over a hundred years of making a difference
December 2011• Volume 97• No. 2
In Giving Spirit
Unique Treat Art by Children at Ahava Village
Florida Dinner Breaks New Ground Philadelphia Welcomes Dancers from Israel
Dallas Gala Sets Record Speaker Series Delivers in New York special feature
How Technology Leads the Way at Our Projects
december 2011
contents
14
3 Creating a Brighter Future
12
5 Making the Most of Bnai Zion By David H. Eisenberg, President 7 Planned Giving from A to Z By Jack Grunspan Executive Vice President 9 Mixed Emotions By Mel Parness Executive Vice President Emeritus 10 Art by Children at Ahava Village
MID-ATLANTIC REGION 12 Vertigo Comes to Philadelphia
WESTERN REGION 13 Introduction of New Director
TEXAS REGION 14 The Gala Sets a New Record
SOUTHEAST REGION 18 Fundraising at a Dinner
NEW YORK REGION
events in 2012 Texas Region
Monday, January 9 Dinner honoring David Ronn Houston, TX
20 Welcoming Guests from Israel
Sunday, March 18 Kosher Chili Cook-Off Dallas, TX
OUR PROJECTS IN ISRAEL
NEW YORK REGION
22 New Programs at the Bnai Zion Medical Center
Thursday, February 9 Cocktail reception Bnai Zion House
special feature
National
24 The Importance of Technology
Thursday, January 12 Dinner honoring Dennis & Hene Kelly San Francisco, CA
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17
national
Note from the Editor
Creating a Brighter Future by Lisa Paule
There are always new developments at our projects that provide solutions to challenges faced by many. Sadly, expanding treatment to sexually abused children has become necessary, so at the Bnai Zion Medical Center, a new center has just been opened for this purpose. Because of the need for immediate intervention in situations of child abuse and neglect, a new emergency shelter offering refuge to these kids was recently opened at Ahava Village for Children & Youth. To encourage mentally and physically challenged adults to become more communicative, adapted computers are now being used in the Quittman Center on the Israel Elwyn Jerusalem campus. At the David Yellin Academic College of Education, a course in how to treat people with disabilities is being offered to teachersin-training. And in Ma’aleh Adumim, construction on the George W. Schaeffer Music Conservatory is nearly finished and it is scheduled to open in March. This important progress that shines a light for those in need is made possible with the help of contributions from caring people like you. Thanks to your generosity, the five projects we support can continue to find smart ways to make life better and brighter. And thanks to the kindness of a donor who established a perpetual endowment, a minimum of 90% of all designated gifts to Bnai Zion is transferred to our projects in Israel.
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
Celebrating the Season with Our Third Annual Cover Design Contest
Bnai Zion held its third annual Voice cover illustration contest at Ahava Village for Children & Youth, where children were encouraged to get creative and come up with an impactful design. With a variety of therapeutic artistic pursuits available to kids at Ahava, there are many outlets for original expression and children there are always enthusiastic about participating. The winning drawing, by Karen, age 11, appears on this cover. Karen, at 11 years old, is the eldest girl in her family with 2 sisters, one of whom lives at Ahava as well, and a brother. A 6th grader, Karen loves math and likes to draw, sing, listen to music, and take part in football, basketball, magic and science. She is also involved in scouts and on the student council. Of Ahava Karen says, “I love the staff - the way they work with us, the patience they have for us and the fact they lift me up and don’t let me fall down.”
Texas Region Avrille Harris-Cohen • 972 918 9200 • avrille.harris-cohen@bnaizion.org
Karen would like to become an artist or a translator for deaf people, as she knows the alphabet in sign language from a friend who is mute. But first she wants to do a year of government service after high school. With such energy and optimism, Karen is sure to go far.
Western Region Igal Zaidenstein • 310 502 1719 • igal.zaidenstein@bnaizion.org
A gallery of the illustrations by kids at Ahava can be seen on pages 10-11.
Southeast Region Rikki Arad • 305 949 0076 • rivka.arad@bnaizion.org
december 2011 VOI CE 3
a minimum of 90% of all designated gifts to Bnai Zion will be transferred to our projects in Israel. 4
VO I CE december 2011
president
David H. Eisenberg
Opening Doors to Bnai Zion It is with a sense of pride and a great privilege to have accepted the position as the national president of Bnai Zion. Compared to many of the "old timers,” I feel like the new kid on the block - but during the past few years my wife, Fran, and I have come to learn first-hand what a unique organization Bnai Zion truly is. We were introduced to the organization by friends and neighbors of ours, Gail and Dr. Harvey Wine, and our first exposure to the organization was a fund raising event in Dallas, our hometown. Like many of you, we had never heard of Bnai Zion and were more curious than anything else. The event was outstanding, and the room was filled with people who were supporting the Bnai Zion Medical Center. We had a brief discussion with the CEO of the hospital, Dr. Amnon Rofe, and found him one of the most dedicated CEO's I have ever met. He takes a personal interest in all of his 450 patients at the hospital and in his staff of 1,300. Shortly thereafter, we had the opportunity to meet with Yoav Apelboim, the executive director of Ahava Village for Children & Youth, another project of Bnai Zion, with its campus of 250 at-risk children. Since then, we‘ve also had an in-depth tour of Ma'aleh Adumin, where Bnai Zion built a library, and George Schaeffer the most recent national president - has just completed a music conservatory.
I quickly learned that Bnai Zion was one of those secrets that needed to be shared with everyone – an organization that has been dedicated to funding many different humanitarian projects in Israel for over a century. My predecessor, George Schaeffer, served as president for six years and did a wonderful job promoting the organization. Involved with Bnai Zion for more than forty years, George has watched the organization grow and evolve into what it has become today. Thanks to his generosity, Bnai Zion can now Bnai Zion was one of those proudly make the secrets that needed statement that at to be shared with everyone least 90% of every dollar raised will go to the projects that Bnai Zion supports - a statement not many charities can make. While I have not yet seen the David Yellin Academic College of Education or the Quittman Center, I know that those institutions are also in vital need of support, and we will be there for them. So, the new kid on the block would like to challenge you to join me in this meaningful quest of making Bnai Zion known to potential new supporters. Fran and I wish all of you, our friends and supporters a wonderful holiday season.
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BNAI ZION FOUNDATION GIFT ANNUITY High Interest Guaranteed • Income Tax Deduction Capital Gains Tax Deferral Sample Single Gift Annuity Rates
age rate principal income
75 7.7% $10,000 $770 80 8.7% $10,000 $870 85 9.8% $10,000 $980
Earn high interest while helping to support Bnai Zion’s life-transforming projects For a confidential Personalized Gift Annuity Proposal, please complete and return the form below. interested in a Personalized Yes, IGiftam Annuity illustration. ❑ Please mail the illustration to me. ❑ Please contact me to arrange an appointment. Name Address City
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Confidential information is needed to complete illustration. Name of person to receive annuity payments: Name Date of Birth
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❑ Cash ❑ Stocks/Bonds (original cost) $______________________ ❑ Israel Bonds DESIRED FREQUENCY OF PAYMENT:
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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
Editor In Chief Lisa Paule Business Manager Jack Grunspan Art Director Matthew Papa Printing & Producing Cummings Printing Contributing Writers Irwin Blank David H. Eisenberg Jack Grunspan Mel Parness Raymond M. Patt Lisa Paule George W. Schaeffer Contributing Photographers Robert Kauffman David Duchin / DSPN Photos Amit Gabai Cover Illustration Karen, Ahava Village 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
bnaizion.org
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VO I CE december 2011
executive vice president
jack grunspan
Planned Giving from A to Z Adjusting retirement portfolios can be cumbersome, but take the time to do it. Just as your retirement plans keep changing, so should your investments.
Brokers are some of the professionals that can guide you,
but make sure it is a reliable one that has your interests in mind ahead of his own.
Carefully review any recommendations with other
interested parties (spouse, children, etc.)
Diversification in your portfolio should be a serious consideration.
New investment opportunities arise every day. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Organize your assets in a manner that can be reviewed
easily so that going back to it doesn’t become a chore you will want to avoid.
Prepare yourself to admit that some mistakes may have happened and move on from there – don’t dwell.
Questions are good. If you’re not sure, don’t be afraid to
ask just because you sound foolish (“A fool and his money are soon parted”).
Everyone’s needs differ, so make your needs the priority. Financial planning comes in all shapes and sizes, so make
Review your portfolio and make the necessary changes. Remember, the older you are the less risk (less stock, more bonds).
Gift Annuities are a wonderful retirement vehicle, but
Simplify your portfolio. Diversified doesn’t mean
Have a financial planner review your portfolio in its
Trusts are a great Estate tax saver, and Charitable
yours unique for your needs. may not be for everyone.
entirety because if you leave out part of your assets you will not get a true picture.
IRAs are good retirement vehicles. Remember, there is no tax advantage in having tax-free assets in an IRA account and at a certain point (age 70½ ) you must start making withdrawals.
Just because the stock market is so volatile is no reason to make panic decisions.
Keep up with current trends in the market to help guide your decisions. Look carefully at any losses you may have in your
portfolio. It is not a loss until you sell the asset. If you think it will go back up in value, utilize those assets that have already increased.
Make sure that you whatever you can to minimize any
possible Estate Taxes and possible Capital Gains taxes as you liquidate some of your investments.
complicated.
Remainder Trusts can give you a lifetime income and help you avoid Capital Gains Tax.
Understand what your retirement means to you and how you want your lifestyle to be once you stop working and are on a fixed income. Various investment vehicles will give you a guaranteed income flow without risking any principal.
Wills are part of your Estate – don’t ignore it. You must make the decisions now while it is still in your hands. Exercise due diligence in all your investments – not only your retirement portfolio.
Your future is in YOUR hands – once you have the
knowledge you should be the one making the decisions.
Zat’s all folks! For any specific questions, please feel free to call Jack Grunspan, executive vice-president for a confidential discussion at 212 725 1211.
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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
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VO I CE december 2011
executive vice president emeritus
mel parness
Mixed Emotions We were all thrilled and happy when we learned that Sgt. Gilad Shalit, everyone's brother and/or son was being released by the terrorist organization called Hamas. After over five years of being held by them, the government of Israel was able to arrange a prisoner exchange for the safe return of Gilad. None of us was happy with the price the government agreed to pay for his release. The release of over 1,000 Palestinian criminals and terrorists, many of whom have Jewish blood on their hands, seems to be a high price since many of these people will become active in terror cells again and attempt to kill more Jews, Israelis and others. Please don't misunderstand, I truly believe that any Israeli soldier is easily worth 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. Our beloved
Our beloved Jewish State of Israel clearly shows that we are a people who treasure life as opposed those who promote death Jewish State of Israel clearly shows that we are a people who treasure life as opposed those who promote death: Death to Jews, death to Christians and death to anyone who doesn't believe what they want you to believe. Let us look at the record of Gilad and his capture. On June 25, 2006, Gilad age 19, a member of the crew of an Israeli Merkava tank on the Israeli side of the Gaza border, was kidnapped by a group of Palestinians who crossed the border, killed two Israeli soldiers and dragged Gilad across the border, wounding other Israeli soldiers during this foray.
Why do I write about this now, many weeks after the return of Gilad and the exchange of prisoners? I do it because I believe that everyone should recognize the respect for life that Israel has and the difference in the Arab world. In Israel, according to polls taken, 79% of the people approved of the deal despite the release of convicted terrorists. In our country the reaction has been mixed. While everyone is pleased that Shalit is home, there are many U.S. government officials who protested including terrorists who attacked American citizens in this exchange. What would you do if it were your son or daughter who was being held captive? If we are going to ask young people to fight to protect the nation, then like Israel, we must accept that our responsibility is to bring them home in the event that they are taken prisoner. The ethical and moral stand that this represents is the difference between Israel and the U.S., on the one hand, and the Arab countries on the other.
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.
december 2011 VOI CE 9
our projects in israel
Making Hanukah
festive and bright
Children at Ahava Village participated in our third annual Voice cover illustration contest with colorful and heartfelt drawings that add a personal dimension to the holiday.
Avner, 14 years old, enjoys drawing.
Batel, 13 years old, wishes to succeed in school and to become a singer.
Gavriel enjoys drawing and holidays.
Matan
, 9 years old, loves playing on a computer and with his brothers at Ahava and hopes one day to become the CEO of Ahava!
Ilan, 9 years old, wishes to be happy and that Ahava will be here forever.
Amanda, 16 years old, likes
singing, dancing and acting, and wants to succeed in high school.
Gal, 15 years old, likes football and tennis and wishes for all the best.
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Priel
, 10 years old, wants to succeed in school and become a veterinarian.
Yaniv
, 15 years old, wishes to succeed in school and that Ahava will keep helping children.
Roy, 13 years old, wishes to succeed in life and have his own family.
Ofek, 9 years old, wishes luck for himself and that he will be healthy.
Elior
, 11 years old, loves playing with friends and hopes to become a volunteer for a year after military service and to develop new games for kids.
Vova
, 13 years old, enjoys drawing and playing on the computer and hopes to succeed in school.
Roy, 13 years old, wishes to succeed in life and have his own family.
Uri
VIKI
loves art and drawing and enjoyed participating in this contest.
Elior
, 11 years old, loves playing with friends and hopes to become a volunteer for a year after military service and to develop new games for kids.
, 13 years old, enjoys computers, movies and video games and hopes to succeed in school and that all the kids at Ahava will be happy.
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mid-atlantic
region
A Sensational Israeli Dance Company Wows Philadelphia The sold-out event brought Bnai Zion to the community Bnai Zion partnered with Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy in Philadelphia to host the renowned dance group from Israel, Vertigo. Director of the Bnai Zion Mid-Atlantic region, Sharona Durry, and Dr. Sigal Strauss, coordinator of Israel programming for Barrack Academy and producer of the event worked hand-inhand to put together a beautiful evening of dance performed to a packed house. David Gitlin, chair of the Mid-Atlantic region, greeted the audience with a brief synopsis of Bnai Zion and the standingroom-only audience enjoyed a magnificent program. Appreciation to Adrienne Sasson, Judi Grunspan, and Ronen Pilosof for assisting with registration and to all those who helped make the evening a wonderful success.
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Western
region
Expanding Our West Coast Operation with a New Director Presenting Igal Zaidenstein
Igal Zaidenstein, the new director of the Bnai Zion western region, was born in Israel to parents who made aliyah from Paraguay. A law school graduate, for many years Igal has worked to strengthen the Israeli-Diaspora relationship. As a student he was an active member of WUJS (World Union of Jewish Students ) and later founded an organization called the Young Israeli Forum. Prior to joining Bnai Zion he was the political adviser and a fundraiser for the American Friends of the Citizens’ Empowerment Center in Israel. Igal was also one of the youngest candidates to be a member of city council in Petach Tikva, his hometown. Igal recently had the opportunity to tour the five Bnai Zion projects in Israel and he was touched by their transformational impact on Israeli citizens. In this new role, Igal would like to increase familiarity of the projects and achievements of Bnai Zion within the greater Los Angeles community and other areas, as well as develop a new cadre of givers and organize active and devoted leadership.
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texas
region
Dallas Gala Reaches New Level for Bnai Zion
This annual dinner raised funds for the Bnai Zion Medical Center
T
he evening of November 6, 2011 set all kinds of records for the Texas region of Bnai Zion. Under the chairmanship of Diane Benjamin, a vice-president of the board of this region, and with the help of Virginia Shepherd, co-chair and dozens of volunteers, the attendance and funds raised at the event for the Bnai Zion Medical Center exceeded all previous amounts. The honorees, Dr. Jerry Grodin and Pastors Mike and Kathy Hayes encouraged the audience to give and not just be spectators. As Pastor Mike Hayes mentioned in closing, “Eventually it will boil down to Christians and Jews standing side by side.� Dr. Rofe, the CEO of the Medical Center was there to emphasize the life-saving work of the hospital and its priority to build a new underground protected emergency department. Deepest appreciation goes out to our auctioneer, chairman of the Texas board, Larry Strauss; to Carole Wolanow, live auction coordinator; to Fran Eisenberg for the beautiful centerpieces; to David Eisenberg, national Bnai Zion president and president of the Texas region; and to our professional staff, Avrille Harris, director of the Texas region and Anita Warner, executive assistant.
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texas
region
widening our scope to houston
David Ronn to be honored at a dinner in January David Ronn, Esq., partner at McGuireWoods LLP, a Richmond, Virginia-based international law firm, will be honored at a dinner in Houston on Monday, January 9, 2012. David’s mother, Joan, was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and is an artist who works in a variety of mediums. His father, Ben, was born in Tel Aviv and graduated as part of the first class of the Israeli Air Force flying spitfires in the War of Independence. David has been to Israel regularly since his first trip in 1968. Over the last seven years, David worked on several business deals with Israeli companies. He spoke at the conference on initial renewables and alternative energy held by the prime minister of Israel in Tel Aviv in 2006, and he’s served on the board of directors of the Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce for the last three years. Active as well in the American Technion Society since 1998, David has served as Houston chapter president and continues to serve on its board of directors. He was the youngest member ever elected to the national board of directors of ATS, on which he still serves, along with serving on the international board of governors of Technion. David is very proud that the Bnai Zion Hospital is a teaching hospital for the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology’s Ruth and Bruce Rapaport’s Faculty of Medicine.
david ronn, esq.
dinner
Monday, January 9, 2012 6pm reception 7pm program & dinner For reservations and more information call 516 342 5751
David takes great joy in his family. Ann is a third-generation Texan and works with her parents, Golda and Gil Baker, as a financial planner helping individuals and small business owners plan for their future. Their three daughters, Gabrielle, Netanya and Ahava attend Robert M. Beren Academy in Houston, a Jewish day school.
Dinner Planning Meeting Held A kick-off for the dinner honoring David Ronn to benefit the Bnai Zion Medical Center was held at the Ronn home in early November. Dr. Amnon Rofe, CEO of the Medical Center, was there, as well as a number of people interested in serving on the dinner planning committee.
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florida
region
An Israeli Representative Impresses at Two Events David Baker discusses Israel
David Baker, the senior foreign press coordinator in the office of the prime minister of Israel, is always a favorite speaker in the south Florida community. During David’s November visit he spoke to members of the America-Israel Chamber of Commerce, updating participants on the situation in Israel and importance of supporting Israel in a variety of ways. His presentation was enthusiastically received and as always, David was agreeable to field questions from the audience and provided an expert view as a spokesperson of the Israeli government. David also met with and briefed a distinguished group of individuals who are Bnai Zion honorees at a luncheon taking place at the Newport Beachside Resort in Sunny Isles on December 8. The honorees – Gary Barg, Steven Barg, Linda Barg Manzinio, Robert Festinger and Ben Launerts – enjoyed the opportunity to learn about Israel from a member of the prime minister’s staff.
Allies for Ahava Scores a Home Run for Children
Allies for Ahava, young professionals committed to raising money for Ahava Village for Children & Youth, had an event at Morton’s Steakhouse. Dinner for a Cause drew a crowd for an outstanding meal and to learn about children at risk at Ahava. “It was a great night for friends, family and supporters to eat incredible food and support a great cause,” said Lee Feldman, an Allies board member. The Allies have several other events planned as social activities that bring the joy of helping others.
Bnai Zion Participates at Luncheon Bnai Zion was co-host at the Aventura Marketing Council’s Roundtable Luncheon. This monthly meeting brings over 140 business people together to become informed and to network. Bnai Zion’s projects in Israel and business opportunities with local community leaders were discussed. Bnai Zion is a frequent presence at the Marketing Council.
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florida
region
A Popular Professor is Honored in Miami
Mark Richard receives the Bnai Zion Distinguished Humanitarian Award
O
n November 9, Mark Richard, a partner in the leading labor law firm of Phillips, Richard & Rind, P.A. received the Bnai Zion Distinguished Humanitarian Award at a dinner at Miami-Dade College, where he is also a professor and has taught over twenty different courses in two departments, including the paralegal studies department. Over 270 colleagues, members of his family and friends came from all over the United States to pay tribute to Mark. Ted Kirsch, president of American Federation of Teachers Pennsylvania and a member of the Mid-Atlantic regional board of Bnai Zion served as the master of ceremonies for the dinner. The program focused on the priorities of Ahava Village for Children and Youth, where funds raised from the dinner will be directed. Prior to the dinner Mark and his wife Michelle visited Ahava, along with Ted and Roberta Kirsch. Seeing Bnai Zion projects first-hand touched all four individuals, who were hosted by Jack Grunspan, Bnai Zion executive vice president.
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new york
region
A New York Dinner Showcases the Bnai Zion Medical Center Guests from Israel highlight the priority of the hospital On a crisp September evening the Bnai Zion auditorium was filled with New Yorkers who came out to hear Dr. Nachman Shai, a member of the Knesset and former Israel Defense Force spokesperson with the rank of brigadier general, who spoke about the need of the Bnai Zion Medical Center to be prepared in the event of a future attack. Joining him in welcoming the crowd was Dr. Amnon Rofe, the CEO of the hospital, who poignantly described plans to build a new underground protected emergency department at the Medical Center. Liora Kalish, chairperson of Friends of the Bnai Zion Medical Center stressed the importance of this project to Alan Schwartz, president of the New York region of Bnai Zion, who greeted the group. A fundraiser for the hospital, attendees also saw a moving video about the role of the hospital on the frontlines of Haifa during the Second Lebanon War.
The Speaker Series Continues
A Briefing on Israel Takes Place On Tuesday, November 15 Bnai Zion was privileged to continue its Speaker Series with a presentation in the Bnai Zion House by David Baker, the senior foreign press coordinator in the office of the prime minister of Israel. Always a popular speaker in New York, Florida and other locations, David gave an overview of the current situation in Israel, touching on the release of Sgt. Gilad Shalit and the exchange of prisoners that took place. He also encouraged the audience to speak out in support of Israel to rebut misinformation in the media. David’s program was well received by a full auditorium of regulars and newcomers, and he graciously answered the many questions of the audience. This series provides an educational angle with dynamic and informative speakers from time to time.
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special events
The Kelly
Dinner Approaches
This Bay area event takes place on January 12 Dennis and Hene Kelly will be honored by their peers at a Bnai Zion dinner on January 12, 2012 in San Francisco. Longtime active members of the labor community, Dennis is the president of United Educators of San Francisco and Hene is a retired teacher. The leadership of the dinner reflects the ethnic, racial and political diversity of the labor movement in San Francisco and throughout the United States.
Dennis & Hene Kelly
dinner
Thursday, January 12, 2012 6pm reception; 7pm program & dinner For reservations and more information call 516 342 5751
Ho norary Co-Chai r pe r so ns Hon. Mark Leno, California State Senate Hon. Leland Y. Yee, Ph.D, California State Senate Hon. Fiona Ma, Speaker Pro Tempore, California State Assembly Hon. Tom Ammiano, California State Assembly Carlos Garcia, San Francisco Unified School District Hon. Dennis Herrera, City Attorney of San Francisco Dr. Amos C. Brown, NAACP Tim Colen, San Francisco Housing Action Coalition Larry Del Carlo, Mission Housing Development Corporation John Burton, California Democratic Party Sheriff Michael Hennessy, Sheriff of San Francisco Hon. David Campos, San Francisco Board of Supervisors Hon. Carmen Chu, San Francisco Board of Supervisors Hon. Malia Cohen, San Francisco Board of Supervisors Hon. Sean Elsbernd, San Francisco Board of Supervisors Hon. Mark Farrell, San Francisco Board of Supervisors Hon. Eric Mar, San Francisco Board of Supervisors D inner Co-Chai r pe r so ns Dr. Terry Bergeson, San Francisco School Alliance Lee Blitch, San Francisco State University Dale Brodsky, Beeson Tayer & Bodine Mike Casey, Unite Here 2 Jerilyn Gelt, Jewish Community Relations Council Richard K. Grosboll, Neyhart, Anderson, Flynn & Grosboll Nathanael Kelly, United Educators of San Francisco AFL-CIO Nathan Ladyzhensky, Mosher Financial Group Joshua Pechthalt, California Federation of Teachers AFL-CIO Dean Jacob Perea, San Francisco State University Linda Festa Plack, United Educators of San Francisco AFL-CIO Edith Salvatore, Sequoia High School Teachers Association Solomon Smith, American Federation of Teachers AFL-CIO Stewart Weinberg, Weinberg Roger & Rosenfeld Dr. Peter Williamson, University of San Francisco J. J. Zablocki, Zablocki Printing Co.
december 2011 VOI CE 21
our projects in israel
the Bnai Zion Medical Center
embraces progess
Forward Vision Spurs the Development of New Programs Advancing Early Detection of Cancer in the Mole Clinic The Mole Clinic has started to provide dermoscopy examinations (also known as epiluminescence microscopy), in which skin lesions are assessed with Dr. Paola Starck a dermatoscope to detect malignant (cancerous) lesions, used particularly in the diagnosis of melanoma. According to Dr. Paola Starck, head of the clinic, the examination is an efficient tool to detect early skin cancer. Research conducted throughout the world has determined that this technique increases the accuracy of diagnosing melanoma from 60% to 90%. Statistics indicate that the incidence of skin cancer in Israel is increasing. With the unique demographic of immigrants from Europe and many other countries, the frequency of skin cancer seen in relation to the population is at second place on a global scale. Individuals
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with light skin, redheads, those with many moles and/or those with family history of skin cancer are all at high risk to develop skin cancer. In this clinic, two separate methods are used to detect and diagnose skin cancer. First, a computerized photo of the entire body is taken, allowing follow up and comparison between pictures taken at different times, to detect changes in moles or new moles. Then, a procedure enlarges the moles 10-15 times so they can be examined and look reviewed for any changes - even slight ones detecting malignant diseases at their first stages. This optical examination is a non-invasive procedure that provides early detection of skin cancer. In most cases, moles are hereditary, but exposure to sun can increase the number of moles on the skin and the presence of many moles correlates to the risk of developing skin cancer like malignant melanoma. Melanoma has several characteristics, including asymmetry, unclear borders of the mole, a reddish color or a multi-color look. Every change in existing moles and/or the arrival of new ones requires a professional examination.
A New Center for Sexually Abused Children Opens The first center in Israel for sexually abused children has just opened at the Bnai Zion Medical Center, necessary because of a significant increase in the number of children who have been abused in the past several years. Haifa was selected as the first city to participate in a pilot program for developing this kind of center in cooperation with the Haifa municipality, the National Insurance Institute, the Ministry of Welfare and Haifa University. The center will operate as part of the Multidisciplinary Center for Incest at
A child’s injury from sexual abuse is comparable to a mass casualty event: it necessitates immediate intervention the hospital. Sexually abused children are already participating in the program, which provides professional therapy to victims from infancy until age 18 and to their families. The center will serve children and adolescents from Haifa and from the suburbs, including Jews and Arabs who previously had no opportunities for treatment until this center. It is important to note that a child’s injury from sexual abuse is comparable to a mass casualty event: It necessitates immediate intervention to prevent long-term repercussions from the injury and to prevent post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The center will include five staff members who specialize in working with children.
Israeli and Palestinian Ophthamologists Meet to Learn A program entitled Mutual Learning is a unique and first cooperative venture for Israeli and Palestinian doctors organized by the Peres Center for Peace. Two hundred Israeli and Palestinian ophthalmologists decided to leave politics to politicians and conducted the first convention of its kind to create a new collaboration between both sides with a genuine desire for mutual sharing and learning. This convention was organized by Prof. Hana Garzuzy, head of ophthalmology who served as the chair of the convention, and Dr. Anan Abaas, head of the genetic eye service, along with the Peres Center and the St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital. Dr. Anan Abaas At this convention doctors presented research on current topics within the field of ophthalmology and had panel discussions to compare the frequency of eye disease between Jews and Arabs, risk factors for eye disease among the Arab-Palestinian population and other relevant subjects. Prof. Garzuzy said that he is very proud of the cooperation that was created and believes this convention could be the basis for future cooperation and perhaps even mutual research. He was happy as well with the attendance of physicians from Hadassah Hospital. Dr. Abaas presented the findings of research conducted at the Bnai Zion Medical Center over the past four decades regarding risk factors for lazy eye and other eye diseases among infants, carried out to detect and treat genetic eye diseases at an early stage. He said he was surprised about the great interest on both sides to share and learn, and is confident that this cooperation will bring results in the near future. The hospital is already reviewing ways for additional cooperation in terms of genetic eye diseases.
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A glimpse into our projects in Israel
How Technology Helps People
Technology plays a major role in advancing the work done at our projects. Learn how each institution that Bnai Zion supports relies on technology to further its goals, and how the value added by technology is recognized and appreciated by many in need.
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our projects in israel at T he B n a i Z ion Medica l Center
E-learning Contributes to Outstanding Healthcare The Bnai Zion Medical Center is a leading hospital in terms of technology, always among the first to use innovative techniques and advanced equipment. The hospital is open to trials of new equipment and technologies and its staff takes pride in providing patients with the latest treatments and updates. State-of-the-art medical equipment or innovative techniques are often the focus of articles about the hospital but another fascinating area of the hospital is its focus on e-learning, characterized by using a computer and the internet. Technology is progressing rapidly to help teach different areas to students, who improve their learning experience via these new tools. As a result of this progress, traditional learning has started to integrate e-learning, a big challenge that requires a conceptual change in the way an organization operates and new expertise to facilitate technology and apply it to be used to empower learning and teaching. In Israel e-learning is well known in schools, mainly among universities. It is different from traditional learning in a few ways, including in the roles of the teacher and student, and in ways of communication and cooperation. E-learning places the learner in the center, encourages development with self-orientation, and fosters the learner to be active and construct knowledge by himself or by herself – all of which empower the learner. As learners differ between themselves in terms of their needs and learning styles, quality e-learning has to be directed to
In Israel e-learning is well known in schools, mainly among universities
compatibility of learning; its attractiveness: E-learning allows virtual building of learning communities that are not limited to time or place. In the past few years, e-learning has become popular in different health organizations. It emphasizes elements of flexibility, decreases costs and can focus on relevant and specific areas and qualifications. E-learning has a significant advantage for the multi-tasking professional who is obliged to be current on a variety of topics. The management of the Bnai Zion Medical Center, aware of the benefits of e-learning, has purchased advanced tools for utilizing it in different areas.The nursing management in the hospital has started to lead this project and concluded a successful assimilation of educational software in the area of basic resuscitation. A special module was developed that includes several stages: a clear and operative definition of the end goals in measurable tools; planning and management – establishing a leading team, planning the assignments, delegation of powers and responsibilities, schedule and required resources; and follow-up and supervision while mapping the promoting and delaying factors of the process. The nursing management group intends to continue promoting e-learning to focus on overcoming challenges and to foster professional development.
students' conditions and needs. The key to improving e-learning is understanding the new role of the teacher within this framework, from a transformer of knowledge to a moderator, negotiator or consultant. There are many advantages of e-learning: flexible learning in terms of time and place; modular learning;its interactive aspect; accessibility; the availability of content and the different modes of learning promote learning satisfaction and ease the task of learning; individual
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our projects in israel at A h ava V il l ag e f or chil dre n & youth
Empowering the Future Generation
At Ahava Village for Children & Youth - where over 200 children ages 6 to 18 from troubled families receive education, care and therapy to help them heal from abuse and neglect – a focus of the many activities offered is expansion of computer knowledge. Ahava staff recognize the need for Ahava graduates to enter adult society on par with other young adults whose lives have been more fortunate and strive to provide the best opportunities to the children there, including instruction with computers and their many applications. Most children at Ahava enjoy spending time at a computer and exploring its possibilities, and all the kids there understand the importance of technology and have a grasp of its widespread and diverse use throughout society. They also understand their future depends on their ability to navigate easily among computer programs.
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Updating computers - whether for use by the children or by staff, installing and utilizing new software, and making more computers available are all costly ventures dependent on generous donor support. Government budgets provide for minimum maintenance of computers at Ahava - without a provision for the acquisition of the quantity necessary to keep Ahava in the forefront of the 21st century and to keep its graduates competitive when they enter the IDF and go on to become self-sufficient citizens. At Ahava, personal empowerment has significant meaning and is all the more challenging for the children there to attain.
At t h e Dav i d Yel l in Aca demic Colle ge of Ed uc at i o n
Telecommunications and Information Sciences Hold Allure for Student Population
Information technology can be found in every area of life, including in the economy, in medicine, in culture and in education and the potential it holds is enormous. Computerized tools and implementation of computer communication help reach learning and teaching objectives of forming methods of thought. The students being trained at the David Yellin Academic College of Education today will meet tomorrow's pupils for whom life is unimaginable without the internet, social networks such as facebook and twitter, blogs and instant messaging. Many students use digital tablet computers, mobile phones that act as regular computers and many more devices. The Israeli educational system furnishes schools all over the country with learning and teaching aiding equipment including a laptop computer for every teacher and a projector and a touch board in every classroom. Therefore, future teachers need to be not only familiar with theory and research supporting or opposing such environments, but they will need to plan teleprocessing activities and gain field experience with the operation of such devices to improve learning and teaching processes, and to speak with tomorrow's pupils at the same level of technological fluency.
The Studies of Telecommunications and Information Sciences in Education program offers students in the College who will become future teachers, academicallyoriented technological familiarity with various multimedia software applications, preparing them to be technological autodidacts and life-long learners, and exposing them to distant learning. Part of the program consists of the following content: • Knowledge of how to search for information over the internet; textual, numerical and graphical processing of this information; integrating it into an academic paper and its presentation in various ways; • Acquaintance with students of information science and teleprocessing (as defined by the Israeli ministry of education) for the various target populations with which the student communicates; • Planning, designing and operating teleprocessing learning units that supplement the curriculum; • Reviewing research and theories of integration of teleprocessing within education; • Content-focused research in a digital environment in which the education students guide junior high school pupils in the College; • Using and taking advantage of digital media as a means of expression and as a teaching aid; • Using computerized tools to help develop a musical aptitude, to aid pupils with special needs to overcome their challenges and limitations; • Distant learning where the teacher and pupil are linked via computer regardless of their locations. This program is part of the philosophy of the College to progress in the ever-changing learning environment and be current with technology.
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our projects in israel at t he Q u i ttma n Center
Supporting Residents with New Tools
Israel Elwyn, the campus where the Quittman Center is situated, utilizes both high and low tech to provide support for people with intellectual and physical challenges in its programs all over Israel. In some cases the technology comes from other sources, but the support providers at Israel Elwyn use a great deal of initiative in creating new tools and new ways to use existing ones that help residents maximize their potential in many areas.
Computers
Computers that have been adapted and made accessible can open up the world for people with intellectual challenges. Within IE's supported living services including at the Quittman Center - individualized programs are created according to each resident's abilities, needs and interests. The computer helps the user develop and enrich thoughts, feelings and speech and to express him or herself. An email address is created for each user so that they can correspond with friends and family and they learn how to share photos and download music. They also watch movies on YouTube and use Word, the internet and other computer features to learn, play and entertain themselves.
The feeling of serenity and wellbeing can lay the foundation for and facilitate learning Personal Communication Computers
Personal communication computers have been adapted for the use of three residents who are unable to communicate verbally. By using these special computers, they are able to indicate their wishes and feelings on the touch screen, which displays a variety of symbols from daily life. The computers can also be used like any other computer for listening to music, viewing movies, etc.
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The Snoezelen Room
Snoezelen, a multi-sensory therapy developed in Holland about 30 years ago, creates an environment that offers balance for people with intellectual disabilities: a pleasant, calming milieu along with physical activity that creates an optimal setting for encouraging introspection and discovery. This contributes to the enhancement of interpersonal and communications skills and to the feeling of serenity and wellbeing, all of which can lay the foundation for and facilitate learning. Ever since the establishment of a Snoezelen room in the Quittman Center over a decade ago, individualized therapy has also been effective in reducing challenging behaviors among residents with varying intellectual levels. Because of its effectiveness, the Snoezelen concept was recently expanded into a complete apartment with similar calming features for a group of residents, and a notable reduction in challenging behavior among these residents has been evident.
I n M a’ al e h A d u mim
Technology Plays Leading Role in Education Education is a top priority in Ma’aleh Adumim, a city of 40,000 that has placed education at the forefront of its municipal agenda. About 10,100 students from all socioeconomic sectors of society study in Ma’aleh Adumim schools. Education includes the initiation and promotion of unique and innovative programs and projects, investment in creating a rich and varied learning environment, and an advanced educational infrastructure featuring state-of-the-art technology to provide children with opportunities to strive and excel in their individual strengths. Vast effort and investment has been put into selecting equipment and furnishing laboratories to enable local students to be competitive and advanced in the 21st century to foster growth and development in the city. Bnai Zion has helped Ma’aleh Adumim provide these computer laboratories that are indispensable to many disciplines.
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
A Perfect Space Private Parties, Events & Meetings december 2011 VOI CE 29
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!
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Best wishes to Our Treasured Friends Ray Patt on your 95th Birthday
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march Voice • Then and now at our projects • Coverage of events taking place in California, Florida, New York and Philadelphia • A special feature on estate planning • A preview of our spring schedule • Photos, commentary and much more!
Supporting humanitarian projects in Israel that benefit thousands in need We help make Israel more vibrant, more innovative, more transformative and more welcoming www.bnaizion.org
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P e ri od i c a l s
the magazine of the bnai zion foundation
Bnai Zion Foundation 136 East 39th Street New York, NY 10016
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