over a hundred years of making a difference
December 2010• Volume 96• No. 2
celebrating the hanukah miracle Kids from Ahava Compete in Art Contest Dallas Gala Benefits the Medical Center A Sparkling Season at the Bnai Zion House Florida Cultivates the Next Generation special feature:
Women at Our Projects
december 2010 contents 3 Making Each Day Count 5 Bnai Zion: Making a Lasting Difference By George W. Schaeffer, President 7 Know When to Let Go By Jack Grunspan Executive Vice President 8
Ma’aleh Adumim: A Special Place in Israel By Mel Parness Executive Vice President Emeritus
New York Region 10 Celebrating Issachar Miron
Southeast Region 13 Honoring Dr. David Marcus 14 David Baker Visits Florida
Texas Region 16 Dallas Gala Benefits the Hospital
SPECIAL EVENTS 18 Honoring David Gitlin
OUR PROJECTS IN ISRAEL 21 Experiencing Ahava Village 22 Making Wonderful Strides at the Medical Center
events in 2011 New York Region
Tuesday, January 11 Benefit for Ahava Village for Children & Youth Jazz with Ofer Assaf and his quintet Saturday night, January 29 Concert with Israeli vocalist Adi Arad
10
Saturday night, February 26 Concert with Israeli group The Doo-Wop Girls Thursday, April 7 Cocktail party and benefit with Frankie's Friends
Southeast Region Wednesday, December 22 Parlor meeting with Benny Kashriel, mayor of Ma’aleh Adumim Wednesday, January 5 WINK event (Women in Networking Know)
24 Art by Kids at Ahava
Sunday, January 16 Allies for Ahava brunch with guests from Ahava Village
26 Special Feature Important Women at Our Projects
Tuesday, January 25 Allies for Ahava networking mixer in Ft. Lauderdale
31 Remembering Susan Samuel
Saturday, March 19 Allies for Ahava Purim Party in Ft. Lauderdale
National
12
12 21
Thursday, January 13 Dinner honoring Lorretta Johnson Baltimore, MD
18 16
national
Note from the Editor
Making Each Day Count by Lisa Paule
Last month my friend Susie Samuel passed away after a long, courageous battle against cancer. A longtime Bnai Zion member and staunch supporter of Israel, Susie believed in making the most of each day and solidly appreciated the “here and now.” A very caring person, Susie was always curious about what was happening at our projects and enjoyed hearing updates about each one, and Israel was always in her heart. We have the good fortune of being able to make the most of each day right now, by contributing to our diverse, wide-reaching projects that make a difference in the lives of so many. The generosity of donors furthers all the programs we support: At the Bnai Zion Medical Center, the acquisition of important, life-saving medical equipment is made possible; at Ahava Village, expanding therapy facilities so children can work through memories of an abusive past is made possible; at the David Yellin College, furthering the education of teachers who will help special-needs children is made possible; at the Quittman Center, providing essentials for this residence for mentallychallenged adults is made possible, and in Ma’aleh Adumim, the construction and appointing of a music conservatory to extend artistic opportunities to all the city’s multi-cultural inhabitants is made possible. Where would you like to help? This issue is dedicated to the memory of Susie Samuel. Please see page 31.
contact us National Office Lisa Paule • 212 725 1211 • lisapaule@bnaizion.org New York Region Cheryl Bier • 212 725 1211 • cheryl.bier@bnaizion.org MID-ATLANTIC REGION Sharona Durry • 267 250 3835 • sharona.durry@bnaizion.org Southeast Region Eileen Glastein • 305 949 0076 • eileen.glastein@bnaizion.org Texas Region Avrille Harris-Cohen • 972 918 9200 • avrille.harris-cohen@bnaizion.org
Enjoying Our Second Annual Cover Illustration Contest Continuing the tradition established last year, we held our second cover illustration contest among the kids at Ahava Village for Children & Youth for this issue, and the winning design was created by Vala G, who is 17 years old. Cultural pursuits are important at Ahava and the majority of residents there take part in either art, music, journalism or other activities that are not only useful for self-expression but also add a creative dimension to life in the Village. Vala plans to study financial management, and hopes to find a good job once her studies are completed. She also wishes Ahava much success in the future. It is lovely for us to have the kids participate in this competition and it is an exciting event for them. A gallery of their illustrations can be found on pages 24-25.
Western Region Benzy Kogen • 818 716 2722 • benzy.kogen@bnaizion.org
december 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
7.7% 8.7% 9.8%
$10,000 $10,000 $10,000
$770 $870 $980
Earn high interest while helping to support Bnai Zion’s life-transforming projects For a confidential Personalized Gift Annuity Proposal, please complete and return the form below. interested in a Personalized Yes, IGiftam Annuity illustration. ❑ Please mail the illustration to me. ❑ Please contact me to arrange an appointment. Name Address City
State
Zip
Editor In Chief Lisa Paule 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 H. Karashoff Photography, Inc. Harel Rintzler Sharon Toll Cover Illustration Vala G, resident at Ahava Village Circulation Manager Rosemary Fletcher
Phone Email Best time to call
Confidential information is needed to complete illustration. Name of person to receive annuity payments:
USPS #546980
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
❑ Semi-Annual
❑ Quarterly
Published quarterly by Bnai Zion Foundation Annual Periodical Subscription: $2 members $5 non members
❑ Monthly
Mail this form to: Jack Grunspan, Executive Vice President Bnai Zion Foundation 136 East 39th Street, New York, NY 10016 212 725 1211 or 800 564 6399 • bnaizion.org
Bnai Zion Voice (ISSN 0884-5565) Periodical postage paid at New York, NY and additional mailing office. Postmaster: Send address change to Bnai Zion Voice 136 East 39th Street New York, NY 10016 phone 212 725 1211 fax 212 684 6327
bnaizion.com bnaizion.org
4
VO I C E december 2010
president
george W. schaeffer
Bnai Zion: Making a Lasting Difference Not so many years ago, together with millions of others, I used to read a magazine called Newsweek. Now each issue is about fifty pages, and has almost no ads. Do you know why this former media giant was sold for one single dollar? Attention spans are short. We’ve been seduced by the quick fix and instant gratification. We want the glitzy splash - the catchy sound bite from the A-list actress doing relief work in Uganda. These days, if it’s not sexy, we don’t want it. A lot of charities have jumped onto the sexy bandwagon. They have Hollywood golf tournaments, red carpet fundraisers, digital contests and trendy marketing tie-ins with everything from lip gloss to airlines. But at Bnai Zion, just being sexy just doesn’t cut it. There’s nothing ‘instant’ or ‘glitzy’ about what we do. We just get up every day, as we have for over a hundred years, and quietly make a huge impact on people’s lives. We safely and successfully bring new, fragile lives into the world in the neo-natal ward of the Bnai Zion Medical Center; we replace children’s fear with security and love at Ahava Village for Children & Youth; we give mentally- and
physically-challenged young adults at the Quittman Center at Israel Elwyn the chance to live productive, fulfilling, and independent lives; we enrich childhoods with the chance to read, explore new cultures, and study music and dance through the Library of Peace and Music Conservatory at Ma’aleh Adumim; and we teach educators at the David Yellin Academic College of Education how to make lasting, life-long differences in students’ lives. Sometimes you can’t just press a button or send a text; you have to touch them - and I don’t mean virtually. At Bnai Zion we make real friends, friends filled with gratitude and hope, friends that last a lifetime - not just the kind you find on Facebook. Sexy isn’t everything. I wish all of you a very happy holiday and a great New Year.
We replace children’s fear with security and love at Ahava Village
Our Website Is Ideal for Updates and Year-end Gifts Go to bnaizion.org to get the latest information about our organization, to see enhanced photo galleries with images from our recent events, to learn about Bnai Zion activities taking place nationwide, and to make online contributions. Please check back from time to time! december 2010 VOI C E 5
executive vice president
jack grunspan
Know When to Let Go Morris had the house for 25 years, renting to many tenants over the course of time. The neighborhood was going downhill and Morris felt it was time to let go. Unfortunately, Uncle Sam wasn’t making letting go so easy. You see, the house, currently worth $500,000, had depreciated over the years and Morris’ cost basis was down to nothing. This meant that if he were to sell the house for $500,000, more than $100,000 would be lost to Capital Gains Tax (combined Federal, State, and City). Although the building was only netting about $25,000 per year, by selling it he would only have $400,000 left to invest. And even if he could be assured of a constant 5% return on his money, he would only be getting $20,000 per year. Now what? Morris called Bnai Zion to see if they had any solutions and was given the opportunity to establish a Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust (CRAT) using the building as the asset, and here is what happened. By transferring the house to a CRAT, Morris avoided paying any Capital Gains Tax. Therefore, the trust has $500,000 to invest rather than $400,000. The trust was established to pay 5% interest annually to his daughter for 20 years. This setup guarantees a return of his investment of $500,000 to be paid to the daughter or her beneficiary ($500,000 x 5% x 20 years). In addition to avoiding a $100,000 Capital Gains Tax bill, Morris benefits from a Charitable Tax Deduction of approximately $100,000. Being in a 35% tax bracket, this gives Morris an additional $35,000 tax deduction, for a total tax savings of $135,000. “But,” Morris asks, “what about my grandson?” “No problem,” says Bnai Zion.
Morris will take $100,000 of his tax savings (leaving him a $35,000 savings) and use it to buy a one-time premium payment of life insurance on his daughter’s life, naming the grandson as the beneficiary. This premium will purchase approximately $650,000 of life insurance. So, to summarize, Morris could have sold the house, paid the $100,000 in Capital Gains Tax, and be left with $400,000 to invest. His other choice, which is what he decided to do, is transfer the house to a CRAT, get guaranteed income for 20 years of $25,000 per year, get a life insurance policy paying his grandson $650,000 upon the demise of his daughter, and net a tax savings of $35,000. Definitely time to let it go!
For your unique financial dilemma, to see if Bnai Zion can help, please contact Jack Grunspan, executive vice-president, for a confidential discussion at 800 564 6399.
Coming in the March Voice • Information about annual Russian Division Celebration • Coverage of dinner in honor of Lorretta Johnson • Allies for Ahava update on Mission Ahava 2011 • The latest from our projects in Israel and much, much more!
december 2010 VOI C E 7
executive vice president emeritus
mel parness
Ma’aleh Adumim:
A Special Place in Israel In the last 40 years, since my first trip to Israel, I have been all over the country, more than once. I am always excited to visit new places or return to places I have seen before and can see the changes that have occurred. The growth of Israel is testimony to the spirit and will of our brethren and the challenges they face daily. No place in the world has done as much as Israel has for the betterment of mankind, under such strenuous circumstances, and surrounded by people who want to see it destroyed. Let me tell you my impressions of Ma’aleh Adumim, a special place. This wonderful city located about ten minutes from Jerusalem is home to almost 40,000 people and it is constantly growing. Barely 35 years old, the city was established in 1975 by then-Prime Minister Rabin as part of a protective belt around Israel’s capital. The importance of Ma’aleh Adumim transcends party lines and all major parties have endorsed its strategic value. After meeting the dynamic and personable mayor of this city, Benny Kashriel, the leadership of our organization decided to build a new and modern library for the citizens of the city and the surrounding towns. This valuable educational component, the Bnai Zion Library of Peace, became a major undertaking and was completed a few years ago.
The growth of Israel is testimony to the spirit and will of our brethren in spite of the challenges they face daily. Education and culture for the community’s ten thousand children is of such great importance to the mayor and the city council that a major portion of the budget is devoted to such projects as teaching music, science and technology in the more than sixty schools
8
VO I C E december 2010
and one college within the city. The new high school for space and aeronautics is affiliated with the airforce and students with the highest level of academic achievement vie to attend this pathway to success. Construction of the new George W. Schaeffer Music Conservatory has begun. Aspiring musicians of all levels will train there. The city also has become a home for immigrants from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia, as well as from Europe and the United States. Last year, more than forty families from the United States settled in Ma’aleh Adumim. Twice the city has won the national prize for environmental quality, and it continues to invest in parks and playgrounds. In the industrial section there are almost two hundred companies of all kinds providing jobs not only to residents, but also to over 1,500 Palestinians in towns in the area. Whenever you visit Israel, you must make time to go to Ma’aleh Adumim! You will come away with the same kind of respect for and wonder at the accomplishments of a handful of people, in a short period of time, under adverse circumstances. Seeing this magnificent city, beautifully planned and built, with so many green areas, educational and cultural facilities, you will, I am sure, agree that it is a special place in a special country.
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.
new york
region
Bnai Zion Speaker Series Continues Dr. Yoel Rappel Discusses the Influence of the Kibbutz
Israeli Legend Rivka Zohar Comes to Bnai Zion On Saturday night, November 6, Israeli sensation Rivka Zohar performed at the Bnai Zion House in her only New York-area concert. A renowned vocalist with a commanding presence, Rivka moved the audience with her repertoire of favorite Israeli songs that the overflow crowd enthusiastically appreciated. Although out of public view for two decades, Rivka has returned to the stage, resuming her role as an icon of Israeli music. New York region board member Avri Fuchs welcomed her, and along with compelling musical accompaniment, Rivka made an unforgettable appearance that will be treasured by all those who attended for a long time to come.
Helping the Hospital Dr. Yoel Rappel, director of the Elie Wiesel Archive at Boston University, presented an illuminating portrait of the kibbutz infrastructure on September 28, the hundredth anniversary of the kibbutz establishment in Israel. A festive day to recognize the many contributions of the kibbutz to Israeli education, culture, the economy, the military and other areas, Dr. Rappel’s talk encompassed an historical overview and then an assessment of the many ways the kibbutz has provided exceptional value to the state. An evolving testament to the creative, hard-working visionaries who built the kibbutz network, the kibbutz remains a beacon of Israeli society and its many accomplishments resonate throughout all sectors of Israeli life. Dr. Rappel is a senior editor at the Israel Broadcasting Authority (radio), the author of 22 books on Judaism and Israel, and a lecturer at Beth Berl College and at the Avshalom Institute for Israel Studies. Entertainment following this presentation was provided by Israeli vocalist Ruti Cohen, accompanied by two musicians, who all serenaded the audience with nostalgic songs from their youth.
Shelley and Martin Kilcoyne opened their home to Dr. Amnon Rofe, CEO of the Bnai Zion Medical Center, during his autumn visit to the United States. Shelley, a third-generation Bnai Zion supporter and her husband were joined by friends and Shelley's parents, Eleanor and Aaron Ignal, both national vice-presidents of Bnai Zion, who presented Dr. Rofe with a check for $25,000 toward the new protected emergency unit to be built at the hospital. Dr. Rofe with Eleanor Ignal
december 2010 VOI C E 9
new york
region
Celebrating the Maestro of Popular Israeli Music A Tribute Concert is Held for Composer Issachar Miron
Over two hundred guests enjoyed a special reception and concert in honor of the 90th birthday of music icon Issachar Miron on Sunday, October 10 at the Bnai Zion House. The concert featured an impressive array of entertainers who came together to fete this milestone, including jazz great Frank Owens, the versatile Kenny Karen, and others. Miron, creator of the hit song Tzena Tzena Tzena Tzena, is one of the most revered figures of modern folk, instrumental Klezmer and Jewish liturgical music and remains a major cultural force in the Jewish and musical worlds. Co-chaired by Elie Wiesel, Pete Seeger and Bel Kaufman, with honorary chair Ambassador Uri Bar-Ner, the event was a benefit for musical programs in Ma’aleh Adumim.
10 VO I C E december 2010
An Interview with
Issachar Miron You composed your first opera in Polish at age 15. What was your inspiration to go toward music? My parents inspired me. My mother was a wonderful pianist and my father, an ordained rabbi, was playing violin wonderfully and playing for his soul. This is the background I grew up in. So when other kids had other dreams of perhaps visiting Mars, my dreams were playing instruments and composing. And whatever song I wrote in those days was immediately performed in the community. How did you meet your wife Tsipora? There is a Yiddish expression beshert, meaning ‘destined.’ When I finally reached the shores of Israel after almost three months at sea in a refugee ship, I met a friend from Warsaw who invited me to a gathering of Polish Jews who arrived to Palestine. An orchestra was playing, and the band leader said we have with us two extraordinarily talented pianists. He presented Tsipora, who conquered the audience with her brilliance. We were introduced, and here we are after 71 years, still loving and admiring one another. You came to New York in the early 60s. What were you attracted to in New York that was different from life in Israel? We came to NY because our daughter Ruthy was a phenomenal pianist who won a scholarship and was accepted at Julliard. My wife came and stayed with Ruthy for a year; it was very difficult to be apart from her. But when I came to the U.S., a miracle happened. Mills Music in those days represented the greatest – Duke Ellington and in the Jewish world, Shalom Secunda and they had an international reputation. I was introduced to Jack Mills, the president of the company, and he offered me a general contract. In those days they took talented writers, gave them a salary and the writers had to first offer to Mills what they had written and to no one else. I was offered a three-year contract with Mills Music, which I cannot understand to this very day!
You were in the Palestine Buffs Regiment of the British Army in 1941 when you composed Tzena Tzena Tzena Tzena. How did that song gain international recognition? Tzena Tzena had the magic created by two elements: the lyrics were very melodically conceived and I was inspired by the music of the lyrics. Immediately all the soldiers were singing – no matter what culture they were from. Kids in the streets in Tel Aviv and Rishon LeTzion started to sing when they saw Jewish boys in the British Army marching. Then Pete Seeger sang it and was so enchanted with the melody that he brought it to Village Gate where he was singing with the Weevers. His first recordings of this song were in Hebrew. One day a very important musician named Gordon Jenkins - the music director of Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Judy Garland and others - came to the Village Gate. He asked Pete Seeger if he knew what a phenomenal song he had. Gordon Jenkins then wrote the words in English that became popular in the world. In addition to Jewish and Israeli causes, are there are other areas you care about? I think we’re created and given the opportunity to live on this planet as civilized, caring individuals. I think this is the tradition of our religion, but I’m not speaking about religion. Humanity is at a higher level than noble expressions of human life like religion, nation, and belief. It is a divine commandment to be kind one to another and create a world for every living thing. And being the only survivor of my entire family, I consider this as an article of belief. I think that peace is not a luxury or intellectual expression, but rather an essential thing which must be achieved for our own survival. This might be surprising to hear from a survivor of the Holocaust who lost everybody, but possibly because of this, I feel so strongly that we always have to try, even in the greatest adversity, ways to cooperate and respect others.
december 2010 VOI C E 11
new york
region
A Budding Artist Gets Launched at Bnai Zion Painter Abby Miller debuted her collection of scenic, abstract oil images at a reception at the Bnai Zion House on November 16. Her colorful paintings - redolent of her visits to different islands and most recently to Tanzania – will grace the walls of the Bnai Zion lobby and gallery through December. Her first opening was attended by a large group of art aficionados, who enthusiastically viewed her pieces and learned more about Bnai Zion. Returning guest vocalist Lilach Koch dazzled the audience with her American and Israeli repertoire in the café following the reception.
Join us at a spectacular trio of
Concerts with Fantastic Israeli Performers Special Benefit for Ahava Village for Children & Youth Tuesday evening, January 11, 7pm Guest speaker from Ahava, followed by jazz saxophonist Ofer Assaf & His Quintet
Saturday night, January 29, 8:30pm The unparalleled vocalist Adi Arad
Saturday night, February 26, 9pm The popular band The Doo-Wop Girls
at the Bnai Zion House • 136 East 39th Street • New York, NY 10016
For reservations & info go to bnaizion.org or call 212 725 1211, ext. 6222 rsvp@bnaizion.org
12 VO I C E december 2010
southeast
region
Dr. David Marcus receives our Distinguished Humanitarian Award A pediatrician and partner in Pediatric Associates, Dr. Marcus is a well-respected and admired member of the Boca Raton community, as was proven by those in attendance at the dinner held in his honor on November 15. Surrounded by family and friends, accolades were given to this remarkable individual who has made a lifetime career of helping children, both through his practice and through visits he has made to third-world countries to assist in his medical capacity. The proceeds of the evening will go toward the new pediatric surgery department at the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa.
december 2010 VOI C E 13
southeast
region
Guest Dignitary Attracts Big Crowds in South Florida David Baker returns for another round of speaking engagements
D
avid Baker, the senior foreign press coordinator in the office of the prime minister of Israel returned to Florida to update several groups on the current situation in Israel, discuss the perception of Israel in the media, and answer questions from inquiring attendees. At the Broken Sound Men’s Club in Boca Raton, 180 people turned out to listen to David’s presentation and field questions. Stan Morganbesser, the club’s What’s Up chairperson, recruited the entire community to hear this update. This was one of the largest crowds ever gathered by the Men’s Club. David attended another event in the same area in the Les Jardins community, where, as part of an ongoing program, the America-Israel Chamber of Commerce hosted a reception for business people who have an interest in Israel and often conduct business in both countries. The third event at which David spoke was unusual - even for him. Living in south Florida are many Israelis, and David had the opportunity to address a hundred women who speak Hebrew as their first language and who get together regularly through Forum Nashim. This was not only a very informative program, but it was one in which the range of comments and questions posed to David by the audience was extensive as well. David Baker, an impressive and knowledgeable speaker, was enthusiastically received by all audiences.
14 VO I C E december 2010
Allies for Ahava Launches Recruitment in Aventura
Allies for Ahava, a dedicated group of young professionals who have bonded together to raise money for Ahava Village for Children & Youth held a kick-off event in October at Ocean Prime in Aventura that was very well attended. Allies for Ahava are taking over the local scene when it comes to younger people making a difference in the world. Recruiting delegates to fundraise, Allies requires each delegate to raise $5,000 for Ahava, which will entitle the delegate to participate in Ahava Mission 2011 to Israel, and visit Ahava.
Aventura Expo Welcomes a Crowd Over eighty people came to this annual event held by the Aventura Marketing Council at Christine Lee’s Restaurant at the Gulfstream Racetrack and Casino. A good source for donor prospects and other leads that can help Bnai Zion, last year the expo brought us together with Kimberly Cohen, the Allies for Ahava president. We will follow up on those we met this time and see how they can become supporters of our organization.
Bnai Zion Represented at Charity Poker Event The Charity Poker Tournament at the Mardi Gras Casino sponsored by Aventura Marketing Council was a big success. Bnai Zion had seven players: Claudio Stivelman, Shefaor Developers; Gerald Schwartz, southeast region president; Arthur Barr, Barr and Associates, and his brother Mike from New York; Andrew Sossin, the Sossin Group; Evan Brody, Brody Associates; and Shalom of Aventura Hospital. Bnai Zion came in third from all the charities. Our guys were exceptional players and everyone enjoyed the evening. Gerald Schwartz said, “Having fun while making money for Bnai Zion is win-win all around.”
Bnai Zion Promotes Planned Giving Program The Jewish Journal’s Young At Heart expo, where Bnai Zion had a booth, took place at Boca Town Center for two days. Our booth highlighted our Planned Giving programs, focusing on tax benefits that can be obtained. We hope this expo will bring forth new clients who will be interested in the various planned giving opportunities through Bnai Zion.
december 2010 VOI C E 15
texas
region
Dallas Gala Benefits the Bnai Zion Medical Center
T
o a room full of family, friends, and admirers, Bnai Zion had the privilege of honoring two outstanding citizens of Dallas: Rabbi Hanan Schelsinger and Dr. Brian M. Cohen. The evening was dedicated to raising funds for the new protected emergency room to be built at the Bnai Zion Medical Center, and more than $100,000 was raised at the live auction. The mayor of Dallas presented a proclamation from the city and Rabbi Gershon was outstanding as the featured keynote speaker. Kudos to the director and board of the Texas region for a job well done.
16 VO I C E december 2010
december 2010 VOI C E 17
special events
David Gitlin Recipient of Bnai Zion Award
S
urrounded by family, friends and colleagues, David Gitlin, partner at Blank Rome LLP, received the Distinguished Humanitarian Award from the Bnai Zion Foundation (bnaizion.org) on November 1 in Philadelphia. At this festive and meaningful event, Rabbi Neil S. Cooper of Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El and the Honorable Daniel Kutner, Consul General of Israel for the mid-Atlantic region spoke beautifully about David. Dr. Amnon Rofe, the Chief Executive Officer of the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa, Bnai Zion’s premier project,
18 VO I C E december 2010
came from Israel to honor David and was joined by Liora Kalish, chairperson of the Friends Association of the Bnai Zion Medical Center. Jack Grunspan, executive vice president of Bnai Zion served as master of ceremonies. Honored for his outstanding contributions to Israel, David has years of experience representing Israeli clients, close ties to the Israeli business community and a comprehensive understanding of the business and legal needs of Israeli companies based in the U.S. He is a past president of the America-Israel Chamber of Commerce, central Atlantic region.
december 2010 VOI C E 19
special events
Dr. Lorretta Johnson to be honored at � Dinner in Baltimore Dr. Loretta Johnson, the executive vice president of the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, will be honored at a dinner in Baltimore on Thursday, January 13 at Beth Tfiloh Congregation. Previously an AFT vice president for 30 years, Dr. Johnson also served as president of the Baltimore Teachers Union’s paraprofessional chapter for 35 years and as president of AFT-Maryland for 17 years. She also holds leadership positions with the Maryland Metropolitan Council AFL-CIO, the Maryland State AFL-CIO, the Municipal Employees Credit Union in Baltimore, the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI), and with the Baltimore chapters of APRI and the NAACP. Dr. Johnson was honored as 2005 Labor Leader of the Year by the Maryland Democratic Party, Ebony included her in an article entitled Blacks of Influence in Unions, and she is the recipient of awards from the United Way, from the Maryland State AFL-CIO, and from the paraprofessional chapter of the Baltimore Teachers Union. Proceeds from the dinner will go to Ahava Village for Children & Youth.
Dr. Lorretta Johnson
dinner
Thursday, January 13, 2011 at Beth Tfiloh Congregation in Baltimore 6pm cocktails 7pm program & dinner For reservations and more information call 516 342 5751
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
20 VO I C E december 2010
A Perfect Space Private Parties, Events & Meetings
our projects in israel
First Impressions
at Ahava Village for Children & Youth by Anne Jaron
Within Ahava Village for Children & Youth are children from northern Israel sent there by the courts to protect them from neglect, emotional and sexual abuse in their homes. With its residential school with a profit-generating garden, animal therapy facilities, emergency residence, and services to young adults and IDF-soldier graduates of the village, Ahava generates an atmosphere of hope and optimism, skill and compassion. One of the most popular areas for the children at Ahava is the animal therapy facility, housing horses, goats, rabbits, dogs, guinea pigs, a chinchilla and a snake named Ahuva – meaning Beloved in English. When I visited in October, Ahuva was being cared for by a young man and I felt the trust that had been instilled in him through this animal relationship. I wondered how much effort on the part of the staff it had taken to restore that trust to this young man. It is touching that the community in Kiryat Bialik has also stepped in to help. A local orchid grower and his workers built a greenhouse and he continues to supply plants for the children to raise and sell. He also constructed a walkway in the animal facility – all without fanfare or recognition. That’s Israel! When I visited, the head of the emergency services facility, Gil, was talking with a parent who had just returned with his two sons from an off-premises visit. Gil was conciliatory to the father as he welcomed the children back and I marveled at the skill it takes to maintain this very unnatural yet necessary separation of parent and child. Although I spent four hours visiting Ahava, there is still much more to be seen - and felt - on another visit. Anne Jaron is a member of the Bnai Zion Vegetarians in New York.
december 2010 VOI C E 21
our projects in israel
Making Wonderful Strides
at the Bnai Zion Medical Center
What a Rofe! Rofe means doctor in Hebrew
After a decade of managing the Bnai Zion Medical Center, the CEO, Dr. Amnon Rofe cannot sit back until the new protected emergency room is built, and he warns about the shortage of hospital beds and lack of doctors in the Haifa area. With a resume including more than twenty years of hospital management (prior to the Medical Center he managed Carmel hospital), Dr. Rofe is a gynecologist and the proud grandfather of two, and he has no problem being the most experienced among all the government hospital managers. “When people ask me what am I most proud of, I reply that we strive to provide the best, most professional and advanced medical care along with a personal touch and a caring environment. The patient comes to the hospital full of fears and anxieties, and human care is an integral part of the treatment. Thus, according to surveys
22 VO I C E december 2010
conducted by the health insurance companies, we are the first choice of patients in northern Israel.” Dr. Rofe continued, “We need to stand out in the excellent areas we developed over the years. General hospitals don’t have development budgets, and most of the building and procurement of advanced medical equipment is done thanks to donations. In the last decade, we managed to open a new and spacious pediatric surgery department and completely renovated the maternity department. During the Second Lebanon War we were building a new intensive care unit for neonates, when a rocket landed just fifty meters from the hospital. As our building faces north, we are very exposed to Syria and Lebanon, so we changed the windows of this unit to be bullet-proof at a cost of $200,000. We have also developed our cardiac rehabilitation, our plastic surgery department, and our urology department, which is known internationally.” He continued, “We also focus on other services for the community;, such as our Child Development Center that provides treatment for children with neurological problems, with hearing difficulties, and for blind and visually-impaired children, where we offer special daycare for blind infants customized to their needs.”
The staff is very proud about their experience in laparoscopic hernia repair
Laparoscopic Surgery benefits a Premature Infant The hospital is first to offer this technique
For the first time in Israel, laparoscopic surgery designed to save the ovary of pre-term baby weighing 4 lbs. (1.8kg) was performed by Dr. Igor Sukhotnik, a senior physician in the hospital’s pediatric surgery department who specialized in laparoscope surgeries among babies and pre-term babies in the USA. Laparoscopic surgery can protect the opening of the stomach, prevents infections and scars, and requires less pain relief medication. Exclusive to northern Israel, the Medical Center’s pediatric surgery department has started to implement this type of surgery in children. According to Dr. Sukhotnik, this particular procedure is unique, as there is no knowledge regarding this kind of surgery in a preterm weighing so little. In addition, the fact that the infant’s belly-button was still connected allowed installation of the camera through it, and thereby avoided even a small scar. The surgery succeeded and the ovary of this pre-term baby was saved. Two months ago a similar surgery in a baby girl just three hours old weighing nearly 7 pounds was performed and that procedure was successful as well. Dr. Sukhotnik recently returned from a six-month specialization in the United States in the field of laparoscope surgeries in babies, pre-term babies and children, which was provided by a prestigious scholarship sponsored by Stanford University. He explains that the technique he learned allows the performance of different kinds of surgeries in babies that until now, were previously done with an incision, requiring longer recovery. The hospital allows patients to choose the technique they prefer - laparoscope or open incision - after presenting them with the advantages and disadvantages of each. The procedures performed through laparoscopic surgery include appendectomy, gall bladder removal, and others. The staff is very proud about their experience in laparoscopic hernia repair, considered a ‘simple’ surgery, but with this technique, with less probability of bleeding of the testis. Dr. Sukhotnik says that the major advantage of laparoscopic surgery is small cuts with a better cosmetic result, and the ability via surgery to install a camera that can examine and reveal if there are additional problems that were previously unseen. In addition, fewer infections can occur and patients require less pain relief.
The Hospital Acquires an Advanced Dialysis Machine It is the only one in Haifa
The Medical Center recently purchased innovative equipment for the nephrology department and is only the third institution in Israel to acquire this device, which provides treatment mainly to patients who come to nephrology from the intensive care unit. The major advantage of the new machine is that it can prevent some side effects of dialysis, such as a decrease in blood pressure, rendering dialysis much more effective. Progress will be monitored. Dr. Shimon Shtorch, head of the nephrology department, believes that if this advanced machine will really improve the conditions of dialysis patients, consideration will be given to purchasing more devices.
december 2010 VOI C E 23
our projects in israel
Celebrating the
Miracle of Hanukah Kids at Ahava Village for Children & Youth participate in our second annual cover illustration contest
michael m
Age 10, he likes football, painting and craftwork, and he enjoys all the group activities at Ahava. He hopes to become a pilot and that everything will be fine in his life.
moshe k
Age 12, he likes participating in sports – especially football – and enjoys watching TV.
24 VO I C E december 2010
danny
Age 7, he likes computer applications and football, and enjoys group activities at Ahava. He hopes to stay at Ahava for a long time and to eventually be in a place where he feels good.
ziv a
Age 16, he is studying architecture and enjoys technology. He enjoys being able to participate in music and sports at Ahava, and appreciates the help he gets with his homework and the staff in his home unit. He looks forward to graduating from high school.
Chen
Age 13, Chen enjoys spending time with friends, painting, singing, dancing and eating and particularly loves being in the music choir, a special project at Ahava for girls.
gabriel f
Age 13, he likes football, other sports, photography and computer applications. He enjoys the group activities at Ahava, and likes the staff. He hopes to become a football player or photographer and to have a good life.
december 2010 VOI C E 25
Ke re n
Sara
Important Women at our projects
How these distinguished individuals are helping to advance the goals at the Bnai Zion Medical Center, at Ahava Village for Children & Youth, at the Quittman Center, at the David Yellin Academic College of Education and in Ma’aleh Adumim
Gabi
Mich al
Aya
Keren Kabiry
Executive Director Friends of Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa
Sara Peleg
Educational Coordinator Ahava Village for Children & Youth
I am 38 years old, married to Erez and mother to Orr (4), with another baby boy on the way. With a master’s degree in public management and a bachelor’s degree in educational management and English, both from the University of Haifa, I have been working in the hospital for eight years. I came to this job by accident but taught myself by reviewing materials and strategizing how this job could be done. Responsible for fundraising in Israel and abroad, Friends of Bnai Zion Medical Israel was founded in 1976 to raise critical funds to keep the hospital on the cutting edge of technology and enable us to consistently provide the best medical care. This private support allows us to make the required investment in infrastructure improvements, acquire the most advanced medical equipment, and to support the development programs of the hospital. I am in charge of organizing fundraising events and projects, including a unique women’s club with benefits and activities throughout the year, and applying for grants, obtaining donations from patients and families after their release from the hospital, writing marketing materials, and daily communication and updates with our offices in the U.S. and Canada.
I’ve worked at Ahava for the last eleven years, starting my relationship there as a counselor a few hours a week as a college student. With a bachelor’s and master’s degree social work, and certification studies in coaching and art therapy, prior to working at Ahava I worked with children and youth in schools as a leader of group discussions on identity – personal identity, Israeli identity and Jewish identity. As a social worker I was working mostly with the children of economically-challenged families, which I found very interesting and helpful to my professional development. I love working at Ahava. At the last four years I have also been working at Oranim educational college as a lecturer, and teach in a special BA program for working with children and youth at risk. Ahava is my relationship to the field, to the people and to the hearts of the kids. Part of my job is to bring knowledge to Ahava: to develop and bring theory to the daily activities so the kids will benefit further from a professional framework. What I love most is the connection between ‘my room’ and changing someone’s life: from making a child smile more, to helping him with his self esteem, to giving him the tools for a better life as an adult. I love working with the kids (which
The most fulfilling aspect about my work is seeing my efforts pay off. Accomplishing the mission means raising money for a cause that benefits the patients - the people of Haifa. It is also very inspiring, as the needs are so diverse, and after achieving one goal, you always think about the next project. There are no dull moments! Bnai Zion Foundation has been the biggest supporter of the hospital for many years. We have done amazing projects together that have helped the hospital grow and develop into a leading medical facility in northern Israel. Bnai Zion Foundation helps us and stands by our side in every project we take.
I do less and less), knowing they will benefit in their development and growth. Another part of my role here is working with Bnai Zion and other donors to promote the great work we are doing in Ahava and illuminate the needs of the village. Working with Bnai Zion is wonderful; knowing there are other people across the sea that believe in our goal of doing as much as we can for these children and youth is fulfilling. We can keep dreaming about giving more, raising the quality of life for the children here, building them decent rooms and offering them a real chance in their development.
december 2010 VOI C E 27
Aya Roth
Director, Israel Elwyn’s Supported Living Services The Quittman Center (at Israel Elwyn)
I have worked at Israel Elwyn for over nine years. While studying toward a bachelor’s in behavioral science at the Yezreel Valley College, followed by a master’s in clinical criminology at Bar-Ilan University, I focused on working with children. This included teaching extra-curricular classes in psychology at high schools on behalf of Haifa University, working with at-risk youngsters, and coaching disadvantaged parents during the first year of their baby’s life.
I came to Israel Elwyn as a case manager at one of IE’s supported living centers. For the last three years I’ve been director of Israel Elwyn’s supported living services in Jerusalem, which includes the Quittman Center. The wide variety of work that my job entails is very enjoyable, and most satisfying of all is the change in perception and observation in the staff and in the community as an ongoing process. Especially pleasing is the change that has been implemented on the subject of physical pain. Because people with intellectual disabilities often do not report pain, it can go unrecognized, untreated and unrelieved. In the past year, we increased awareness of this situation, with the result that staff relate to pain symptoms, even when the sufferer does not complain verbally.
28 VO I C E december 2010
The concept of free choice has also received increased emphasis, as has building relations with the community. As part of these bridge-building efforts, students in various disciplines (medicine, nursing and dentistry) come to Israel Elwyn to learn about disabilities and to meet with residents. Sometimes this is the first time a student has a face-to-face encounter with individuals with disabilities. Residents of the supported living services also meet with members of the community, which includes ongoing programs with adults and children from synagogue groups, schools and even the Birthright program. One of our important projects has been the renovation of our buildings, including the Quittman Center. This 40-year old structure was built according to a residential approach that is now outdated. The building has been renovated to provide its residents with greater privacy and normalcy, giving the apartments a strong feeling of home. We are grateful to Bnai Zion for its continuing commitment to helping people with disabilities live a more dignified and fulfilling life.
Gabriela Bar Zakai
Deputy and Acting Mayor Ma’aleh Adumim
A registered nurse with a master’s degree in public health and community medicine from Hebrew University, I have been the deputy and acting mayor of Ma’aleh Adumim since 1994. In my role here, I am responsible for a wide range of municipal activities that include managing the health, social welfare and city beautification portfolios and the project A Healthy City, as well as the development of the municipal mental health services, the promotion of social equality for women and equality between the sexes, the establishment of a therapy center for exceptional children, which helps them integrate into the community, and the creation of programs for special needs children.
I also serve on the financial assistance committee, the municipal steering committee, the public board for environmental quality, the sub-committee for city building, the steering committee for aliyah and absorption, and on the municipal finance committee. Ma’aleh Adumim is a vibrant, diverse community that prides itself on offering opportunities for every resident. I am privileged to be a part of its positive development and participate in helping build its society to reach that ideal. We appreciate everything that Bnai Zion is doing to help enhance our beautiful city and look forward to a continued relationship for years to come.
Michal Goshczini
Director of the Public Relations and Resource Development Department The David Yellin Academic College of Education
I am a 40 year-old single mother with a terrific 14½- year-old son. With a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, my work for David Yellin College began almost five years ago. Previously I worked for the Jerusalem Foundation and Israel Museum for 14 years, where I was the personal assistant and spokesperson for the late Teddy Kollek, the former mayor of Jerusalem who chaired the Jerusalem Foundation and was president and founder of the Israel Museum. So I had the best teacher ever to learn how to fundraise! Teddy always saw education as one of the most important mechanisms for change. And I feel very lucky to be part of the educational effort in such a unique setting as David Yellin, where teachers are created and where the ideals of education for sustainability and work for the community are instilled, to help shape our future Israeli society. One of things I like most about the college are its humanistic and pluralist values. When I walk around the campus, I see a diverse population of religious and secular Jews, Christian and Muslim Arabs, new immigrants, students with all sorts of disabilities, students learning pet-assisted therapy who bring their dogs, and more, all living in peace and harmony. Another aspect very close to my heart is the work for the community. The college has developed several amazing projects to help the community, for which financial resources are needed, including the Empowerment for Women project, in which women from poor socio-economic backgrounds study for
a bachelor’s degree to become self-empowered and employable; another course integrates people with different disabilities; an excellent program is Yahad Morim (Teachers Together), which trains volunteers with academic degrees to help in schools; or the project for training Ethiopian professionals to counsel Ethiopian parents and families and help them integrate more readily in society. And there are many more. We also help students who need financial assistance and every scholarship is gratefully received. I want to thank the Bnai Zion Foundation and its members for all that they do for Israel and its citizens. We are fortunate to be chosen as a Bnai Zion project and we are grateful for this support, which enables us to continue offering some of our activities. We wish all of us many more years of productive work together!
december 2010 VOI C E 29
ADIR TECH Air Conditioning Heating Refrigeration Sales, Service, Engineering, Installation
800 797 2347
Make Your Internet Searches Count! Whenever you do an online search, Bnai Zion can benefit. With our branded search page and search toolbar powered by leading search engines, we can obtain revenue derived as an affiliate commission from advertisements. This is provided at no cost to the user and is very user-friendly. Please access this link to sign up – and start helping Bnai Zion immediately: http://bnaizion.good-click.com/JoinUs.aspx
30 VO I C E december 2010
Remembering Susan
Samuel
by Jack Grunspan
“Shalom. Bnai Zion. How can I help you?” That's how you were greeted 36 years ago when Susan Samuel (fondly known as Susie Switchboard) would answer the phones at Bnai Zion. Susie quickly endeared herself to everyone she met, immediately becoming one of your best friends. Whatever was asked of her, whether personal or business, she did with a smile and full heart. She especially endeared herself to her beloved husband Larry, whom she met at Bnai Zion and who, unfortunately, was also taken from us way too soon. Susie struggled valiantly against cancer, always facing the surgeries and treatments with a positive outlook and encouraging so many others who shared the disease to fight with her (through the Tough Cookies and other groups), but alas was not able to win her final battle. During her life she brought up two wonderful children, Lisa and Scott, mostly as a single parent, and was there on a daily basis to selflessly care for her aging parents. Her children certainly have a wonderful role model to follow. To our dear friend who always told us "Shalom", we say to you, Shalom, go in peace. You will be terribly missed. To participate in the permanent memorial that will be established in Israel in the name of Susie & Larry Samuel, please send contributions to: Bnai Zion - Samuel Fund • 136 East 39th Street • New York, NY 10016
editor’s note: Susie was an inspirational friend who touched the lives of so many with her caring, generous spirit and desire to help others. She will be fondly remembered always.
Best wishes to
Ray Patt
on your 94th Birthday For a wonderful, healthy year and many more to come! May you live until 120!
Your friends in the Bnai Zion office
matthew papa design & art direction 917-442-5273 mp@matthewpapa.com www.matthewpapa.com
december 2010 VOI C E 31
P e ri o di c a l s
the magazine of the bnai zion foundation
Bnai Zion Foundation 136 East 39th Street New York, NY 10016
Over a hundred years of making a difference
Address Service Requested