends and supporters who praised all the good work they do for the community, and more than $100,000 was raised.
Don’t miss our annual Bnai Zion benefit at the film festival Thursday evening, May 12 Cocktail party and film screening Film, location and time to be announced on our website Please check bnaizion.org or call 212 725 1211, ext. 6222
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southeast
region
Visitors from Israel Motivate South Allies for Ahava Running Full Speed Ahead In autumn 2010, a group of five young professionals in South Florida area came together with a big vision – to create Allies for Ahava and to recruit young Jewish professionals to raise money for Ahava Village for Children & Youth, a project they named Mission Ahava 2011. Allies is comprised of leaders-of-the-future who are dedicated to helping Israel. Kimberly Cohen of Payroll Experts, Stephanie Schmulian of Client Creation, Inc., Lee Feldman of Pops Corn, Alessandra Stivelman of Eisinger, Brown, Lewis, Frankel, Chaiet & Krut, PA, and Mike Schmerling of A Time to Travel comprise the board of Allies. Since the creation of this group, two successful events have taken place – each attracting around 60-70 people. Although they are proud of the funds they have raised so far, their most successful impact to date has been their success in putting together a committee of delegates – a group of like-minded young professionals who have each pledged to raise $5,000 for Ahava Village. Each person who achieves this financial goal will participate in a trip to Israel to experience firsthand the impact of their donation. The group will visit Ahava Village, meet the residents and experience a connection to their contribution. The January Allies for Ahava event at YOLO (You Only Live Once) on Las Olas brought about 50 young professionals together to promote the group and raise money for Ahava Village. The restaurant was an ideal setting, the crowd was enthusiastic and the event was a financial success.
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Florida Community
The Mayor of Ma’aleh Adumim Speaks About the Needs of His City Yoav Appelboim, the executive director of Ahava Village, visited Florida with Orit Uziel , a graduate of Ahava, who is now serving in the Israel Defense Forces, and they spent some time with the Allies group. Orit told her story of life at Ahava and how she is passionate regarding the 18-Plus program, which provides a home for Ahava alumni-now-IDF-soldiers when on leave and after their service. Orit is a wonderful example of growing up in the nurturing, safe environment of Ahava: very smart, caring and passionate about helping others, evidenced by her desire to pursue a career in social work. The Allies group recognizes the need for the younger generation to become involved with more socially responsible projects and looks forward to making a big, positive impact on the lives of the children at Ahava.
Benny Kashriel, the mayor of Ma’aleh Adumim, visited Broken Sound What's Up Men's Club and provided an update about this vibrant, expanding city near Jerusalem. Several members of the Broken Sound group have friends or relatives who live in Ma'aleh Adumim, and two couples in the club have visited the city. A lively question-and-answer session ensued, and Benny fielded all issues with much knowledge and insight, leaving the club very satisfied with his presentation.
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texas
region Save the Date
the 13th JEWISH ARTS FEST of DALLAS Texas Donors visit Bnai Zion Projects A trip to Israel focuses on their generosity
Dr. Hyman and Connie Tolmas recently went on a family trip to Israel and visited the Bnai Zion projects. Major supporters of Ahava Village for Children & Youth and the Bnai Zion Medical Center for several years, they had a firsthand opportunity to see what their generosity has accomplished. Yoav Apelboim, executive director of Ahava Village, brought the couple to the village, which has a special place in their hearts, to show them a plaque acknowledging their gift. The Tolmas family moved to Dallas after Hurricane Katrina almost six years ago. A retired pediatrician with a sub-specialty in adolescent medicine who practiced for 56 years in New Orleans and treated three generations of patients, Dr. Tolmas lectured at the Bnai Zion Medical Center more than thirty years ago. Following her father’s lead is daughter Dr. Jeannie Tolmas, who is qualified in the same field as her father.
at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center Sunday, August 28, 2011 11am to 6pm Please visit our booth to learn more about our projects in Israel. The 13thJewish Arts Fest of Dallas is sponsored by the Jewish Community Center.
For more information contact the Bnai Zion Dallas office at 972 918 9200
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Save the Date
Annual Brunch to benefit
Ahava Village for Children & Youth Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 10:00am honoring
Debbie and Eric Georgatos ¡ Zelda and Shawn Mash The Westin Galleria, Dallas For reservations & information please contact Avrille Harris-Cohen, Texas regional director, at 972 918 9200 or email avrille.harris-cohen@bnaizion.org
Debbie and Eric Georgatos have been happily married for over 25 years and have three beautiful and bright children. An attorney, Debbie was an employment litigator for five years and worked as director of communication & media relations for a candidate running for Congress in 2010, and she has traveled with her family to Israel many times. With a thirtyyear career in law and business, for the past eleven years Eric has focused his work on startup companies that utilize technology developed in Israel, where Eric now has three companies and spends a lot of his time.
Zelda & Shawn Mash have been married for 41 years and have seven children and seven grandchildren. A certified clinical hypnotherapist and handwriting analyst, Shawn has helped numerous people lose weight, stop smoking and handle anxiety, and he has taught Jewish studies at Shearith Israel, Tiferet Israel and Chabad of Dallas. A former professional dancer who performed as a rockette at Radio City Music Hall, Zelda now does shows at the JCC and Temple Shalom and as a job placement counselor at Jewish Vocational Counseling, helps find jobs for Russian Jewish immigrants.
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mid-atlantic
region
Bnai Zion establishes new Mid-Atlantic Region
CREATING AWARENESS OF OUR WORK ACROSS A BROAD, AFFLUENT COMMUNITY
B
nai Zion is expanding its presence in the greater Philadelphia area. David Gitlin, a partner at Blank Rome, LLP, a prestigious law firm in Philadelphia, who was the recipient of the Bnai Zion Distinguished Humanitarian Award at an elegant reception at the Kimmel Center in Center City Philadelphia on November 1, has agreed to serve as chairman of the board of the Mid-Atlantic region, a direct outgrowth of the success of the reception. Edward Caine, CPA/CFF, the managing partner of Edward P. Caine CPA, LLC with offices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, will serve as vice-chair. Sharona Durry, Philadelphia luminary and host of the PhillyIsrael radio program has been engaged as the director of this region, whose immediate goal is two-fold: to promote Bnai Zion and familiarize the local community with the organization, and build a strong cadre of local supporters who will form its board. Gitlin commented, “I am impressed with the work Bnai Zion is doing in Israel, particularly at the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa, an outstanding urban hospital catering to the northern population. The hospital is
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urgently in need of funds to build a new protected emergency room, and I am hopeful that our new region will be able to contribute generously to this important project.” Caine stated, “Bnai Zion’s desire to work for the advancement of the physical, mental and social wellbeing of all Israeli citizens is important for all of us. The work at Bnai Zion Medical Center is just one example of how we are helping to further our mission.” The first meeting of the board of directors took place in Mr. Gitlin’s office on March 7. Liora Kalish, Chairwoman of the Israel Friends of the Bnai Zion Medical Center, who attended the reception in November, attended this meeting as well and gave the attendees an update on the Medical Center and the ever-changing situation in northern Israel. All of the attendees responded with enthusiasm, realizing the need to protect the hospital and the urgency to act now. Each attendee promised to spread the word about Bnai Zion and its support of the Medical Center and help interest other individuals in this cause. More information about the Mid-Atlantic region can be found on our website.
our
Los Angeles Community Wednesday evening, May 18, 2011 Reception 6pm • Program and Dinner 7pm at Sinai Temple
honoring Special guest entertainment dinner co-chairpersons
Rabbi Michael Barclay Author and international lecturer, he is currently the Scholar-inResidence at The New Shul of the Conejo. For seven years he taught in the the Department of Theological Studies and was the Hillel Director and campus rabbi at Loyola Marymount University.
Dinner
Rabbi Michael Barclay • Pat Boone Mr. Isaac and Dr. Barbara Florentine • Dr. Daryl Temkin Yuval Ron Andrew K. Benton, President, Pepperdine University Yuval Ron and Carolyne Aycaguer • Dr. David A. and Suzanne Sackin Don Warrener • Rising Sun Productions
Pat Boone, the legendary singer, is currently the #10 all-time recording artist, according to Billboard, with five decades of recording history. Mr. Boone is one of the greatest spokesmen for the State of Israel.
Isaac Florentine Israeliborn is an accomplished movie director, specializing in action films. He has a strong commitment to Israel, a value that he received as the child of Holocaust survivors. Dr. Barbara Florentine, a native of New Jersey, is a renowned pathologist. Not knowing a word of Hebrew, she applied for, was accepted and studied at the Tel Aviv School of Medicine, where she received her medical degree.
Dr. Daryl Temkin is the founder and director of the Israel Education Institute and the Israel Institute for Alternative Energy Advancement. Both organizations serve to teach pivotal facts about Israel and technology, which most media sources omit.
For reservations and information call 818 716 2722 or email benzy.kogen@bnaizion.org
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special events
Dr. Lorretta Johnson receives Award
B
nai Zion hosted a celebration of the accomplishments of Dr. Lorretta Johnson, Executive Vice President, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, at a dinner in Baltimore on January 13. Before becoming AFT executive vice president, Dr. Johnson was an AFT vice president for 30 years, also serving as president of the Baltimore Teachers Union’s paraprofessional chapter for 35 years and as president of AFT-Maryland for 17 years. Dr. Johnson has been a strong advocate for students and staff alike throughout her decades of service to the fields of education and labor, Shortly before her dinner, Dr. Johnson visited Ahava Village for Children & Youth, and this opportunity to see
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Bnai Zion’s work firsthand transformed her into one of Ahava’s staunchest allies. Attending this dinner were Ted Kirsch, President of AFT Pennsylvania, who served as the evening’s master of ceremonies; Yoav Apelboim, Director of Ahava Village, who came from Israel along with Orit Uziel, a graduate of Ahava who spoke about her personal experiences; and Jack Grunspan, Bnai Zion executive vice president, who was the evening’s featured speaker. Tributes were also paid by Antonia Cortese, Secretary, Treasurer of the AFT and Tish Olshefski, Director of AFT Paraprofessionals and School Related Personnel. Randi Weingarten, national president of the AFT, delivered a moving speech about Dr. Johnson.
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special events
Bnai Zion holds Second Dinner in Boston
We are continuing to develop a presence in this important northern area On Tuesday, May 31, at a dinner in Newton, Massachusetts, Dr. Peter Rosen and Dr. Richard Wolfe will each receive the Bnai Zion Distinguished Humanitarian Award. Dr. Rosen is known worldwide for his contributions to the field of emergency medicine. He is a visiting professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Arizona School of Medicine, a senior lecturer in the Department of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and professor emeritus of clinical medicine and surgery at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. He teaches attending physicians at both the Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and he is also an attending physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson, Wyoming. Dr. Rosen is responsible for numerous textbooks, including the definitive text Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice, and has authored over 140 professional articles, with research spanning the study of airway management, resident and postgraduate education, management of difficult patients, and medical decisions and decision errors. Dr. Wolfe graduated from the Faculté de Médecine Necker-Enfants Malades in France in 1984, training for one year in internal medicine at Saint Joseph’s Hospital and for three years in emergency medicine at Denver General Hospital. In addition to working for six years as an emergency medicine attending physician, he became Associate Residency Director and then Residency Director for Emergency Medicine at Denver General Hospital. Dr. Wolfe arrived in Boston in 1994 as the Residency Director for the Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency for Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Massachusetts General Hospital, the first emergency medicine residency affiliated with Harvard Medical School, and in 1999 he became Chief of Emergency Medicine at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He is an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School as well. Proceeds from this dinner will be used to help fund construction of the new protected emergency department at the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa, designed to withstand any nuclear, biological, or chemical attack, and an urgent priority at the hospital.
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Dr. Peter Rosen & Dr. Richard Wolfe
dinner
Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at Temple Emanuel in Newton, MA 6pm cocktails 7pm program & dinner For reservations and more information call 516 342 5751
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Participants of December Cover illustration Contest Enjoy Prizes These talented kids from Ahava got together to celebrate the contest In February, Bnai Zion executive vice president Jack Grunspan visited Ahava Village for Children & Youth, where he met with the seven contestants who submitted their original artwork for the second annual Voice cover illustration contest held for the December 2010 issue. The seven kids, all of whom are residents at Ahava Village and make art a part of their lives, were each thrilled to receive a prize for participating in the contest, which was a beautiful set of quality colored markers for illustration and drawing. The winner of the contest, Vala G., also received a framed copy of the Voice cover on which her design was featured. Bnai Zion was fortunate that these kids produced such intriguing drawings for this contest. At Ahava, artistic expression is not only encouraged, but is part of the therapeutic process. If the creativity of the submitted illustrations is any indication, these kids do indeed have bright futures ahead. Their artwork in the December issue can be seen in the Voice archives on our website.
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our projects in israel
A Focus on Autism at the Child Development Center
This department in the Bnai Zion Medical Center offers comprehensive treatment
Scope of the Program In treating autism in the Child Development Center of the Bnai Zion Medical Center, a program to which 20-30 children are admitted annually, the first main objective when working with infants and children suspected to be on the autistic spectrum (ASD)/pervasive developmental disorder (PDD)/communication deficit is to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Children and families are assessed by a multidisciplinary developmental team, consisting primarily of a neuro-developmental pediatrician, a developmental psychologist and a speech therapist, and a social worker and occupational therapist often participate as well. The process entails independent assessments that employ a variety of observations, examinations, clinical instruments and eventually a conference, to consolidate a diagnosis. The investigation often includes a genetic workup and/or neuro-physiological studies also performed at the hospital. In young infants, a “response to intervention” (RTI) program is implemented to facilitate an accurate and valid diagnosis. Once a final diagnosis is reached (which is sometimes tentative at this stage), the information is shared with the family while laboratory investigation and treatment venues are discussed. Treatment is then scheduled that focuses on parents’ empowerment, a home-implemented program guided and monitored weekly at the hospital, and consultation pertaining to community and state services that are available.
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A neuro-developmental pediatrician, a psychologist, a speech therapist, a secretary, a social worker and an occupational therapist each dedicate an hour a week to this program, which usually lasts for 3-6 months for each child, after which the child is transferred to an intensive daycare program run by community special services such as “communication daycares,” developmental “ rehabilitation nurseries” and a special center designated for longterm treatment of children with autism and their families. A medical and neuro-developmental follow-up is scheduled twice a year unless otherwise indicated, such as the situation of a child who is on drug treatment and needs to be monitored more closely.
The contributions the Medical Center has made to the field of autism treatment are significant and many.
The contributions the Medical Center has made to the field of autism treatment are significant and many. It participated in the foundation and planning of a special community program for children with ASD that was headed for many years by a hospital staff member; hospital pediatricians became the medical consultants for the community program designated for long-term treatment of children with ASD; a study pertaining to autistic regression was conducted by the CDC; it is currently conducting a study to validate an instrument used for the assessment of the socialemotional development of infants at large and children with autism specifically; it is currently participating in a study assessing the feasibility of using a parent screening questionnaire in well baby clinics; it was invited by the Ministry of Health to participate in research validating a psychological test for children with autism; it provides value through systematic assessment leading to a valid diagnosis and an opportunity to receive information that is relevant to the child and the family alike; it helps the family during the process and it organizes a comprehensive treatment program using clinical and genetic information to help the family make educated decisions; it helps the child obtain developmental gains while advancing present and future wellbeing; and it helps advance the parental experience of empowerment and control. Unfortunately, because of the lack of financial resources, the hospital had to decline a request from the Ministry of Health to implement a more intensive daily program.
Program Staff Prof. Emanuel Tirosh, the head of the Child Development Center, is a neuro-developmental pediatrician. A graduate of the Technion Medical Faculty in Haifa, and the McMaster University child and family program in Canada, he is a member of the Faculty of Medicine of the Technion. Dr Michael Cohen Ophir is a neuro-developmental pediatrician who is particularly interested in autism. A graduate of the Faculty of Medicine of Hebrew University, he completed a pediatric residency and fellowship in child development at the Bnai Zion Medical Center, and took a part-time sabbatical at the Children’s Hospital in Boston, related to genetic aspects in child development. Dr. Ophir is a member of the Faculty of Medicine at the Technion as well. The chief psychologist is Rachel Blumenfeld, a leading developmental psychologist and member of different state committees in her profession. Marina Tredler is the chief speech therapist. Highly experienced in autism, she is a consultant for the special developmental community kindergartens for children with autism under the auspices of the Ministry of Education.
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Helping a Cross-Section of the Israeli Population
What This Project Means to Me
Bnai Zion Medical Center Ahava Village for Children & Youth
the David Yellin Academic College of Education the Quittman Center at Israel Elwyn Ma’a leh Adumim 24 VO I C E march 2011
our projects in israel
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Bnai Zion Medical Center The Ofarim Unit Provides More than Diagnosis and Treatment G alit Toledo is the mother of Yuval, a four-year-old visually-impaired infant. He has been treated in the Ofarim Unit for blind and visually-impaired children in the Bnai Zion Medical Center since he was three months old. Today, after four years of weekly treatments, Galit has only warm words. She came to the unit worried, with no idea what was wrong with her infant son and how to help him. With a referral from friends, and no expectations, Galit turned to this unit in the hospital’s Child Development Center. The Ofarim Unit is the only diagnostic center for blind and visually impaired children in Haifa and northern Israel, providing all services under one roof. A developmental pediatrician, physical therapist, social worker and psychologist accompany the child and parents while providing a complete program. Yuval was seen by a developmental pediatrician who specializes in blindness and visual impairments and he was diagnosed as suffering from a minor visual handicap. Galit was relieved to learn that Yuval’s problem was treatable and that she had come to the right place. She describes the Child Development Center as a very caring place, providing warmth and attentiveness to the parent and, of course, to the child. Galit had an opportunity to learn about Yuval’s development, weigh the best options for his development, and get a supportive hand from the earliest age. Since the beginning of his association with the Ofarim Unit, two staff members, Evie and Cheri, have treated Yuval and they have been with him every step of the way, providing physical therapy and intensive therapy and becoming an integral part of his life and his family. Galit felt very secure and trusted the therapists, knowing they are experts in their field and treat many children with this problem. She says that at the beginning, as a parent of a child with a problem, one feels helpless and unsure of what to do and what the future holds. From her first meeting with Evie and Cheri she learned what to do, how to play with Yuval, what to expect of him, and how he will react to different situations.
After few years of weekly treatments, Yuval is now at a regular pre-school, learning the alphabet and experiencing the usual exciting things children do at his age. Galit believes that parents with a visually-impaired child are on a medical and emotional roller coaster and having the staff of the Ofarim Unit by their side makes such a trying time much easier to handle.
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our projects in israel
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Ahava Village for Children & Youth
An Appreciation of Structure and Boundaries
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lichai is 16 and a tenth-grade student at Kiryat Bialik High School, majoring in architecture. He came to Ahava from his home town of Tiberias five years ago, and he has two older sisters; one is currently serving in the IDF and the other is just about to be conscripted into service, and a younger brother 14 years old, who is also a resident of Ahava. His parents divorced when he was 5. Elichai came to Ahava after yet one more school could not cope with his violent behavior. He would not listen to anybody, he lived without clear boundaries, he was truant, and when he did come to school, he disrupted the class and he was violent, destroying property and burning classroom items. “Leaving home was not simple for me”, claims Elichai, “and on the first day I announced that I am not going to stay here, and I went home with my mother. After several pep talks I stayed on, each time for another two weeks, each period difficult and violent. I fought
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constantly at school, broke property and wouldn’t listen to anybody. Slowly, it started to become more moderate.” When trying to understand what helped create this change, he smiles and moves in his seat with some discomfort. “I hate to say this, but it was boundaries.” There is something warm in a dialogue with an adolescent on the subject of boundaries in life, mainly when the adolescent is the one to bring them up as being instrumental in his own success. “Here I found a framework that was good for me, and now I stay here by choice. My current school is the sixth one that I have attended, and I want to stay here. I have found friends, I have found a place that is good for me, and I will do whatever it takes to stay.” In Israel, it is customary for 10th graders to perform civic volunteering assignments for the benefit of the community. Elichai volunteers to package food parcels for the needy, and he is aware of the importance of volunteering, as well as what he receives from the experience. Elichai also plays a central role in life at the village, and for several years he has been an integral part of the sound system team in the cultural functions hall and for two years the head of this team, with other students working under him. “Ahava provides me with a livelihood first of all, a warm bed, meals, a ready ear — I have all the basics and don’t have to worry about them. Beyond that I am receiving so many tools for life and personal development, by way of psychological therapy and in my leisure time – sound enhancement, extracurricular activities and guitar lessons. I have found places in which to grow and develop, express myself and to enjoy life. Today I enjoy a certain position here in the village; I am considered a responsible, serious person, one people turn to and rely on. I am respected for who I am, and that is a very good feeling.” Elichai praised all that the sound system has afforded him in his life: “It seems simple and very technical, but sound enhancement has
taught me many things, starting with the basic technical aptitude, assuming responsibility, making decisions, dealing with stressful situations, good communication with others and even how to be charismatic.” He was initially exposed to audio engineering during extracurricular activities at the village, and since then he has been constantly developing in this field and assuming more responsibility. Elichai gives a prominent regard to the therapy and support that he receives at the village: “There are many people I can approach, who I can rely upon, and they on me – the psychologist, social worker, counselor, and
coordinators. I have many friends and that is good for me. At first I was ashamed to tell people at school that I was from the youth village, but today I have nothing to be ashamed about; I go and visit friends outside, and at times even invite them to me here”. He laughs at the fact that he is often present in the culture hall when guests visit the village, and he can discuss the village from his personal perspective. Elichai looks toward the future. “It is obvious to me what the dream is: to have my own family and run a sound enhancement company.” As a testament to the extraordinary life-transforming work being done at Ahava, there can be none better.
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Quittman Center on the Israel Elwyn Campus in Jerusalem Learning to Cope in a Calm Way S haron grew up with her family, moving to a foster home at age 16. Violent outbursts toward herself and others resulted in her being transferred to various hospitals and hostels before coming to the Quittman Center, one of Israel Elwyn's Supported Living Centers in Jerusalem, in 2002 when she was 20. When Sharon first came to Israel Elwyn, she exhibited challenging behaviors whenever support providers left her side. They began to work with her on reducing such reactions by reinforcing displays of patience and other positive behaviors. Over the years Sharon has also learned to eat with cutlery and participate in the range of activities offered at the Quittman Center. Today she is a happy woman who successfully fits in with the other residents, takes part in group activities, and shows interest in and care for her surroundings. She is patient and even assists the support providers, for instance in distributing beverages at meal time. Sharon knows how to express her needs and desires calmly and in a level-headed manner, and she understands the significance of her much less frequent outbursts and expresses regret when she loses control.
Sharon's mother Nili was frustrated with Sharon's behavior for many years. That has changed considerably and Nili says the time they spend together is very pleasant. During her visits to Sharon at the Quittman Center they talk and do things together. Once a week they have long phone conversations, discussing the events of the week, something Nili didn't dare to dream could happen. It has taken years of patient support and care, but the Sharon of today bears little resemblance to the Sharon of the past and her quality of life has improved tremendously.
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our projects in israel
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David Yellin Academic College of Education
The Story of a Student from the Course on Social Change and Disability Y ael Gil-Bar, 39, developed and lectures in two courses designed for caregivers of people with disabilities, and they are now part of the curriculum at the David Yellin Academic College of Education. With a bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences, Yael works as a group tutor specializing in second-year psychodrama. Born with cerebral palsy and officially recognized as completely disabled, Yael requires assistance from a care companion throughout the day, as she cannot function independently. A few years ago Yael received an email describing an integrated course on social change and disability offered by the David Yellin Academic College. The course integrates students wishing to teach children with severe disabilities and social activists with different disabilities. One sentence in the mail caught Yael’s eye: “We don’t just talk …we act.” This sentence told her that this college was different - that this was a place that treated people who are different as equals. Yael, who is from Netanya, decided to register for the course, and helped by her parents, each week made the journey to the college in Jerusalem along with her care companion and wheelchair, despite the difficulties that this involved. Yael’s strong personality quickly came to the fore, and at the end of the course, when participants were asked to describe a project they had hoped one day to see, Yael described what she had dreamed of for the past fifteen years, and the rest is history. As a disabled person herself, Yael thinks that caregivers “mediate” between the person who is disabled and the rest of the world, and that in Israel, owing to lack of funds, caregivers are not trained for their work. Because they are closest to the person with the disability, they need to be trained to understand the complexity of the job so the disabled person can avoid changes in companions who cannot cope. In other words, the key is finding people for the job who are suitable for the job. And from this dream two courses emerged, which are now offered by the college: The Art of Caregiving, a
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training course for caregivers working with people who are disabled and The Art of Transportation's Caregiving. Yael lectures in both courses with other lecturers from the college. Both courses have been taught once and the college plans to develop new courses and expand its activities to other parts of Israel. Yael loves the college and is personally very attached to the staff, who consider her an equal, and she believes in the college and its work. She loves life and advocates integrating people with disabilities into public life. She also believes that in order for integration to work well, caregivers also need to work well.
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Ma’aleh Adumim
Appreciating the Bnai Zion Library of Peace R esidents of Ma'aleh Adumim are very appreciative of Bnai Zion for building its eponymous Library of Peace. Comments made by people who were using the library on a typical Friday include the following. Barbara, a retired editorial assistant and author of Evacuation to Central Asia who is originally from Michigan and Vermont said, “ I appreciate the library because I am an avid reader." Zahava, a banker from Massachusetts who made aliyah in 1980 said, "I enjoy the calm, quiet atmosphere here. It is a pleasure to relax by reading.” Peter, who moved to Ma'aleh Adumim in 1992 from England said, "I brought up two boys without television or computers. They grew up in the library. The world of books opened up their imagination and gave them food for thought.” Faith, who moved to Israel in 1976 and works in public relations at Hebrew University said, "The library has been a tremendous addition to our community. It offers the opportunity for different populations of kids to interact.” Moshe, who is 12 years old, and who made aliyah two years ago from a village in Ethiopia said, "I was herding cows, goats and growing vegetables. I also went to school. Now I come to the library and love using the internet!” Rebecca, a local teacher originally from Connecticut, said "My students comment that they come here on a weekly basis with their families. This is an extremely positive form of entertainment. The library is also packed with kids during school vacations.” The library has become a social hub for an Englishlanguage book club. Their representative said, “The club had difficulty finding a comfortable meeting room and was eagerly awaiting the opening of the library. Once it opened the club was able to use the excellent facilities. The library is not only comfortable but offers us the possibility of immediately checking out information useful during our literary discussions by using the internet and books on hand. We also try to choose our next book according to what is available to take out. Over the years the book club has read a large array of material from classics to bestsellers. We also read translations of Israeli authors to try to keep up with the local literary culture. The members always comment that because of the club they are finding the time to read. We are good examples to our children and many of them have picked up our hobby of reading
and discussing books with their friends. The club is a strong framework for encouraging us to expand ourselves and relate our intellectual ideas to each other. We have become caring friends. Our group invites members of Bnai Zion to join us at one of our meetings on your next visit to Israel.” We are sure that you will be impressed with this wonderful and vibrant library.
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The Feinstein Foundation feinsteinfoundation.org is running a special annual campaign during March and April 2011 whereby entities that are recipients of contributions during this period can get additional funds from the Feinstein organization, which has $1 million to distribute to various agencies. Ahava Village for Children & Youth has been contacted by the foundation to be a recipient of their funds, so please support Ahava generously – especially during this time.
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Promoting Bnai Zion in our Instant-Information Age Branching out with social media and an enhanced website Recognizing the importance of promotion via social media, we are expanding the scope of Bnai Zion activities mentioned on our facebook page (facebook.com/ bnaizionfoundation) and providing timely updates on our twitter page (twitter.com/bnaizion) to reach a broader segment of the younger generation, generate a new cadre of supporters who will want to become involved in our organization, and provide as up-to-date information as possible. We are now posting information about all Bnai Zion events taking place in our regions and nationally on both sites, thanks to our very capable intern, Jeremy Schwartz, who updates these two pages frequently. We are actively seeking new facebook fans, so that by
networking we can reach a larger audience. To this end, we are increasing our periodic eblasts that cover a variety of Bnai Zion events and activities and make it possible for prospective event attendees to reserve easily with a few clicks to online links. Our original Bnai Zion website was re-developed in 2007, adding new categories, creating an archive for our Voice magazine, expanding coverage of our regions and offering options for making donations online. We have further developed our website to make it more useraccessible, with detailed pages for reserving for our events, purchasing ads for event journals, and gauging the fundraising progress of the Allies for Ahava campaign in South
Florida (similar to what other very large organizations feature on their sites). Although we still use paper invitations, we want to offer a convenient online option as well, and we hope all of these initiatives will bring us more contributors who will become active in our organization.
Coming in the JUNE Voice • Coverage of our Boston dinner in honor of Dr. Peter Rosen & Dr. Richard E. Wolfe • Feature on our Los Angeles Community Dinner • Report on the annual Dallas Brunch • Update on our projects: how budget cut-backs are affecting their operations
matthew papa design & art direction
• Creative ideas for supporting Bnai Zion and much, much more!
917-442-5273 mp@matthewpapa.com www.matthewpapa.com
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