over a hundred years of making a difference
September 2010• Volume 96• No. 1
לשנה טובה ומתוקה Happy & Sweet New Year special feature
A New Priority at The Bnai Zion Medical Center Our Projects in Israel— Their Challenges and How You Can Help
events in cleveland and austin benefit ahava village florida kicks off the new season
september 2010 contents
3 Something for Everyone 5 A Time for Introspection By George W. Schaeffer, President 7
New York Region
A Creative and Beneficial Strategy By Jack Grunspan Executive Vice President
events
New York Region Tuesday, September 28 Speaker Series
Western Region
Wednesday, October 6 Financial Planning Seminar
12 Children Help the Medical Center
9 To Build or Not to Build By Mel Parness Executive Vice President Emeritus
Texas Region 14 Bnai Zion at Kol Rina Concert
Southeast Region
Sunday, October 10 90th Birthday Celebration & Concert for Issachar Miron Tuesday, October 15 Financial Planning Seminar
17 A New Group Gets Started
Tuesday, November 16 Artist Reception & Bnai Zion CafĂŠ
SPECIAL EVENTS
Texas Region
18 Honoring Dr. Tommaso Falcone
Sunday, October 24 Annual Dallas Gala
20 Honoring Linda Bridges
OUR PROJECTS IN ISRAEL 23 Update and How You Can Help 24 The Need for Protected Emergency Room 26 Overcoming a Difficult Past
Southeast Region Thursday, September 30 Ahava Advocates Social Tuesday, October 26 David Baker at America-Israel Chamber of Commerce
28 The Sky is the Limit
Wednesday, October 27 Ahava Advocates kick-off event
30 Creative Programs Make a Difference
National
32 A Bright Pearl in the Heart of the Desert 34 Seeing Our Projects Firsthand
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16
10 Two Guests Discuss Israel
8 The Land of Situations By Irwin Blank
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26
Monday, November 1 Reception honoring David Gitlin Philadelphia Sunday, November 14 Dinner honoring Dr. David Marcus Boca Raton
national
Note from the Editor
Something for Everyone In these challenging economic times, the Israeli government has cut back on funding for many essential projects, including the ones Bnai Zion supports. Building a new, protected emergency room at the Bnai Zion Medical Center a crucial need in case of future attack - and constructing a new emergency shelter at Ahava Village for Children and Youth to house recently abused children depend on raising private funds for their accomplishment. Programs and progress in Ma’aleh Adumim, at the David Yellin Academic College and at the Quittman Center also rely on the generosity of benefactors. Our work in Israel reaches a diverse population that cuts across ethnic, cultural and religious lines and benefits those in need with thoughtful solutions in a variety of essential social, educational, medical and therapeutic areas. On these pages you can learn how you can help by contributing, and by accessing some user-friendly technology so that your online activities can provide revenue to Bnai Zion. If you want to help Israel, whatever your area of interest, there is a way for you to do so. Best wishes for a very sweet new year.
contact us National Office Lisa Paule • 212 725 1211 • lisapaule@bnaizion.org New York Region Justin Brannan • 212 725 1211 • justin.brannan@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 Benzy Kogen • 818 716 2722 • benzy.kogen@bnaizion.org
Showcasing the Paintings of Abby Miller
A new show at the Bnai Zion House opens in November Bnai Zion is fortunate to welcome artist Abby Miller for her very first show November through December. Her colorful nature depictions create scenic backdrops that exude ebb-and-flow energy and radiant beauty, and they will provide a contemporary and enhanced look to our lobby and gallery. Born in Wyoming and raised in Colorado, Abby attended Colorado State University and earned two bachelor’s degrees, one in painting and the other in fashion design. Abby’s work is largely inspired by landscapes and has been heavily influenced by dramatic land formations and intense sunlight seen during recent travel to Jamaica, Hawaii, and Greece, whose tropical environments are her latest focus. Vast sky, water reflections, vibrant plant life and dispersed natural light provide endless material for her representational and abstract canvases, many of which will be on display at Bnai Zion. Abby is thrilled to have her first show in New York, where an opening reception will be held on Tuesday, November 16. For reservations and more information call 212 725 1211, ext. 6222.
september 2010 VOI C E 3
BNAI ZION FOUNDATION GIFT ANNUITY High Interest Guaranteed • Income Tax Deduction Capital Gains Tax Deferral age
Sample Single Gift Annuity Rates
75 80 85
rate
principal
income
7.4% 8.4% 9.5%
$10,000 $10,000 $10,000
$740 $840 $950
Earn high interest while helping to support Bnai Zion’s life-transforming projects For a confidential Personalized Gift Annuity Proposal, please complete and return the form below. interested in a Personalized Yes, IGiftam Annuity illustration. ❑ 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 Alan Pogue Jaye Urch Cover Illustration Heather Hazut Circulation Manager Rosemary Fletcher
Address City
State
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Phone Email Best time to call
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) $
Type of Asset:
❑ Cash ❑ Stocks/Bonds (original cost) $______________________ ❑ Israel Bonds DESIRED FREQUENCY OF PAYMENT:
❑ Annual
Editor In Chief Lisa Paule
❑ Semi-Annual
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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
www.bnaizion.com www.bnaizion.org
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VO I C E september 2010
president
george W. schaeffer
Taking an Honest Look at Ourselves
In the last issue of the Voice, I wrote about Israel’s public relations, and how I felt help is needed in this department. Some of you applauded what I had to say, and some of you disagreed with my decision to address this topic, citing Bnai Zion’s century-long philosophy of steering clear of Israeli politics. Our mission is clear: to support the people and country of Israel through Bnai Zion’s wonderful humanitarian and cultural projects.
Public relations is about how one presents an issue. The publicist can highlight positive messages, downplay information that might have a negative interpretation, and use any number of techniques to try and influence an impression. As the high holidays approach, we are reminded that this is one of the few moments when even the world’s most skillful publicist cannot help. From when the Book of Life gets opened on Rosh Hashanah to the final lines written on Yom Kippur, you’re on your own, with only your conscience as your guide. In this season of self-reflection, I encourage each of us to take a good long, honest look at ourselves and ask the hard and important questions: What have we really done for Israel and for charities this year? Could we have done more? The past two years have been very difficult for charities in general – not just for Bnai Zion. Many people have said that because of the recession, they simply have nothing to give. But I wonder, could we be ‘spinning’ a story to ourselves and, if we are truly honest, is it possible we are using the recession as an excuse? Although the United States does currently have 10% unemployment, 90% of us do have jobs.
Maybe you can give, but you might need to give up a little to do so. Next time you consider stepping out for sushi, or upgrading that hotel room, or getting a new pair of Manolo pumps when last season’s still look new—stop, think and ask yourself: Does this really compare to helping an endangered child find a safe place to sleep and a stable home? Or helping a premature baby safely through its first few weeks to a healthy infancy? How about giving a mentally challenged young adult his or her first real chance to fit in and be productive in a mainstream environment? Or putting together a multi-cultural youth orchestra, or building libraries for a community, or giving a young teacher the tools he or she needs to finally break through and make a real difference for a student with special needs? After all, Tzedakah – giving – goes much farther than public relations. Wishing you a meaningful and inspiring holiday season.
What have we really done for Israel and for charities this year?
september 2010 VOI C E 5
Enjoy an Exciting and Memorable Occasion Celebrating the 90th Birthday of Grammy-Award-Winning Composer
ISSACHAR MIRON
Creator of Tzena Tzena Tzena Tzena and other familiar songs Co-Chaired by
Elie Wiesel • Pete Seeger • Bel Kaufman Masters of Ceremony
Robert Sherman • Martin Bookspan
Sunday, October 10 at 5pm
Cocktail reception & special program with entertainment by: D’Amore Singers Ron & Michael Eliran Gershon Gershovsky
Kenny Karen Zack Lipton Tsipora Miron Frank Owens
Neva Small Laura Wetzler Work o’ the Weavers
Proceeds from this event will benefit musical programs at Ma'aleh Adumim At the very lovely Bnai Zion House 136 East 39th Street (between Lexington & Third Avenues) Couvert: $50 For information and reservations please call 212 725 1211, ext. 6222 or email rsvp@bnaizion.org
A legend in Jewish music as well as in the international music industry, Issachar Miron is one of the most important builders of Israel’s musical establishment. His works are widely known and have permeated thoroughly into Jewish culture. He is a top composer, poet, writer, creative mind, filmmaker, and a master photographer. The composer of Mah Yafeh Hayom, Mr. Miron is the recipient of a Grammy award, Isaachar Miron in 1941 when he composed Tzena Tzena Tzena Tzena having been featured on Pete Seeger at 89, the 2008 in the British Army Grammy winner for best traditional folk music album. The CD features Mr. Miron’s classic international hit, Tzena Tzena Tzena Tzena and an introduction to the song and tribute by Pete Seeger. Issachar Miron’s works have been performed by such musical luminaries as cellist Jascha Silberstein, the Klezmer clarinet virtuoso Giora Feidman, and others of similar distinction, and his liturgical works have been performed by some of the world’s greatest cantorial talent. He has been lauded in the New York Times as "a leading Israeli educator and composer," and in Variety “as one of the top composers.” Elie Wiesel remarked, “To write a Jewish prayer, one has to have a musical ear and a poetic soul. Issachar Miron has both.”
bnaizion.org
executive vice president
jack grunspan
A Creative and Beneficial Strategy George & Ethel are getting older (aged 70 and 67), and in reviewing their portfolios they realized it is time to make some adjustments. When they first started putting money away into IRAs they were under the impression that at retirement age they would have a lower taxable income. However, now they see that such is not the case and, in fact, with required minimum distributions from George’s IRAs, investment income and Social Security income, their tax bracket is no lower than when they were working. They decided that the first step to take was to convert $50,000 of George’s regular IRA to a Roth IRA. While this rollover would be a taxable transaction, it would also mean that any future withdrawals from the Roth IRA, and income thereof, would be tax-free. In order to offset the taxable income of $50,000, George decided to establish a $100,000 Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust (CRAT) with Bnai Zion paying an annual income of 5%. George was smart enough to fund the CRAT with appreciated assets that had an original cost of $60,000, avoiding a Capital Gains Tax of $9,000, and, in addition, he will get a Charitable Tax Deduction of approximately $45,000, almost entirely eliminating his tax on the IRA withdrawal. Taking into consideration the Capital Gains Tax saved ($9,000) and the Income Tax saved on the IRA withdrawal ($15,000), the cost of George’s $100,000 CRAT was actually only $76,000 ($100,000 less $24,000), giving George a real yield on his CRAT of 6.6%.
For some creative Planned Giving of your own, please contact Jack Grunspan, Executive Vice President at 800 564 6399.
september 2010 VOI C E 7
The Land of Situations by irwin blank
Rockets fall in Eilat, there is renewed shooting on the border with Lebanon, Hamas threatens to kidnap “settlers” to hold as hostages for the release of terrorists in Israeli jails, Iran threatens to “burn Tel Aviv” and the security services discover a number of Syrian spies in the north sending classified information to our enemy in Damascus. There is a terrible heat wave that has already caused fires all over the country, burning thousands of acres of woodlands and consuming an estimated 70,000 trees. The level of the Kineret is dangerously approaching its “red line,” after which we have to severely curtail the flow of water to our agricultural areas. The Dead Sea has receded almost twenty feet from its previous shore and the price of water is always going up. The Bank of Israel raised interest rates, making it harder to get credit, and mortgages are sky-high. The tax on a new car purchase is 72% and the price of gas is higher than ever. The Knesset voted to remove privileges from an Arab woman member; Avigdor Lieberman, the Foreign Minister, might be indicted for economic crimes and the former prime minister, Ehud Olmert is still facing charges. So if you expect me to write something bad about Israel, you are mistaken. Israel is a country that has its bad apples as well as its terrific oranges and we are no better or worse than any other nation, but there is one fact that has made this promised land into a land of promise and I witnessed it the other day, when 234 Americans made aliyah. Despite all the security, economic and political situations that make Israel one of the least boring places on the planet, these brave souls who came here to share
These new Israelis are the proof that we are a success and that the Zionist dream is alive and well.
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VO I C E september 2010
their lives in the Jewish homeland came not out of necessity, but out of love and hope. These new Israelis are the proof that we are a success and that the Zionist dream is alive and well, even in a comfortable land like America. Among these new immigrants were 85 young people in their late teens and early 20s who are immediately starting their service in the Israel Defense Forces. They have made the strongest commitment to their homeland and to their people: to stand guard at its borders and protect with their young lives the future of the Jewish state. Young families with kids are going to face many challenges: where to live, which schools to send kids to, where to find work; young men will have to do military service, older people will have to learn how to budget their fixed incomes and all of them will have to learn Hebrew. Even though Israel is at the forefront of future technologies, in many ways, it is still a very Middle Eastern country with different ways of doing things. Everything will be a challenge, but overcoming these difficulties brings great reward. My wife and I recently celebrated our second anniversary here. There have been problems, some of which seemed insurmountable. But I watch the sunrise over the hills of the Judean Desert and watch it sink behind Mt. Zion from my balcony, and there is no challenge that we can’t overcome with that view. Yes, Israel is the land of situations, but it is also the land that belongs to us.
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.
executive vice president emeritus
mel parness
To Build or Not to Build the Mosque at Ground Zero Everyone is getting on board. This issue has become divisive throughout the United States. President Obama, Mayor Bloomberg and many others have decided that the mosque should be built at this location. They maintain that this is a matter of religious freedom and that we, as Americans, must respect all religions equally, or no religion is safe. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Representative John Boehner, and Representative Peter King of New York disagree. So do I; I vehemently disagree. I do not believe we would be denying anyone religious freedom by moving the mosque and community center further away from Ground Zero. We must look at history. Why is there a mosque on top of the remains of the Temple in Jerusalem? Because Muslims build mosques on sites where they believe they have scored a major victory. Killing 3,000 Americans is, for them, a major victory. Building the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem and the mosque near Ground Zero are both examples of this. I believe it to be a very insensitive and cruel action by Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf to continue to insist on building his community center at this specific location when Gov. David Patterson has offered to help find an alternative site. My liberal friends, who support the building of the mosque by invoking the American history of religious freedom and tolerance, are not thinking clearly about the
consequences of their arguments. Even the director of AlArabiya TV, an Arab news station, said this will become a “monument to those who committed the crime.” 1 Islam is more than just a religion. It is a total way of life and disseminates much more than prayer. This mosque would be a place to warehouse and indoctrinate terrorists, where they are taught the principles of Jihad and martyrdom. We constantly are told that Islam is a “religion of peace” but look at the world today. All of the wars being fought are in the name of Allah and Islam. Is this what the religion of peace means? I believe it will be dangerous and insulting for us to close our eyes and allow this mosque to be built at Ground Zero. If you agree, let your members of Congress know how you feel. 1. August 16, 2010 Abdul Rahman Al-Rashid in London daily Asharq Alawsat
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.
september 2010 VOI C E 9
new york
region
Two Distinguished Guests give Presentations on Israel An analysis of the Israeli Navy and a multicultural military experience are the focus of this program
Returning to Riverdale Bnai Zion continued its outreach into the northernmost point of New York City overlooking the Hudson River and hosted a second financial planning seminar at Riverdelight Restaurant, a combination kosher delicatessen and Middle Eastern cuisine landmark in Riverdale. Bnai Zion executive vice president Jack Grunspan, an experienced and well-respected accountant by trade, offered insight into new estate tax laws and annuity options through Bnai Zion that can meet financial, tax and estate planning objectives while helping projects in Israel that give those in need a brighter future. The event, sold out in advance, was a success, with many residents of the tree-lined Riverdale community leaving not only with a strong appreciation of Bnai Zion’s work in Israel, but with a better understanding of the often-confusing laws of charitable gift annuities and trusts, thanks to Jack’s clarity and affable style.
Coming in the december Voice The popular Bnai Zion Speaker Series continued on June 22 in the Bnai Zion auditorium with over a hundred people attending who were given an inside view of the Israel Defense Forces from two very personal perspectives. Former Israeli Navy Captain Sagi Ashkevitz, and former IDF Intelligence Officer and current Advisor to the Consul General of Israel in New York City, Hila Elroy, candidly discussed their years of service in the IDF and offered topical commentary on the situations facing Israel today. Sagi gave a particularly enlightening presentation on how the Israeli Navy contributed to the success of the Yom Kippur War, while Hila spoke in detail of her unique experiences within a Druze platoon. Following the two presentations, renowned vocalist Shabi Katzir performed a wonderful set of Hebrew and Ladino songs, which had the inspired and impassioned audience singing along well into the night.
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• Artwork by children at Ahava Village • Coverage of special events taking place in Florida, Pennsylvania and Texas • Russian Division anniversary tribute • Dallas Gala feature ...and much more!
Upcoming NY Events
2010 Monday, September 20 at 11am
Planned Giving Seminar in Riverdale.
Tuesday, September 28 at 7pm
Speaker Series featuring guest speaker Prof. Joel Rappel with entertainment to follow.
Wednesday, October 6 at 6pm
Financial Planning Seminar with guest speakers Bruce Wernick, Evan Gilder, and Jack Grunspan.
Sunday, October 10 at 5pm
90th Birthday Celebration for Issachar Miron Reception & Concert with Pete Seeger and others.
Tuesday, October 19 at 6pm
Financial Planning Seminar with guest speakers Bruce Wernick, Evan Gilder, and Jack Grunspan.
ADIR TECH Air Conditioning Heating Refrigeration Sales, Service, Engineering, Installation
800 797 2347
Thursday, October 28 at 7pm
Speaker Series featuring guest speaker David Baker.
Tuesday, November 16 at 6pm
Opening night artist reception for Abby Miller, guest artist, followed by Bnai Zion CafĂŠ featuring jazz vocalist Lilach Koch.
For reservations & information about all Bnai Zion New York events, please call 212 725 1211, ext. 6222 or email rsvp@bnaizion.org
september 2010 VOI C E 11
western
region
Young Bnai Zionites Emerge
Have You Accessed Our Website Recently? bnaizion.org • Get our latest news and updates • Peruse our photo galleries • See a video • Reserve online to attend a Bnai Zion event
Pictured from left to right: Rabbi Erez Sherman (Shomrei Torah Synagogue), Joel Dinin (Sixth Grade teacher), Adrianne Pasternak (Shomrei Torah Synagogue Director of Education), Ben Zion Kogen, Executive Director, Western Region.
A group of sixth grade religious school students at Shomrei Torah Synagogue in West Hills was in search of a tzedakah-mitzvah project that could make a difference in the lives of many in Israel and could be completed in three months. After Benzy Kogen, the western region executive director, gave a presentation about Bnai Zion and its projects, the class unanimously lent support to the idea of sponsoring a “medical clown” at the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa. A medical clown is a member of the hospital’s medical staff who is also trained as a clown, to bring levity and humor to difficult and stressful patient healing situations. The project entailed raising $1,200 by the students themselves, who worked hard toward the goal. Dressed in clown costume, the students sold snacks donated by local vendors at recess. School faculty and administration encouraged this project, to help teach kids at a young age about commitment and giving to others. And, through this project and others, the next generation of Bnai Zionites is being cultivated.
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• Visit our expanded region pages
Interested in Helping? • Contribute online • Learn how you can support our organization
Seeing Ma’a leh Adumim
The following are notes from Rabbi Erez Sherman of Shomrei Torah Synagogue in West Hills, who co-led a mission to Israel with his father, Rabbi Charles Sherman of Syracuse, NY. During the mission, the group had a driving tour of the Ma’aleh Adumim, facilitated by Hizki Zisman, director of public relations in the office of the mayor. Our group was glad to see the reality of this amazing city. Ma’aleh Adumim is vast in size, and bubbling with energy. We were most impressed with the fact that this coming school year will see over one hundred new kindergarten students beginning school – a testament to the youth and future of the city. We were most impressed to witness the strength of Bnai Zion Foundation in this city. The prominent Bnai Zion Library of Peace is absolutely beautiful. All our mission participants were amazed to see a library of that size occupying such a central place in the community. We were also impressed by the George W. Schaeffer music conservatory being constructed. Cities in the United States could learn a lot from Ma’aleh Adumim as they plan for growth and expansion. Thanks to Bnai Zion Foundation for making this visit possible.
ADVERTISE in the VOICE Promote your business and reach 14,000 subscribers nationwide Discount rates available for first-timers For rates and information please contact Lisa Paule at 212 725 1211, ext. 6234 or email lisapaule@bnaizion.org
The Western Region Reaches Out to the Russian Community In a continuing effort to expand Bnai Zion’s horizons, the western region is reaching out to get the local Russian community involved with Bnai Zion so that Bnai Zion can help establish needed programs for the community, and for the community to help support Bnai Zion. Benzy Kogen, executive director of the region, said, “It is fitting that Bnai Zion gets involved with the nearly 100,000 Russian immigrants living in the Los Angeles area, as the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa attends to so many Russian immigrants living in Haifa.” For more information on programs in development, please contact the local office at 818 716 2722.
september 2010 VOI C E 13
texas
region •
j
•
Establish a
CERTIFICATE BANK
with Bnai Zion
Certificates are available for any occasion. Commemorate events with a personalized certificate:
Bnai Zion Co-Sponsors Cultural Event
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\ to honor an achievement \ to send birthday, anniversary or wedding greetings \ to mark a birth \ to celebrate a bar or bat mitzvah \ for any other important event, or just to say ‘thinking of you’ Certificates available at $10, $18 and $25 With a certificate bank you can use the certificates any time you need them. Certificates are mailed within 24 hours of receipt of order and we’re happy to help with the wording. Credit cards accepted. For more information or to purchase a certificate please call 800 564 6399, ext. 6222 or email certificates@bnaizion.org
j
There is no better way to say you care. •
•
Bnai Zion was once again a proud co-sponsor of the second annual Kol Rina concert featuring The Men’s A Cappella Choir at Congregation Anshai Torah that took place on Wednesday, May 13, 2010. Dr. Harvey Wine, vice president of the Dallas region, manned the booth and handed out information about Bnai Zion projects in Israel. Of special interest were the postcards with drawings by children at Ahava Village for Children & Youth, which made a strong impact on the children who came to the concert, and provided an opportunity to heighten awareness of Ahava Village, a residential center for over two hundred abused and neglected children in Kiryat Bialik. An audience of 150 once again enjoyed the vocal supremacy of Kol Rina. Having a booth at this event gave Bnai Zion great exposure and visibility. Our thanks to Harvey and Gail for once again stepping up to the plate and giving generously of their time.
\ in memory of a loved one
announcing our annual
Texas Region Sunday, October 24, 2010
Benefiting the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa Westin Galleria Cocktails 6pm • Dinner and Program 7pm
honoring
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Rabbi William Gershon, Congregation Shearith Israel
Dr. Brian M. Cohen
A graduate of the University of Cape Town with first-class honors in OB/GYN, Dr. Cohen is a recognized pioneer in gynecologic microsurgery and his post-doctoral degree was awarded the prestigious BronteStewart Research Prize for the most meritorious thesis. He has practiced in Dallas for close to thirty years, and was head of Reproductive Surgery at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas and chief of Reproductive Endocrinology at Medical City Dallas Hospital. The author of over 20 original papers in peer review journals, 16 book chapters and two books, Dr. Cohen has also presented more than 150 lectures throughout the world on reproductive surgery, infertility and recurrent miscarriage. Dr. Cohen is blessed to be associated with a few thousand babies in Dallas alone, all of whose lives are a testament to his commitment to help those with reproductive problems. He has made multiple contributions to women’s healthcare in the United States and has assisted in the growth and development of many colleagues. Dr. Cohen and his wife Rose have three children and eight grandchildren. He was Baal Tekeia (Shofar Blower) of the famous Gardens Synagogue in Cape Town, Baal Tekeia at Congregation Shearith Israel for five years, and has been an active participant in Jewish congregations wherever his family has lived.
Gala
Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger
Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger serves as the executive director and community rabbinic scholar for the Jewish Studies Initiative of North Texas. He served with the Community Kollel of Dallas for five years, first as Rosh Kollel and later as director of community education and community rabbinic scholar. Although born in the United States, Rabbi Schlesinger has spent most of his life in Israel, making aliyah at age 20. His army service was done in the combined military seminary program at the Har Etzion College of Jewish Studies, where he studied for over eight years. Rabbi Schlesinger also did graduate work at the Hebrew University and briefly served as a junior faculty member there. His career has been spent teaching Torah to adults, primarily in various colleges of Jewish studies and seminars in the Jerusalem area. Rabbi Schlesinger and his Israeli-born wife Ayala have four grown children, all of whom served in the Israeli Defense Forces, and two of whom are married.
Under the supervision of the Dallas VAAD For more information & reservations please call 972 918 9200 or email avrille.harris-cohen@bnaizion.org
southeast
region
A Push for Planned Giving Bnai Zion Introduced at North Dade Business Women’s Group
On June 2, a presentation was made about Bnai Zion at the North Dade Business Women's Group, which meets at Thira's Restaurant in Hallandale the first Wednesday of every month. Although this group of networking women is familiar with Bnai Zion, they learned for the first time about Ahava Village for Children & Youth, the residential center for abused children in Kiryat Bialik, and how Ahava becomes home to children from worst-case scenarios who cannot be placed within the Israeli foster system because of the trauma they have experienced. The women attending were very responsive with both questions and donations.
The Beach Chapter Seeks new Members
The Beach Chapter of Bnai Zion has been meeting regularly for almost four years. Evelyn Taragano and Rose Nagler hail from Sunny Isles Beach, Kalee Weisberger comes from Hallandale Beach, Ruth Lewison from Miami Beach, and Pearl Berger from North Miami Beach. This engaging group of women who meet to discuss current events in Israel and get updates on the Bnai Zion projects they support would welcome new members. This is a social, fundraising — and fun-raising — group.
16 VO I C E september 2010
A series of events to promote planned giving in south Florida is planned for the autumn. Bnai Zion, in conjunction with others, will host a group of CPAs from the area who will learn more about tax benefits when working with a charity by attending a continuing education seminar. Featured speakers including Bnai Zion’s Jack Grunspan, Rob Finn, financial advisor and vice president at Sossin Group, and Jeremy Klein of Paychex Inc. envision business opportunities for everyone as a result of this important relationship between financial advisors, CPAs, their clients and Bnai Zion.
Young Professionals Launch Ahava Fundraising Campaign A group of young professionals in South Florida recently joined forces to create a fundraising committee for Bnai Zion, Allies for Ahava, as a result of an event they held in 2009, where volunteers raised money to provide sports equipment for children in Ahava Village for Children & Youth in Israel. They plan to recruit other young Jewish professionals and assist them in raising more money for Ahava, a project they named Mission Ahava 2011. The goal of Mission Ahava 2011 is not only to raise money to benefit Ahava, but to enable the members of the committee to experience firsthand the impact of their donation. In the upcoming months, the board will select about 25 young Jewish professionals from South Florida to raise money for Ahava and subsequently join them on a trip to Israel. The group will visit Ahava Village, meet the residents and experience a meaningful connection to their contribution.
The board consists of Kimberly Cohen of Payroll Experts, Stephanie Schmulian of Client Creation, Inc., Lee Feldman of Pop’s Corn, Alessandra Stivelman of Eisinger, Brown, Lewis, Frankel, Chaiet & Krut, PA, and Mike Schmerling of A Time to Travel. They all believe in the importance of giving back to their community and assisting communities in Israel, and see a need for the younger generation to become involved with more socially responsible projects, especially those that benefit Israel. For more information about this group please contact Kimberly Cohen at 954 534 2826.
Honoring Dr. David Marcus at � Dinner in Boca Raton Dr. David Marcus, an accomplished pediatrician who has been affiliated with Pediatric Associates since 2005, will be honored at a dinner in Margate on November 14. Previously with Westside Pediatrics, Dr. Marcus received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Tulane University and he then did residency at Children’s Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of Northwestern University in Chicago. Dr. Marcus, receiving Bnai Zion’s Distinguished Humanitarian Award, is affiliated with five hospitals in South Florida: Plantation General Hospital, Coral Springs Medical Center, Northwest Medical Center, West Boca Medical Center and Boca Community Hospital. He served as chief of staff at West Boca Medical Center from 2002 until 2005 and was also a member of its Governing Board. Dr. Marcus is also involved with professional organizations, and served as the president of the Florida Pediatric Society. He recently donated his time to help with pre- and post-operative care of needy children in Vietnam. Proceeds from this dinner will be used to endow a project in the Pediatric Surgery Department at the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa.
david marcus, MD, FAAP
dinner
Sunday, November 14, 2010 at Temple Beth Am in Margate 5:30 pm cocktails 6:30 pm program and dinner For reservations and more information call 516 342 5751
september 2010 VOI C E 17
special events
A Lovely Dinner is Held in Ohio
Dr. Tommaso Falcone is Honored D
r. Tommaso Falcone was the recipient of Bnai Zion’s Distinguished Humanitarian Award at a dinner in Beachwood, Ohio on June 15. Dr. Falcone is professor of surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, chairman of the Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health Institute at the Cleveland Clinic, and vice chairman of the Office of Professional Staff Affairs of the Cleveland Clinic. Many of Dr. Falcone’s colleagues and friends from the greater Cleveland medical community came out to support him and the Bnai Zion Foundation. Dr. Eric Klein, chair of the Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute of the Cleveland Clinic gave a very moving and heartfelt tribute to Dr. Falcone. Dr. Marc Allan Feldman, noted anesthesiologist, served as master of ceremonies. Proceeds from this dinner will be used to fund the vital work of Ahava Village for Children & Youth.
18 VO I C E september 2010
with thanks to
• Marc Allan Feldman, MD, MHS • Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute • William Hurd, MD • University Hospitals • Keith Isaacson, MD • Newton-Wellesley Hospital
• Charles E. Miller, MD • Charles E. Miller MD and Associates • Aliza Sherman, RN • Cleveland Clinic • Robert Zurawin, MD • Texas Children’s Hospital
Special thanks to Mary Jane Russo
september 2010 VOI C E 19
special events
Bnai Zion Branches Out to Austin
Linda Bridges is Honored
O
n Monday evening, June 28 at the Dell Jewish Community Center in Austin, Texas, Linda Bridges was the recipient of the Bnai Zion Distinguished Humanitarian Award. Colleagues and friends came to Austin from Dallas and Houston to pay tribute to her for her lifelong commitment to every citizen of Texas. Ms. Bridges has served as president of the Texas American Federation of Teachers since 2005, and she has served as one of the state’s leading advocates for children, parents and teachers. The program for the evening had a very meaningful tone. Vilma Luna of HillCo Partners served as the mistress of ceremonies and Jack Grunspan, executive vice president of Bnai Zion, was the evening’s guest speaker. Proceeds from the dinner will be used to fund the vital work at Ahava Village for Children & Youth.
20 VO I C E september 2010
with Special thanks to CO - C H A I R P E RSO N S
• David M. Adamson, Austin AFL-CIO Council • Scott Elliff, Corpus Christi Independent School District • David Hecker, AFT Michigan AFL-CIO • Rena Honea, Alliance-AFT • Richard C. Iannuzzi, New York State United Teachers • Ted Kirsch, AFT Pennsylvania • Vilma Luna, HillCo Partners
• Joe Lynch, American University System • Becky Moeller, Texas AFL-CIO • John Patrick, Texas AFL-CIO • Marcia Reback, Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals • Abelardo Saavedra, Ph.D. • Glenda Summers, CFP, Lucien, Stirling & Gray Advisory Group • Randi Weingarten, American Federation of Teachers AFL-CIO
september 2010 VOI C E 21
special events
David Gitlin to be Honored at Reception in Philadelphia David Gitlin, a Partner at Blank Rome LLP, a prestigious Philadelphia law firm, will be honored at a reception in October. He received his JD from Tel Aviv University-The Buchmann Faculty of Law with honors and his LLM from the University of Pennsylvania Law School with honors and the Gowen Award. David Gitlin concentrates his practice in corporate acquisitions and divestitures, venture capital and technology development, and corporate finance. His extensive practice represents foreign clients doing business in the United States and American clients doing business abroad. Since 2006 he has handled more than twelve cross-border M&A transactions and eight crossborder venture capital transactions and his practice is heavily involved with technology transfer between Israel and the United States.
david gitlin
reception
Monday, November 1, 2010 7pm at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia Proceeds to benefit the Pediatric Surgery Unit at the Bnai Zion Medical Center
In January 2005 David received parallel citations from the Mayors of Philadelphia and Tel-Aviv for exceptional accomplishments in developing business opportunities for Israeli companies in the United States. David is a past president of the America-Israel Chamber of Commerce, central Atlantic region, and regularly contributes to and supports Israeli and Jewish charitable causes.
AUDITORIUM available at the Bnai Zion House in New York Seats 150-200 Dietary Laws Observed
For more information call 212 725 1211, ext. 6234
22 VO I C E september 2010
A Perfect Space Private Parties, Events & Meetings
Bnai Zion at work
Improving, Transforming, Fortifying
HowYou Can Make a Meaningful Difference at Our Projects The Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa Ahava Village for Children & Youth in Kiryat Bialik The Quittman Center at Israel Elwyn in Jerusalem The David Yellin Academic College of Education in Jerusalem Ma’aleh Adumim september 2010 VOI C E 23
our projects in israel
Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa
Building a Protected Emergency Room This priority will cost $8 million The Bnai Zion Medical Center was on the frontlines as Haifa was attacked during the 2006 Second Lebanon War. Outstanding medical care was provided to more than 500 physically and psychologically injured victims of the Hezbollah rocket attacks. The last rocket of the 34-day barrage that exploded just meters from the hospital proved how vulnerable the Medical Center is to enemy rockets - which can cause damage and wreak havoc - and underscored the urgency and need to build a protected facility. During hostilities, the hospital treats not only victims of the attacks, but it also provides medical care to several hundred in-patients and others seeking emergency care. And, as a designated military hospital, the Medical Center is prepared at all times to treat the brave, injured soldiers of the IDF.
Underground Protection against Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Attack: A Protected Emergency Room Within the Bnai Zion Medical Center, the protected emergency room will be a facility of 1,000 square meters (approximately 10,800 square feet) with thirty beds, two trauma rooms and six professional clinics, where rocket attack victims will receive initial treatment. After they are stabilized, they will be transferred to the protected hospitalization unit for ongoing care.
A Protected Hospitalization Unit Adjacent to the Protected Emergency Room will be a protected 90-bed hospitalization unit, offering a complete range of services for patients who will likely require longer-term care and whose protection must be assured. The new protected ER and hospitalization unit must be completed in the coming months and the cost to finance this project is $8 million. The strength and efficacy of the Medical Center - and the safety and wellbeing of the residents of the north - depends on the completion of this initiative. The Bnai Zion Medical Center is a municipal, government-funded general hospital with 450 beds that provides outstanding medical care and services to the diverse and growing population of Haifa and northern Israel. A leading teaching and research hospital whose innovations have received international recognition, the Medical Center receives limited government funding and outside contributions are necessary to further many of its programs.
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Funding Opportunities Protected Emergency Room $1,500 For a syringe pump, a small infusion pump (some include infuse and withdraw capability), used to gradually administer small amounts of fluid (with or without medication) to a patient or for use in chemical and biomedical research. $1,600 For a pulse oximeter, a medical device that indirectly measures the oxygen saturation and changes in blood volume in the skin, producing a photoplethysomograph. $2,200 For a blood pressure gauge.
Expanding Care to Children: The New Pediatric Surgery Department The Pediatric Surgery Department is an active teaching department with seventeen beds, as well as two beds in the intensive care unit for neonates, and seven beds in its surgical ambulatory service. The department treats a variety of congenital defects occurring in the neck, chest, stomach and bowel of babies, solid tumors in children and performs all surgical procedures on children at the hospital. 2,200 children and babies are hospitalized every year at the Bnai Zion Medical Center and the staff performs over a thousand surgeries annually. The academic work of the staff includes teaching 5th- and 6th-year medical students, interns, rotating doctors from surgical departments and nurses and the department’s physicians give many lectures on pediatric surgery issues to pediatricians at local hospitals, as well as to community doctors. The staff includes three senior pediatric surgeons, three attending doctors, a senior pediatric counselor, a senior pediatric infectious diseases counselor, a senior pediatric gastroenterologist counselor and a senior pediatric hemato-oncologist counselor. Some treatments offered by this department can be provided through hypnosis administered at the hospital. Funds are necessary for the completion and enhancement of this expanded department.
$3,000 For an infusion pump, which infuses fluids, medication or nutrients into a patient’s circulatory system. $7,000 For a compact, networked patient monitor for flexible care and patient transfer. $12,000 For a mobile ventilation machine. $30,000 For a digital mobile radiography unit (also called “portable” or “bed-side” imaging), covering all x-ray examinations made by mobile x-ray units, in combination with screen-film detectors, digital detectors or C-arms.
Pediatric Surgery Department $1,500 To furnish a room in the new Pediatric Surgery Department. $3,600 For a set of equipment for hand surgery. $7,000 For a centrifuge for the Pediatric Surgery Department. $10,000 For an ultrasonic bath for an operating room. $45,000 For a room to be named in the new Pediatric Surgery Department.
september 2010 VOI C E 25
our projects in israel
Ahava Village for Children & Youth, Kiryat Bialik
Overcoming a Difficult Past with Help How Mentoring Provides Positive Results In Greek mythology, Mentor was a friend of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, who came up with the idea of the Trojan Horse. When Odysseus left for the Trojan War he placed Mentor in charge of his son, Telemachus. In therapy and in education, mentoring is an approach that recognizes the specific strength of clients – in this case, those who had been in distress themselves and managed to overcome it – to serve as significant help and models for other people in distress. Acting as a mentor reinforces the feeling of success in a person and makes that person derive an additional therapeutic benefit from the very act of being a mentor. In the last year, as a part of a unique girls’ program at Ahava, a group of adolescent girls were ‘mentored.’ Participating in the group were 4 young girls, who could now be in a promotional position and not a victimizing one; who could now be empowered in various fields and who could assist in building their life-skills. Work with the girls was done both as a group that discussed raising dilemmas, feelings of partnership, and learning from peers, and as individuals in personal conversations. The project was directed by Hila, a student of the advancement of youth and special education at Oranim College, who was accompanied by Mia Benes, a social worker. During the year the girls learned a lot about relationships and help, empathy, identification of needs and more. For six months each of the girls mentored a young boy or girl at the village, experiencing mentoring first-hand. The girls were excited to be given such responsibility and they experienced giving to others and the subsequent deep feeling of acceptance. They came in contact with their own inherent strengths and abilities and learned that they are able to help others as well as themselves. This project will continue and will expand in the coming year.
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Funding Opportunities General $250
Cost to send a teenager to the riding ranch for a month of instruction
$500
Weekly salary of an educational counselor or therapist
$800
Cost of one month of veterinary care for a group of animals
$1,000
Computer & accessories
$1,000 Special clothes and religious articles for one child in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah program $5,000 Recreational sports equipment for a year
Expanding Resources: The Need for a New Emergency Shelter
In extreme cases of child abuse that create unsafe home situations, children must be removed and taken to a facility that can help deal with their trauma. At Ahava Village, an existing emergency shelter that provides immediate care and support to incoming traumatized children is no longer adequate for this important task. Outdated and too small to accommodate the increased flow of children needing these services, construction of a new, larger emergency shelter was begun but then cut short because of a lack of government funds to continue the project. Donations are necessary to continue this essential effort that will allow Ahava staff to expand this life-saving program that gives abused children a safe haven.
$5,000
Cost to expand the pet therapy program – acquire new animals, pet care, vet services & supplies
$9,000
Cost of a recording studio for a year for the youth musical group
$25,000 Annual cost of the Bnai Mitzvah project $50,000 Annual cost of the Project 18 program
Emergency Shelter $36,000 One room $250,000 Entire floor $2 million Cost to complete the new emergency shelter
september 2010 VOI C E 27
our projects in israel
The Quittman Center at Israel Elwyn, Jerusalem
The Sky is the Limit for Residents at the Zvi Quittman Center Within the Israel Elwyn framework, mentally challenged adults have many opportunities to realize their potential In summer it’s only natural to think of leaving behind the daily routine and going on an adventure. And that’s exactly what residents of Israel Elwyn’s supported living and community residential services programs have been doing. Each year, residents of IE’s supported living program in Jerusalem go on vacation and play a part in choosing where they will go and what they’ll do. This year, two of these residents with intellectual disabilities - both of whom live in the Quittman Center - decided to choose a new activity: a flight in Israel’s skies. The day of the flight dawned bright and clear and they set off for Sde Dov airport in Tel Aviv. At the airport, they got their first close-up view of a small airplane, watching as other aircraft took off and landed. After boarding their Cessna 172, they waited excitedly for take-off, then watched as the ground fell away. During the flight they saw the Mediterranean Sea, the coastal plain and the mountains from a new angle and were sorry when the time came to land and return home to the Quittman Center. Since the flight, the residents and their friends have spent numerous hours viewing the video and photographs taken during the day, recounting their experience and looking forward to new ones. Residents of IE’s Community Residential Services also take vacations each year. Going abroad is a time-honored tradition, as these individuals work, earn money and can use these funds for vacations, with IE funding the support staff that goes with them. This year, a group of 12 residents and their support staff traveled to Switzerland and Germany for a week. On their last day there, the group was hosted by the residents of Beth Chana, a Jewish supported home for people with disabilities, and they all shared a festive dinner and activities at the center. The residents of Community Residential Services are very proud that they cover their own travel expenses out of the salaries they earn at their jobs during the rest of the year, and Israel Elwyn, through the support of Bnai Zion and other friends, is proud to be able to bring their dreams to reality by providing the professional staff to accompany them on vacation.
28 VO I C E september 2010
Funding Opportunities $190 For a resident to have a birthday celebration with others in a restaurant $400 Outing for eight residents to zoo, movie or cafĂŠ $600
Home movie center for one apartment
$1,200
Computer with touch screen for use by twenty residents
$1,800 Treadmill for residents $4,000 Voice output device for one resident $12,000 Construction of a hot house to raise vegetables & flowers for sale to public $20,000 Construction of second Snoezelen Room (calming environment) $40,000 Ultrasound machine for campus
september 2010 VOI C E 29
our projects in israel
The David Yellin Academic College of Education, Jerusalem
Creative Programs Make a Difference
The College is continuously launching new programs and venturing forth in activities to help others Games Help Sick Children This program provides psycho-educational games for children with renal failure who receive dialysis at Shaarei Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem, to help them cope with this very serious illness. Because some of the sick children were from the Arab community, students from the Arab program took part as well. The students met with educational staff from the hospital. They were given information as to the needs of the staff and children and developed games to meet those needs. The students visited the hospital to play with the children three hours each week and were very popular with the children and greatly appreciated by the hospital’s medical and educational staff.
Games Help Children from the Ethiopian Community Previously, students from the early childhood program worked with five preschools in various Jerusalem neighborhoods. The goal was to help the children deal with some of the problems caused by coming to a new country through games invented by the students. The aim was to teach the preschool children about a quarter of whom were of Ethiopian background - about the culture and history of Ethiopian Jewry through the story of their immigration. Some games were about people coming to Israel from other countries such as Yemen and Morocco, to tell the story of the Ethiopian community as part of the overall story of the various waves of immigration and the other ethnic communities in Israel.
A Course on Social Change and Disability Enlightens Many A course was organized on the theme of social change and disability to bring together students completing their special-ed teacher-training and people with disabilities from the community/ The goal of the course was to provide an opportunity for students and activists in the field of disabilities - who are disabled themselves - to work together in order to improve the status of people with disabilities in Israeli society and improve their public relations.
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Funding Opportunities $1,000
Partial scholarship
$2,500 Rehabilitation and development of ecological garden $5,000 Disabled access project for campus – one area $8,000 One year of college prep program for Ethiopian immigrants $18,000 One year of the preschool assistants training program Students from the college took part in the course, including two who were disabled. There were also guests from the community, some with disabilities, who were referred by other organizations. Also participating was a social worker from the Alyn Pediatric and Adolescent Rehabilitation Center in Jerusalem. The course gave participants a chance to learn about different concepts in this area and it organized encounters with social project initiators and activists, providing them with tools and helping them to develop social projects. The gathering closed with a festive event as participants presented projects they had developed to representatives of partner organizations and other guests interested in their ideas.
$20,000 Establish creative healing program for art therapy for terrorism victims $25,000 Expansion of Challenge Center for students with learning difficulties and physical challenges $60,000 Establish Learning to Succeed to enhance skills in at-risk children $100,000 Development of rooftop astronomical observatory
september 2010 VOI C E 31
our projects in israel
Ma’aleh Adumim
A Bright Pearl in the Heart of the Desert Quality of Life Above All
The nearly 40,000 residents of Ma’aleh Adumim live in harmony with an excellent quality of life. This dynamic, enchanting regional metropolis that contributes to the geographic security of the nation’s capital provides its inhabitants with a world of advantages and possibilities. With a focus on construction, the urban planning system of the municipality emphasizes the development of landscapes, parks, and public gardens. Ma’aleh Adumim recently won the symbol of a ‘green’ authority in an annual international exhibition on the environment, and it is ranked among the ten safest cities in Israel. Progressing with industrial and trade development, Ma’aleh Adumim has the largest industrial area in the country, which provides many benefits to the city. The Adumim Industrial Park is located about ten minutes from the capital on the crossroads that connect the center of the country to the north and to the south, and serves greater Jerusalem as well.
Education The educational system in the city consistently wins school awards and won the national education community award. As the key component in the quality of life for residents of the city, the municipality is doing the maximum to make education an “anchor of life.” A cornerstone of the city’s policy, more than 40% of the municipal budget is allocated to education, which is expressed in the initiation and promotion of innovative and unique programs. Children are a top priority in Ma’aleh Adumim, from kindergarten to completion of studies. The educational concept is that every student has social and emotional needs in addition to educational needs; therefore, educational institutions are managed through a combined view of the complex needs of the individual, in cooperation with the municipal framework and with the Ministry of Education and other systems to foster excellence and provide equal opportunities to all students.
Quality of Life The individual and the community are the center and source of pride for Ma’aleh Adumim. The municipality provides social and community services to all residents according to their needs and personal and family economic situation, within the resources available. The city has become a cultural center for all its residents and a variety of activities for cultural pursuits can be found for all ages taking place in the community center, at the Bnai Zion Library of
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Funding Opportunities General $1,200
Computer for school
$6,000 One climbing structure for preschool playground $25,000 Public playground structure $25,000 One security vehicle for roving 24/7 detection and protection $50,000 Establish program at Center for Children with Special Needs Peace, in parks and other areas. The George W. Schaeffer Music Conservatory, being constructed with funds from Bnai Zion, will offer music programs and education to the community.
$60,000 Air conditioning for one school
Immigrant Settlement
George W. Schaeffer Music Conservatory
Ma’aleh Adumim absorbs immigrants from the United States, South America, France, Ethiopia, and the former Soviet Union, and is attentive to their many different needs. Every immigrant community has its own issues that require different solutions and special resources. In order to assist many families through the acclimatization process in a successful manner, Ma’aleh Adumim provides those resources.
$450,000 Build a new preschool
$1,000 to $5,000 New musical instrument $50,000 Classroom in conservatory
september 2010 VOI C E 33
Bnai Zion in Action
Witnessing
Positive Change Seeing Our Projects Firsthand
Supporters from Texas who visited Israel this spring saw poignant achievements at our projects and learned of the challenges at each one. They returned with heartfelt inspiration to do more to help. These are their stories.
editor's note
Since these visits to Israel, the Bnai Zion Medical Center has changed its focus for emergency preparedness to the concept of building a new, protected emergency room and hospitalization unit. The urgency remains and the need is the same, but the concept is different.
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Inspired to Give by Frances and David Eisenberg We visited Israel with Jack Grunspan, Bnai Zion executive vice president and national secretary. We had a difficult start, as our plane from Dallas to Atlanta was cancelled. So we were one day late on our arrival in Tel-Aviv. Once there, we were met by Jack and on our way to Hafia. After checking into the Dan Carmel Hotel we were off to a dinner hosted by the Bnai Zion Medical Center, with several staff and board members. We were able to discuss issues at the hospital and understand the workings of it. Frances and I were very pleased that the group took the time to meet us. Although it was late and we were exhausted after a full day’s flight, we were energized by the reception. After a good night’s sleep, we started our busy day. We were met by Yoav Apelboim, executive director of Ahava Village for Children & Youth, who took us to the emergency shelter, where children are first processed, and allowed to be safe and out of harm’s way. This emergency shelter is the first exposure for children and families to decide their outcome. It’s where the
psychologists and teachers meet the kids, and the facility needs to be improved. Funds are needed to expand and refurbish it, and this is the first priority of Ahava. We then saw the Village itself, and it was a wonderful site to behold. Yoav and his staff are dedicated beyond imagination, and do an outstanding job with the children there. We were invited to a song fest, where fifteen children performed a song and dance program for us that was wonderful to see and hear. We were then taken to the Bnai Zion Medical Center, an outstanding facility. We were met by Dr. Mickey Kafka and Keren Wind and had a tour of the hospital. We visited the emergency room, the surgical center, and the pediatric center, where all the new babies are placed. We saw one little boy that was 23 weeks term and weighed less than 2 pounds, surviving. It touched our hearts.
We then saw the Village itself, and it was a wonderful site to behold.
september 2010 VOI C E 35
top: The youth ensemble at Ahava Village performs for guests. bottom: David Eisenberg during the tour of the Bnai Zion Medical Center, with Keren Wind-Kabiry in the background.
Visiting Caring Institutions that Improve Lives by Martin van Brauman
We then saw the underground parking garage where the hospital wants to put the emergency triage center for emergency care during a war. We saw the room where supplies are stored in case another disaster occurs, set to be moved as necessary. It was remarkable to see both the dedication of the staff and the efforts of Bnai Zion for the hospital. We were so moved by the needs of Ahava Village and the Bnai Zion Medical Center that we established an endowment to help both institutions in perpetuity. As far as we were concerned, it was the right thing to do for Israel. Fran and David Eisenberg serve on the Texas region board and David is a national vice-president of Bnai Zion. Active supporters of the organization, they recently established an endowment for the benefit of the Bnai Zion Medical Center and Ahava Village for Children & Youth.
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Gwen and I arrived in Israel on June 11 and rented a car at the airport. On June 13, Gwen and I visited Ahava Village for Children & Youth in Kiryat Bialik, with its director, Yoav Apelboim. Ahava is a residential center for children ages 6 to 18 coming from high-risk home situations and dysfunctional backgrounds. The campus is home to 250 children in apartment settings with a family environment headed by a husband and wife. Ahava was founded in Germany in 1914 by Zionist women as a soup kitchen for poor Jewish children in Berlin. In 1922, Beate Berger changed it to residential home for German and Austrian Jewish children in distress. With the advent of Hitler, Berger acquired land in Israel and in 1933 moved Ahava’s activities to Israel. In 1935, the first groups of children from Berlin left for Israel with successive groups following from Germany and Austria until the borders were closed to Jews. The families of these children, remaining in Germany and Austria, were murdered by the Nazis. Over the years, Ahava has adapted its projects to Israel’s ever-changing social environment. The Government - through the court system has placed a great burden on Ahava, but without the necessary funding to deal with the extreme cases of child abuse where children must be immediately placed under
top: Entrance to the future protected ER. bottom: The shell of the new emergency center being built at Ahava.
the court’s supervision and moved to a closed facility. The current emergency shelter is in a rundown facility that is totally inadequate to meet the needs of children going through such critical emotional and psychological trauma. Funds are needed from those who love and support Israel to complete the new facility. That afternoon, Gwen and I visited the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa, a teaching hospital that is affiliated with the Technion (Israel’s Institute of Technology). We met with the Director- General, Dr. Amnon Rofe, Liora Kalish and Keren Wind-Kabiry from the hospital outreach department. The hospital is known as the region’s leading center for diagnosis and treatment of children from infancy to age 6 who have neurologicaldevelopmental challenges, and it provides the only diagnostic, developmental service for blind and visuallyimpaired infants, where they receive rehabilitation daycare, therapy and paramedical treatments. The hospital’s location on a Haifa hilltop makes it a prime target for enemy rockets, which during the 2006 Second Lebanon War exploded only meters away from the hospital and underscores the critical need for the facility to be protected against nuclear, biological and chemical attack. The Bnai Zion Medical Center treated over 500 victims of Hezbollah terrorist rocket attacks
during the war, and Israeli soldiers injured in the war have undergone long-term therapies at the hospital’s rehabilitation center. The hospital must build a reinforced underground emergency center to protect against future rocket attacks by converting the underground parking level into a fullyequipped 100bed emergency center. The Government cannot help pay for this project, so funding must come from supporters. Our prayers and donations will help the Medical Center prepare for the next war, for as Dr. Rofe stated, the next war is not “if” but “when.” During this trip to Israel, my greatest accomplishments were finding the BZ hospital through the maze of streets in Haifa, Ahava in Kiryat Bialik, the bed and breakfast in the Artist Colony in Tzfat, driving in Jerusalem, and surviving the Tel Aviv traffic.
Funds are needed from those who love and support Israel to complete the new facility.
Martin and his wife Gwen, members of the Texas board, participated in Bnai Zion’s 100th Anniversary Mission to Israel in 2008 and are active supporters of the organization. They have hosted parlor meetings and regularly serve on planning committees for the Texas region events.
september 2010 VOI C E 37
Making an Impact in Our World Today by Virginia Shepherd
We arrived in Tel-Aviv and that evening we were met by Jack Grunspan along with David and Fran Eisenberg, with whom we enjoyed a lovely dinner at a well-known seafood restaurant. That night we discussed the many adventures the next day would have in store for us. For the entire trip we stayed at the Sheraton Tel Aviv, a great location and of course, right on the beach! The next morning we were picked up by a driver named Herzl Shabbi (nickname: “Danny”). We thought this was so appropriate, as the first individual we encountered that day shared his name with Israel and Zionism’s great founding father, Theodor Herzl. He took us to Ma’aleh Adumim, a very special city to the east of Jerusalem founded in the early 1970’s and home to nearly 40,000 inhabitants. It was truly an inspiring time, as we met with Mayor Benny Kashriel, who gave us an excellent overview of the beautiful community. We visited the prestigious Science and Air Force High School, a preparatory institution for some of Israel’s most elite young men and women that recently won an award as the “most excellent high school in all of
We are always transformed by our time in Israel, and always thankful for the opportunity to return.
38 VO I C E september 2010
Israel.” It was so encouraging to see the commitment to excellence within the community, and to see this same spirit passed on to the next generation of young people. On Wednesday morning, we were again picked up by Herzl, who drove us to Ahava Village for Children & Youth. When we arrived at Ahava, we were greeted by our good friend, Yoav Apelboim, the director of Ahava. He proudly showed us around the facility and introduced us to so many special children. Ahava is made up of about thirteen different foster homes that contain around eleven children each. The homes each have a foster mother and father, and are set up to be like real families that nurture and care for each child. It was so uplifting to see each of these young ones being cared for by the resources and loving staff at Ahava. The visit was more than worthwhile, and it reminded us of the great progress being made in Israel. After a wonderful meal with Yoav, we were given a tour of the Bnai Zion Medical Center. We were received by Liora who then escorted us to Chief Executive Officer Amnon Rofe’s office. Our time with Amnon and the staff and physicians at the Medical Center was fantastic. Amnon is a humble man who provides superior expertise and direction to all those serving at the hospital. They took time to point out the different areas of need within the hospital, such as the underground parking structure
HOW YOU CAN HELP
An Israeli Company Offers a Creative Source of Revenue Israel has the greatest concentration of innovation and entrepreneurship in the world today. Start-Up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle by Dan Senor explains this phenomenon. Comtribute Internet Solutions is one of the successful Israeli enterprises, helping non-profit organizations raise funds through a creative, customized online platform. The principals of Comtribute are Mark Goldstein, a chief architect of Magen - Microsoft Technology Center in Israel; Yaniv Rivlin, a Sauvé scholar and graduate student at the Harvard Kennedy School, and Nadav Brandstater, formerly a senior product marketing and business development manager at Amdocs. Comtribute software creates not just fundraising revenue, but brand awareness as well, offering creative engagement and communication tools to link nonprofits with their supporters. Users of this technology can contribute to their preferred charity while using the internet in the same ways they have always enjoyed. But now, while they are checking email, or playing games, or searching online or reading news, their online actions can support their favorite cause. Bnai Zion is accessing this technology for people to contribute to the organization by leveraging their current internet habits to direct funds to Bnai Zion. Other nonprofits are signing on to utilize this innovative technology as well.
top: The Shepherds with students at the Science and Air Force High School. bottom: Visiting Jerusalem's Old City.
that is to be converted into an emergency triage and treatment center in cases of national emergency. As we left the hospital, we were impressed by the sense of peace that filled the place, as it stands in the midst of such turmoil and adversity. We are always transformed by our time in Israel, and always thankful for the opportunity to return. This trip showed us many more facets of the country on the forefront of technology, development, education, research, and much more. We were honored to meet so many great people who are making such a great impact in our world today. Dr. Tim and Virginia Shepherd were honorees at the annual Bnai Zion Texas Brunch in May, which raised funds for Ahava Village for Children & Youth.
How You Can Participate Bnai Zion can offer you a branded internet search page, search toolbar, and search desktop application powered by leading search engines. On average, each search generates several cents for the non-profits as an affiliate commission from advertisements. Small commissions multiplied by a large community of user-supporters can result in sustainable, ongoing revenue for Bnai Zion. To start Comtributing to Bnai Zion, click on http://bnaizion.good-click.com to access the toolbar and the branded search page.
september 2010 VOI C E 39
P e ri o di c a l s
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