over a hundred years of making a difference
September 2011• Volume 97• No. 1
לשנה טובה תכתבו ותחתמו May you be inscribed for a good year
Widening Our Scope: Fundraising in Other Cities The Next Generation Networks for Ahava South Florida to Honor Community Leaders
A Tribute to Bnai Zion by the Outgoing President
special feature
Jewish-Arab Co-Existence at Our Projects
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contents 3 The Visual Impact of Israel 4 A Tribute to Bnai Zion By George W. Schaeffer, President 7 Dealing with the Stock Market By Jack Grunspan Executive Vice President 9 Know Your Enemy! By Mel Parness Executive Vice President Emeritus
New York Region 11 Involving the Younger Generation
Southeast Region 14 Meeting the Florida Luncheon Honorees
mid-atlantic Region 16 Introducing the Mid-Atlantic Board
Texas Region 19 Thanking Larry Strauss
OUR PROJECTS IN ISRAEL 22 Improving Care at the Bnai Zion Medical Center
special feature
24 Peaceful Jewish-Arab Co-existence
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events Texas Region Sunday, November 6 Annual Dallas Gala
Southeast Region Thursday, December 8 Community tribute luncheon
National
Wednesday, November 9 Dinner honoring Mark Richard, Esq. Miami, FL Wednesday, November 30 Dinner honoring Chief Herman Williams Baltimore, MD Monday, January 9 Dinner honoring David Ronn, Esq. Houston, TX Thursday, January 12 Dinner honoring Dennis & Hene Kelly San Francisco, CA
national
Note from the Editor
The Visual Impact of Israel by Lisa Paule
Having had the pleasure of visiting Israel in August, I was struck by how multi-cultural the panorama has become. In Haifa, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, diversity was ever-apparent. At Mamilla Mall – an attractive outdoor gathering place whose steps lead to the ancient walls of the Old City – people from all walks of life mingled in a relaxed way to stroll its length, shop and eat in its many cafes. This multi-cultural phenomenon is present in microcosm at all our projects. In the Bnai Zion Medical Center, the staff and patients represent all ethnicities and religions. At Ahava Village for Children & Youth, children come from all different backgrounds. The Quittman Center is part of the Israel Elwyn community that prides itself on not only integrating staff and residents but learning from one another’s differences. The David Yellin Academic College of Education features a curriculum that inspires the spirit of respect for the other. And in Ma’aleh Adumim, residents coming from a variety of countries and lifestyles live harmoniously together. Our projects set a fine example of ideal ways to get along and we’re grateful for your help to support them. Best wishes for a very sweet New Year.
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 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 Igal Zaidenstein • 310 502 1719 • igal.zaidenstein@bnaizion.org 818 716 2722 • westernregion@bnaizion.org
Introducing Our Cover Artist, Ilana Graf Ilana’s colorful tree of life expressing bountiful goodness for the New Year is an expression of her layered style that combines images of nature with abstract qualities that impart a textural composition. An artist & illustrator, Ilana Graf was born in Israel and lives, works and raises her family in Rehovot. A graduate of The Midrasha art school at Beit Berl College, she is a member of the Israeli Association of Illustrators, and of the Israel Designer Craftsmen’s Association (part of the international World Crafts Council). Since early childhood Ilana was passionate about drawing and painting, inspired by shapes from nature : animals, birds, fish, and flora. She enjoys working on paper, using water-colors, collage, and mixed-media. Recently she has expanded to creating screen-prints and etching, taking part in an artists’ group in a printmaking workshop in Tel Aviv at Beit-Ha'omanim. Ilana illustrates and creates covers for book-publishers in Israel, and has even made some books of her own. Ilana’s works have been shown in many art exhibitions and special projects in Israel and abroad. We welcome her vivid hues and the spirit they represent for the cover of this issue.
september 2011 VOI C E 3
president
george W. schaeffer
Dear Friends,
This is my last letter to you as president of Bnai Zion. Not long after you read this, my term of office will be over. It has been a great honor and privilege to have served in this position for the past six years and together, we’ve accomplished a great deal. And I know that together, under the leadership of our next president, we will continue to bring hope and meaning into people’s lives for the next three to six years and for decades to come. In the past few years, we’ve brought great learning opportunities to young people of multiple ethnic backgrounds and religions in the greater Jerusalem area with the Library of Peace and the George W. Schaeffer Music Conservatory. In 2007, we refurbished the auditorium of the Museum of the Diaspora in Tel Aviv to not only make it more beautiful, but to make it accessible for everyone to enjoy - regardless of any physical challenges. On Bnai Zion’s hundred-year anniversary in 2008, we completed renovations of the neo-natal ward and dedicated the brand new pediatric surgery department at the Bnai Zion Medical Center. And, through significant
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six-figure donations, we’ve opened doors to mentally challenged young adults at the Quittman Center and have built loving futures for abused and neglected children at Ahava Village for Children & Youth. For my last initiative as president of this amazing organization, I am creating an endowment that will ensure a minimum of 90% of designated giving will go EXCLUSIVELY toward intended projects. This endowment will take effect in 2012, and will give Bnai Zion one of the lowest overhead percentages of any nonprofit organization in America. This has been a dream of mine for many years, and I am very excited and proud to make it a reality. But the real impact of Bnai Zion is much more than financial goals and projects achieved. It’s the 14-ounce baby surviving in the neo-natal clinic; and the 11-year-old boy you meet in the library, enthralled with a book that makes his imagination real. It’s the young girl at Ahava who not only becomes a bat mitzvah, but takes ownership of a future where she can love and be loved. It’s the brave nineteen-year-old soldier who came up to me and thanked me, telling me he was a 1 ½ pound premature infant and that the Bnai Zion Medical Center saved his life. It’s the real people and the individual stories that spell our success. The Talmud says, “If you save one life, you save the world.” Just think how many times over, together, we’ve been able to do that amazing deed! I have a 45-year history supporting Bnai Zion. You could say I’ve dedicated my life to it. In the years to come, my commitment will remain as strong as ever - and I hope yours will as well. Wishing you all the best for a healthy and happy New Year.
1. At Bnai Zion 100th Anniversary Dinner; 2. At the Bnai Zion Medical Center; 3. At the construction site of the George W. Schaeffer Music Conservatory in Ma’aleh Adumim; 4. At Ahava Village; 5. At the David Yellin College; 6. With Dr. Amnon Rofe, CEO of the Bnai Zion Medical Center; 7. At the dedication of the Library of Peace in Ma’aleh Adumim; 8. With staff at the Quittman Center
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national
Editor's Note This issue went to print before Bnai Zion national elections for new officers and board members were held on September 7. We extend our congratulations to all the new incoming board members and officers, and to those who have been reelected. Your involvement, leadership and guidance will help Bnai Zion continue it humanitarian mission as it has done for the past 103 years.
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executive vice president
jack grunspan
Don’t Let the Stock Market Drive You to Drink Today’s stock market is enough to send anyone off the deep end. With fluctuations in the market value of more than 5% daily, the elderly population is increasing their medications in order not to have heart attacks. For decades seniors have been putting funds into retirement accounts knowing that at this time in their lives it will produce a set income which they would be able to live on. Suddenly they find a significant portion of those assets disappearing overnight. The establishment of a Gift Annuity is a simple way to avoid this type of stress and risk, as a Gift Annuity gives you a fixed income based on your age at the time the annuity is established, and the market or any other outside factors have no bearing on the income you will receive. For example, an individual who is 70 years old and establishes a $10,000 Gift Annuity would receive an annual income of $700 annually – an interest rate of 7%, of which, for the first 15 years 70% is tax-free (thereafter the entire income is treated as Interest Income). In addition, the donor receives a Charitable Tax Deduction of approximately $2,000, further reducing the cost of the Annuity. If the donor funds the Gift Annuity with appreciated assets, the Capital Gain is reduced and paid over the life of the annuity. But don’t do it now! Check your portfolio carefully to make sure you can “afford to take the loss”. If your portfolio has gone down in value, and whose hasn’t, by
selling the asset you lock in your loss. If you hold the asset until it comes back to the cost, or close to it, you are reducing the loss you might otherwise have had. If you can afford to hold off selling assets that have depreciated considerably, do so - and review your assets
For decades seniors have been putting funds into retirement accounts knowing that at this time in their lives it will produce a set income which they would be able to live on. that are still at a higher value than when purchased. Those are the ones to get rid of now by transferring them to a Gift Annuity (don’t sell them first or you will incur a Capital Gain) and don’t wait for those to possibly go down in value as well. For any specific questions, please feel free to call Jack Grunspan, executive vice-president for a confidential discussion at 212 725 1211.
For your unique estate issues and questions please contact Jack Grunspan, executive vice president, for a confidential discussion at 800 564 6399.
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national
Bnai Zion joins Thousands in Parade for Israel Fifth Avenue was once again a scenic backdrop for the annual Celebrate Israel parade held on Sunday, June 5 with thousands marching in support of Israel and huge crowds coming out to observe and show their enthusiasm. A group of Bnai Zion loyalists walked next to a banner truck that had sizeable color banners promoting our projects on each side, and small informational clips with the Bnai Zion logo were distributed by parade participants to observers along the route. It was a festive and meaningful day and Bnai Zion was proud to be a part of this annual outpouring of appreciation.
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executive vice president emeritus
mel parness
Know Your Enemy ! I know how important it is in any situation to know who your friends are and who your enemy is. Sometimes I wonder if our government can honestly discern the difference. A case in point is Mahmoud Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen, the president of the Palestinian Authority. For about forty years he has been an important player in the dispute between the Palestinians and Israel. For the first thirty years or so he was an underling of Yasser Arafat, leader of the PLO and then the PA. Arafat was a well known terrorist before becoming the leader of the PA. He, along with Abbas, founded the Fatah organization that became the primary group in the terrorist activities of the PLO. Abbas was seen as much more moderate than Arafat and continued to advocate for a peaceful settlement with Israel over territory and the rights of the Palestinian people to have a state of their own. Under considerable pressure from the United States and others, Arafat reluctantly appointed Abbas as Prime Minister of the PA in 2003. This arrangement didn't work because Arafat and Abbas couldn't get along. Six months into his term, Abbas resigned. Arafat died in 2004 and in what was called the first real democratic election held in the Arab world,
Abbas was elected president of the Palestinian National Authority. Some groups, including Hamas, refused to participate and continued terror activities against Israel. I would like to quote a man I have worked with and admired over the years, Mort Zuckerman, of the NY Daily News and U.S. News and World Report, who stated that Abbas proved to be a "weak leader on all fronts." During his tenure in office, corrupt politicians have remained in office, terror attacks have continued almost unabated and Hamas has gained strength and credibility. This man - who I believe is an enemy of Israel and the Jewish people - is the person we must deal with at the present time in negotiating for peace in Israel and the Middle East. Lots of Luck! As we enter the Rosh Hashanah period, my wife Arlyne joins me in wishing you all a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. Let us use this time to reflect on the past and plan to lead a better and more productive life in the coming year.
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.
access our Website for Updates Go to bnaizion.org to get the latest information about our organization, to see 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! september 2011 VOI C E 9
new york
region
A Special First Visit to Israel Eduard Nakhamkin, a longtime Bnai Zion donor, has contributed generously to the Bnai Zion Medical Center over the years. With his family he made his first trip to Israel in June, where they stopped to tour the Medical Center and meet with Dr. Amnon Rofe, the chief executive officer of the hospital, and his colleague Dr. Michael Kafka, director of emergency services. The group then had a festive lunch at Maxim Restaurant, where everyone joined in to celebrate Mr. Nakhamkin’s birthday. It was a marvelous opportunity for the Nakhamkin family to see the institution they’ve been supporting, learn more about the priority of the hospital to build a new protected emergency department, and mark the special occasion. If you’re planning to be in Israel and would like to visit Bnai Zion projects, please contact us prior to your trip at 212 725 1211, ext. 6234.
A benefit for Bnai Zion projects in Israel
Autumn Cocktail Party Featuring a choice selection of wine from Israel Sponsored by Gotham Wines Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 7pm at the Bnai Zion House For reservations and information call 212 725 1211 ext. 6222 or email rsvp@bnaizion.org
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Attracting Future Leadership
A Party Benefits Ahava Village The lovely Bnai Zion terrace was the setting for a crowd of young people attending the Sangria Splash party held August 17. The event, co-chaired by Yaara Bank-Plotkin and Tami Frankel, both passionate supporters of Israel, benefited Ahava Village for Children & Youth, where abused children get education, therapy and treatment to have a new chance at life. Nearly seventy people in their 20s and 30s enjoyed red and white sangria, grilled specialties catered by 18 Restaurant on the Upper East Side, and a variety of Israeli and American musical hits. A video about Ahava Village was shown and a raffle was held that featured an array of prizes. This social fundraiser was designed to attract successful members of the younger generation who want to help those in need in Israel and become involved in an organization whose projects do exactly that.
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southeast
region
South Florida: A Vibrant Community Allies for Ahava Hosts May Fundraiser Bnai Zion Teams Up with Aventura Marketing Council Excitement surrounded the ribboncutting ceremony for Duffy’s Sports Grill in the Intracoastal Mall, sponsored by the Aventura Marketing Council and several other local chambers of commerce. Bnai Zion was represented with information and opportunities to get involved. Over 700 people passed through the doors to welcome this new business to the community and to learn about the important charitable work being done in the area. The refreshments and impeccable service were impressive and helped a sizeable crowd learn more about the organization’s life-transforming projects in Israel.
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Allies for Ahava are continuing their promotional and fundraising activities. Their May event at B Ocean attracted a new wave of recruits who want to raise money for Bnai Zion and particularly for Ahava Village for Children & Youth, where abused children from northern Israel get a new chance at a bright future. The Allies are planning the coming season with personal fundraisers and larger group events. Young professionals dedicated to their mission, Allies are intent on reaching their fundraising goals by networking and helping others be inspired to give. Allies president Kimberly Cohen said, “We’re thrilled to support Ahava Village and enjoy doing something positive and meaningful for Israel.” With that spirit, the Allies group is sure to soar.
Supports Israel A Local Group Leads to a Bnai Zion Honoree WINK (Women in Networking Know) is a group familiar with Bnai Zion. This monthly get-together attracts 30-50 women the first Wednesday at Brio, The Village at Gulfstream, with the purpose of professional networking. WINK founder, Linda Barg Manzini, will be a recipient of the Bnai Zion Community Leadership Award at a luncheon on December 8 at the Newport Beachside Resort.
A Miami Dinner honors Mark Richard Mark Richard, one of the nation’s preeminent labor attorneys, will be the recipient of the Bnai Zion Distinguished Humanitarian Award at a dinner in November in Miami, Florida. A partner in the leading union-side firm of Phillips, Richard & Rind, P.A.,Richard’s law career is dedicated to representing labor unions and he has come to represent over 50 of them. Chairpersons of the dinner are James C. Little, Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO; Eduardo J. Padron, Ph.D., Miami Dade College; and Randi Weingarten, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO. Dinner co-chairpersons represent a cross- section of the labor movement, law and politics and include Dr. Lorretta Johnson, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO and Ted Kirsch, American Federation of Teachers Pennsylvania, AFL-CIO. Dr. Johnson is a previous honoree of Bnai Zion and Ted is a member of the Bnai Zion Mid-Atlantic regional board of directors.
mark richard
dinner
Wednesday, November 9, 2011 Location to be advised 6pm reception 7pm program & dinner For reservations and more information call 516 342 5751
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southeast
region
Recognizing distinguished members of the community from the fields of hospitality, health care and financial services at a very special
Luncheon
Thursday, December 8, 2011
12 noon at the Newport Beachside Resort
honoring
Gary and Steven Barg, Today’s Caregiver Linda Barg Manzini, Caring Home Care Robert Festinger, Newport Beachside Resort Jordan Laser, Northwestern Mutual, Laser Financial Group Ben Launerts, Parksman Parking
Proceeds from the event will help support children with special needs in Ma’aleh Adumim, Israel. For reservations and information call 305 949 0076 or email eileen.glastein@bnaizion.org
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Coming in the
december Voice • Features on dinners taking place in New York, Florida and Baltimore
Congratulating Past President
NORMAN LEVINE
on your 85th birthday May you live to 120 With best wishes from your friends at Bnai Zion
• How technology furthers the objectives at our projects • A spread on the annual Dallas Gala • A preview of our spring events and so much more!
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mid-atlantic
region
Creating a connection Encouraging others in the Philadelphia area to give Moshe Sasson, a native of Jerusalem, along with his American-born wife, Adrienne, believe both Israelis and Americans alike need to play a strong role in supporting Israeli projects, especially the funding of hospitals, programs for Israeli youth, and the building of communities there that will be the backbone of the future. They are happy to support Bnai Zion and hope to raise awareness of the organization and its work in Israel among their like-minded family and friends.
Setting the course
An Enthusiastic New Board is Formed We congratulate the new Mid-Atlantic board of directors on its commitment to Bnai Zion in our newest region, and wish the board much success in its vital support of Israel through our organization.
AUDITORIUM available at the Bnai Zion House in New York Seats 150-200 Dietary Laws Observed
For more information call 212 725 1211, ext. 6223
David Gitlin, Chairman of the Board Edward P. Caine, CPA, CFF, Vice Chairman of the Board Rick Altman Adrienne & Moshe Sasson Michael Schwartz Devorah Selber Thomas & Felice Wiener
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A Perfect Space Private Parties, Events & Meetings
Join us at the Festival of Lights Start the weekend with Klezmer music, meet friends and mingle, stroll the galleries and much more Friday, December 9, 2011 5pm - 8:45pm Philadelphia Museum of Art 26th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19130 Supported by the Mid-Atlantic Region of Bnai Zion For information call 267 250 3835 or go to bnaizion.org
ADVERTISE in the VOICE
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Discount rates available for first-timers
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For rates and information please contact Lisa Paule at 212 725 1211, ext. 6234 or email lisapaule@bnaizion.org
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texas
region
Presenting our
Annual Dallas Gala Benefiting the Bnai Zion Medical Center
Sunday, November 6, 2011 Reception 6pm • Program & Dinner 7pm at the Westin Galleria Dietary Laws Observed
honoring
Pastors Mike & Kathy Hayes • Dr. Jerrold Grodin
Mike & Kathy Hayes are the founding and Senior Pastors of Covenant Church in Carrollton, with five locations in north Texas. They are also the founders of Churches in Covenant International (CIC), a ministry network of over 80 churches providing support and resources to its affiliate churches throughout the U.S. Dr. Mike Hayes recently received his Doctorate of Divinity from Faith Christian University and he and Kathy have two married children and six grandchildren. Thanks to the generosity of Pastor Mike and Covenant Church, a new portable x-ray machine was purchased for the Bnai Zion Medical Center in 2010 and was dedicated in February 2011 as part of the church mission to the Holy Land.
The day after 9/11, at age 52, Dr. Grodin joined the United States Army Reserve, receiving his commission as a major in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in December 2001. In 2003 he was deployed to Mosul, Iraq; in 2006 he was deployed to Germany. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 2008, he deployed for a third tour of duty to Tikrit, Iraq with the 345th Combat Support Hospital, where he provided care to soldiers critically wounded in combat. After each tour of duty he returned to his Dallas medical practice with Cardiology Consultants of Texas. A recipient of the U.S. Army Combat Action Badge for service while under direct enemy fire in Iraq, he continues to serve in the Army Reserve Medical Corps. Dr. Grodin has been married for 36 years to Julee Levine Grodin and they have three daughters and a granddaughter.
For reservations and information call 972 918 9200 or email avrille.harris-cohen@bnaizion.org 18 VO I C E september 2011
With Gratitude to
Our Outgoing Regional President Larry Strauss recently concluded his second term as president of the Texas region and he will now serve as the regional chairman of the board. During his terms as president, Larry was instrumental in bringing Bnai Zion to a position of prominence in the Dallas Jewish community. Under his stewardship, many educational and informational programs came to fruition, including an ongoing speaker series and Friday night gettogethers. One of Larry’s hidden talents came to the forefront when he served as auctioneer several years ago at one of the region’s fundraising events. That has now become his unofficial position with Bnai Zion, plus which, having been so recognized, he is strongly pursued by other organizations to be an auctioneer for them as well! We know that as chairman of the board, Larry will continue to promote and support Bnai Zion as one of his favorite Israel-oriented organizations. Much appreciation also goes to Shirley Strauss for her ongoing work, support and kindness.
A special gift from Texas
You Are Loved Blanket Given to Bnai Zion Hospital Several months ago the idea came to Lisa Depew to create a blanket to give to someone in need. The meaning behind the gift was to send the message of being wrapped in love and protection and the blanket was to represent a picture of hope and healing. The blanket was meant to symbolize as well to all of Israel that there are friends in Texas and it was monogrammed on the top with the words You are loved and Psalm 91 on the bottom with a blue Star of David. Lisa’s friend Rhonda Harkins from Fort Worth shared that she was planning a trip to Israel with a group of
women. The purpose of their trip was to specifically serve and bless Israel and she asked if she could do anything for Lisa while being there, so Rhonda and her team were chosen to deliver the blanket to the Bnai Zion Medical Center. Avrille Harris Cohen, director of the Bnai Zion Texas Region, made arrangements for the group to visit the hospital, where they were welcomed and where this special gift was very appreciated by a new mother with a baby in need. The visitors were very touched by the kindness and professionalism of the staff at the Medical Center, who explained their preparations for safety in case of any emergency. This group of caring women returned to Texas with a deeper commitment to support and stand by Israel. Made for the Bnai Zion Medical Center by Lisa Depew and Karen Green Delivered by Rhonda Harkins, Linda Vallee, Graciela Kessler, and Eleanor Terry
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special events
Reaching the Baltimore Community A Dinner to Honor Chief Herman Williams Chief Herman Williams, the first African-American to serve as the head of a fire department in a major American city,will be honored by Bnai Zion at a dinner on Wednesday, November 30 in Baltimore. Proceeds from the dinner will be used to endow a significant project at Ahava Village for Children and Youth in Israel. Dr. Lorretta Johnson, American Federation of Teachers AFL-CIO, has graciously agreed to be the chairperson of the dinner and Chief James S. Clack, Baltimore City Fire Department and the Hon. Kurt Schmoke, Howard University School of Law are co-chairpersons. Representative Elija Cummings is an honorary co-chairperson. In 1988 Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke appointed Chief Williams to the position of commissioner of transportation for the City of Baltimore. In 1992 he became the first African-American fire chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department. Chief Williams retired on February 14, 2001 but he remains very active. Currently the chairman of the board of directors of the Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore, Inc. and a board member of the Municipal Golf Corporation, he is also a trustee of the Living Class Rooms Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community and empowering youth, and he is a hearing officer on the property tax assessment appeals board for Baltimore City. Chief Williams is an active member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, Inc., Prince Hall Masons and Knights of Columbus, and he is a lifetime member of the Vulcan Blazer, Inc., and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
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Chief Herman Williams
dinner
Wednesday, November 30, 2011 Location to be provided 6pm reception 7pm program & dinner For reservations and more information call 516 342 5751
Bnai Zion Touches the Bay Area Dennis & Hene Kelly to be honored at a dinner Dennis and Hene Kelly will be the recipients of the Bnai Zion Distinguished Humanitarian Award on Thursday, January 12, 2012, at a dinner in San Francisco. Dennis is the president of the United Educators of San Francisco AFL-CIO and Hene is known throughout the Bay Area as a veteran educator and activist. Solomon Smith, American Federation of Teachers AFL-CIO, Stewart Weinberg, Weinberg Roger & Rosenfeld and Mr. J. J. Zablocki, Zablocki Printing Company are all serving as co-chairpersons of the dinner. Proceeds from the dinner will be used to fund the vital work at Ahava Village for Children and Youth.
Upcoming Special Events
2011 November 6 – Dallas, TX
Dinner honoring Pastors Mike and Kathy Hayes, Covenant Church Jerrold Michael Grodin, M.D., Cardiology Consultants of Texas November 9 – Miami, FL
Dinner honoring Mark Richard, Esq., Phillips Richard & Rind, P.A. November 30 – Baltimore, MD
Dinner honoring Chief Herman Williams, Chairman of MECU, former Chief of the Baltimore Fire Department December 8 – Sunny Isles, FL
Luncheon honoring Gary & Steven Barg, Today’s Caregiver Linda Barg Manzini, Caring Home Care Robert Festinger, Newport Beachside Resort Ben Launerts, Parksman Parking Jordan Laser, Northwestern Mutual
2012 January 9 – Houston, TX
Dinner honoring David Ronn, Esq., McGuireWoods LLP
Dennis & Hene Kelly
dinner
Thursday, January 12, 2012 Location to be advised 6pm reception; 7pm program & dinner For reservations and more information call 516 342 5751
January 12 - San Francisco, CA
Dinner honoring Dennis and Hene Kelly, United Educators of San Francisco
For reservations & information about all Bnai Zion events, please call 212 725 1211, ext. 6222 or email rsvp@bnaizion.org
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our projects in israel
at the
Bnai Zion Medical Center
Medical Advances Help Patients in a Variety of Areas Looking into the small intestine
A New Endoscope Leads to Discoveries Gastroenterologists usually have a difficult time diagnosing pathological findings in the small intestine, an average of nearly 20 feet in length. Physicians at the Bnai Zion Medical Center found a solution to the problem by performing an endoscope examination with a double balloon that allows a comprehensive examination to detect and diagnose inner bleeding, infectious intestinal diseases and benign and cancer tumors.
Double balloon – double success The new examination method is far more efficient than all other existing methods of examination. It allows diagnosis of dangerous medical situations not previously detected and immediate treatment without any surgical procedures. The examination takes an hour and half and can be performed through the mouth, similar to gastroscopy or colonoscopy. An elastic tube equipped with an optical fiber and lighting is installed to the digestive system and allows a perspective of the intestine. The endoscope includes two balloons that are able to inflate and deflate by the medical staff, allowing a search over the entire intestine. The tube also enables installing other devices that can treat different problems such as amputation of polyps, treating pathologic blood vessels that cause loss of blood, ulcers etc. A very thin and elastic mechanism
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that enables the performance of procedures previously requiring a surgical opening of the intestine, it is installed through the mouth to prevent discomfort and pain. The examination, lasting 90 minutes, is done with complete anesthesia. Prof. Alexandera Lavi, head of the gastroenterology unit, emphasizes that complications are rare when using this device, and that to date, in all the examinations performed in the unit, physicians met their goals and received an accurate picture that identified problems.
Viagra is not only for men!
Helping Premature Babies with Innovative Methods A revolution in cardiac imaging
New Technology with Less Radiation
The nuclear medicine unit of the Bnai Zion Medical Center was selected as the first location in Israel to test a new innovative cardiac imaging system (type D-SPECT L ) offering a faster scan with less radiation. The camera was designed by an Israeli startup company, Spectrum Dynamics located in Caesarea. They developed imaging technology based on CZT crystals with high sensitivity. An image takes only two minutes, compared to twenty minutes when using other cameras - a dramatic decrease of radiation. Dr. Miguel Gorenberg, head of the nuclear medicine department, explained that the new cardiac camera is used for diagnosing cardiac injuries. In addition, the department conducts research using the camera to diagnose stomach cancer, with higher sensitivity than the method currently used.
Description of a heart scan A nuclear heart scan is a test to obtain important information about the health of the heart. During a nuclear heart scan, a safe, radioactive substance called a tracer is injected into the bloodstream through a vein. The tracer travels to the heart and releases energy. Special cameras outside the body detect the energy and use it to create pictures of the heart. Nuclear heart scans are used for three main purposes: a) to check how blood is flowing to the heart muscle; When a scan is done for this purpose, it’s called myocardial perfusion scanning; b) to look for damaged heart muscle; when a scan is done for this purpose, it’s called myocardial viability testing; and c) to see how well the heart pumps blood to your body; When a scan is done for this purpose, it’s called ventricular function scanning.
Premature babies often require long hospitalization and their parents consult with medical staff to discuss various medical conditions, including common respiratory difficulties that are typical to premature births. A premature girl weighting 760 gr. (1.675 lbs.) at 26 weeks suffered abnormal pressure in her lung system.
This is not the first time that Viagra has been effective treating different medical cases. The head of intensive care for neonates, Prof. David Bader, decided to treat her in unorthodox way through an innovative treatment with Viagra. Viagra is known as an efficient medication for treating men suffering from impotence, but this treatment was successful and the baby’s condition gradually stabilized and improved. This is not the first time that Viagra has been effective treating different medical cases. It appears that it can decrease abnormal pressure among premature babies, and the Viagra for other challenges is beginning to develop over the world and physicians are using its abilities for other human systems.
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Peaceful Jewish/Arab Co-Existence at Our Projects
Success Stories
Bnai Zion supports institutions in Israel that help those in need from a variety of religious, ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. This can be seen in daily life at our projects, where helping those less fortunate is paramount and where a caring touch, optimistic outlook and positive reinforcement play starring roles.
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our projects in israel T he B nai Z ion Medi c al Center
A Microcosm of Tomorrow’s World The Bnai Zion Medical Center was established in 1922 as the first Jewish hospital in Haifa. Throughout the years it has provided dedicated medical care, education, research and services to the diverse and growing population of northern Israel. Prof. Majad Udah, head of Internal Medicine Department A, and others. The first stop for most people who enter the hospital is the Emergency Room, which at the Bnai Zion Medical Center is known for its top medical care combined with warm and compassionate spirit. The Emergency Room has been voted many times by Israel’s health insurance
All patients are treated equally without regard to ethnicity or religion as hospital staff focus on the challenges at hand.
The staff and patients of the Bnai Zion Medical Center reflect the diversity of this population. Christian and Muslim Arabs, Druze and Jewish physicians and staff work together every day as a unified team to bring the absolute best medical care to all patients who enter the hospital, regardless of their beliefs or background. Our 450-bed general hospital has an average of 95,000 visits per year to 65 outpatient clinics and there are more than 65,000 visits annually to the Emergency Room. Every year 5,000 babies make the decision to be born at our fine Maternity Department, and 1,600 employees are responsible for the highest quality of medical care found in this region. Many of the hospital’s department heads and senior physicians are on the Faculty of Medicine of the Technion (Israel Institute of Technology) and are associated with its varied and wide-ranging medical research activities. Among the heads of departments are Christian and Muslim Arabs, like Prof. Ibrahim Matar, head of General Surgery; Prof. Hana Garzuzy, head of Ophthalmology; Prof. Elias Tubi, head of the Immunology and Allergy Institute;
organizations and their many insured members as the best ER in the Haifa area. This impressive achievement ensures that every patient who walks through the door will get the best medical care, that all efforts will go to assist those in need, and that the entire staff will do its finest to remedy all situations. All patients are treated equally without regard to ethnicity or religion as hospital staff focus on the challenges at hand. The mission at the hospital is clear: to help those in need in an expert, harmonious and caring way.
funding opportunities
Bnai Zion Medical Center
Items for the Emergency Room: $2,500 IVAC apparatus for IV drug administration $1,000 Trolley for medical equipment $500 2 wall units for oxygen and suction
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our projects in israel at A hava V illag e for c hildren & you th
Bridging the Gap: Children Find Things in Common
Ahava Village is situated in the north, near the Galilee in Kiryat Bialik, 15 minutes away from Acco. For many years part of the educational program of Ahava included get-togethers for the kids to get to know their neighbors and cousins, and help them understand some viewpoints not based exclusively on news, politics and stereotypes. As a Jewish institute, Ahava does not take care of nonJewish children, but nevertheless there are some kids that come from mixed families with Arabs roots in their family. Yoav Apelboim, the executive director of Ahava, helped build and found an Arab educational center with dormitories for Arab children, and he came with that spirit to Ahava. For years one of the mitzvot in the bar mitzvah year program has been to get to know the three main religions, to help perpetuate peace. This has been done by traveling the narrow passageways of Acco, taking the children to see the synagogue next to the church next to the mosque and having them experience a multi-cultural environment. Then the children meet children the same age from an Arab dormitory in a village in the Galilee and have an opportunity to play and spend time together. The objective is to show that children speaking together can understand the huge differences easily found between one another – but they can also realize that a 13-year-old boy is a 13 yearold boy and they both have things in common.
funding opportunities
Ahava V ill age f o r Children & Yo u t h
$6,000 Two horses for animal therapy program $1,000 One year of art therapy for a child $500
Kiddush for one bar or bat mitzvah
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In another Ahava project, its football team has played football teams from Arab dormitories in the north. In the last couple of years Ahava has not done any other programs for the familiarization of other cultures besides these two, but these are effective in leading to new understanding and the staff at Ahava is open to new ideas to encourage dialogue and collaboration.
P roviding a ref ug e from harm
Helping Children in Distress in a New Emergency Shelter The design of a new emergency shelter to house children at risk removed from harmful situations was created several years ago, with the expectation that funding would be found to bring the new shelter to fruition, as the government budget for Ahava did not include the construction costs of a new building.
The existing emergency shelter, located off the premises of Ahava Village, is an older building too small and outdated for current needs. There are domestic situations that arise that place children in great danger of physical and emotional wounds, requiring immediate intervention to remove them and bring them to safety. The emergency shelter has always provided that refuge, where a child going through a traumatic experience can find a haven of care and tranquility. Staffed with counselors, psychologists and social workers, the shelter becomes home for these children, usually for several months, until their domestic situation can be sorted out and a determination can be made about the best place for them to live. During their time in the shelter, they are given appropriate care, treatment and therapy to help them overcome the painful memories of what they experienced and set the course for a peaceful and positive future.
Ahava Village was able to secure a loan to proceed with construction of the new building, and it is nearly complete. But the loan needs to be paid off, and funds are also sought for the furnishing of the building, which includes several apartments for staff and kids, activity and therapy rooms, and offices. Helping children in distress is the number one priority at Ahava, and this new emergency shelter will enhance the capacity of the Village to do that in a meaningful way.
funding opportunities
A h ava V i l l ag e f o r C h i l d r e n & Yo u t h
$50,000 Naming of a floor within the shelter $25,000 Naming of a room within the shelter $10,000 Furnishing one room within the shelter
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our projects in israel I n the S pirit of Brotherhood at the Qu ittman Center
Israel Elwyn: A Muticultural Mosaic of Israel’s Citizens
The Haifa and Northern Israel Branch of Israel Elwyn was established in 1997 in Haifa, a city whose byword is coexistence between Jews and Arabs, veteran residents and newcomers through respect, tolerance and equality.
Israel Elwyn, the organization that operates the Zvi Quittman Center - a project long supported by Bnai Zion, which has similar values - honors and implements these qualities in its programs in Haifa, and throughout the country. Israel Elwyn’s Haifa & Northern Israel Branch currently has ten different programs in three fields: employment, rehabilitation and early childhood services. The work in these programs is a visible expression of coexistence on two levels: people with mental and physical challenges to whom we provide services, and the professional staff. Both groups include Jews, Muslims, Christians and Druze, and together everyone learns about the holidays and customs of each religion. Each year in December, the city of Haifa celebrates the Holiday of Holidays – when Hanukka, Id El Adha, and Christmas generally happen within the same period. At Israel Elwyn, partnership and friendship achieved through dialogue, multi-cultural experiences and respect of all citizens is celebrated.
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funding opportunities
T h e Q u i ttma n Ce n t e r
$ 2,500 Two defibrillators. The Defibtech Lifeline® View AED is the first and only Automated External Defibrillator (AED) that shows what to do in an emergency, using video in full-motion color. $ 1,000 Intended for residents with Pica Syndrome, a medical disorder characterized by an appetite for substances that are largely nonnutritive, who require activities that are safe for them: a trampoline and a swing that seats 3 people. $ 500 Digital camera for use by the residents to capture photos of family, friends and support providers at holidays, parties and everyday activities
At the David Yellin Ac ademi c Colle g e of E d ucation
Fostering Peaceful Co-Existence on Many Levels The David Yellin Academic College of Education offers a special education track designed to produce a new generation of educators to revitalize the education of physically and mentally challenged children, under-achievers and children at risk or in distress in Arab society. There are presently 270 students attending this track, studying in the college with their Jewish counterparts and fully involved in campus life. Over recent years the college has conducted optional pedagogic seminars for Jewish and Arab trainee teachers in Israel together with student teachers from other countries. Norway, the Netherlands and Northern Ireland have all participated. These seminars present multi-cultural and multi-national issues and conflicts and afford a unique opportunity for prolonged, meaningful and in-depth dialogue. Under the joint guidance of their Jewish and Arab moderators, the students forge a closely integrated group and benefit from an extraordinary and significant experience otherwise unavailable through their regular curricula.
The course promotes a non-judgmental attitude toward other sectors in Israeli society. Additionally, the college requires all its students without exception - to participate in a mandatory course entitled Difference and Diversity in Israeli Society, designed to develop self-identity, self-awareness and familiarity with the religious, national, ethnic and gender-related identities of others. The personal and direct interaction fostered by the course affords students the opportunity to experience in-depth dialogue and become personally acquainted with the “other� in Israeli society. Meetings are held in small, heterogenic groups, encouraging the development of a sophisticated outlook capable of acknowledging the existence of different narratives. The course thus promotes a non-judgmental attitude toward other sectors in Israeli society, an essential component of the pedagogic process that is expressed in the interaction of teachers with pupils from widely varying backgrounds reflecting the diversity of Israeli society.
funding opportunities
T h e Dav i d Y e l l i n Ac a d e mi c Co l l e g e o f E d u c at i o n
$ 2,500 Renovation and development of part of the ecological garden at the College $ 1,000 Scholarship for participants in the Empowering Women project $ 500
Award for an outstanding seminar paper
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our projects in israel Co - e x istenc e in M a’aleh A d u mim
Firefighters Save Lives throughout the Region
Ma’aleh Adumim, surrounded by many Arab villages, serves a large Palestinian population with whom it has cooperated for many years, both in employment (2,500 Palestinians are employed in companies and factories in the Mishor Adumim Industrial Zone) and in saving lives. Ma’aleh Adumim’s fire station, opened in 1995 in a temporary building, is responsible for the Ma’aleh Adumim precinct that includes all the Arab villages surrounding the city, the A-Zeim Junction, Ein Gedi, Jericho, Azaria, Baka, Binyamin, Rimonim, Adam, Kochav Yaakov, Tel Zion, and all the other communities in the area. The fire station is currently located in Givat Hameyasdim of Mishor Adumim, which is further from the city. This location adds ten minutes to the firefighters’ journey to the scene of a fire, a critical - and seemingly eternal - difference when saving lives, possibly a difference between life and death. The fire station receives over a hundred calls a month, including fires at home, in factories, gas leaks and other emergencies. Approximately 70% of cases concern road accidents. The Palestinian community appreciates the help in saving lives.
The growth and expansion of Ma’aleh Adumim and the surrounding Arab villages required the local fire station to redeploy its forces, including moving to a new and more advanced building that houses all life-saving forces in one central location and has facilities for fire engines that have to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
The Ma’aleh Adumim fire station was recently awarded the President's Prize for saving an entire family from a fire. The station also operates a special emergency unit for rescues from heights (with cranes, antennas and ropes) and floods, a 4X4 jeep force of 6-7 fighters, who are launched to various cities around the country, and a special divers unit for saving people from drowning in lakes, pools and water ditches. The Ma’aleh Adumim fire station was recently awarded the President’s Prize for saving an entire family from a fire. The fire fighters have many tales of bravery, such as saving the life of a Jordanian woman who had donated a liver to save the life of an Israeli, and many more.
funding opportunities
M a’a l e h A d u m i m
$2,500 Air conditioners for three classrooms $1,000 Computer & software for a school $500
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After-school lunch program for children with special needs
BNAI ZION FOUNDATION GIFT ANNUITY Editor In Chief Lisa Paule
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Printing & Producing Cummings Printing Contributing Writers Irwin Blank Jack Grunspan Mel Parness Raymond M. Patt Lisa Paule George W. Schaeffer Contributing Photographers Meital Gueta Sharon Toll Cover Illustration Ilana Graf Circulation Manager Rosemary Fletcher Published quarterly by Bnai Zion Foundation Annual Periodical Subscription: $2 members $5 non members USPS #546980 Bnai Zion Voice (ISSN 0884-5565) Periodical postage paid at New York, NY and additional mailing office. Postmaster: Send address change to Bnai Zion Voice 136 East 39th Street New York, NY 10016 phone 212 725 1211 fax 212 684 6327
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