over a hundred years of making a difference
March 2013• Volume 98 • No. 3
the allure of israel art at our Projects special feature
Showcasing Generosity at Two Meaningful Events Latin-American Flavor at a Dinner in Florida Award Recipients Explore Israel The CEO of the Bnai Zion Medical Center Presents in California & Texas
Israel Under Attack: When Sirens Are Heard
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contents 3 The Changing Landscape
WESTERN REGION
4 Our Cover Artist from Israel
18 Emphasizing the Priority of the Medical Center
5 Israel from the Inside David Eisenberg, President 7 So the Market Is Up Jack Grunspan Executive Vice President
OUR PROJECTS IN ISRAEL 20 Experiencing Bnai Zion Work Firsthand on the Honorees’ Mission
8 National Events Preview
NEW YORK REGION 10 Exploring Options at a Financial Planning Seminar
22 Two Impressive Events Held to Honor Chairman of the Board 24 Art at Our Projects 30 Personal Commentary: When Sirens Are Heard
TEXAS REGION 12 The CEO of the Bnai Zion Medical Center Meets & Greets in Dallas
MID-ATLANTIC REGION 14 Teens Raise Funds for Ahava Village
SOUTHEAST REGION 16 A Dynamic Setting for a Multi-Cultural Dinner
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31 Music in the Desert Irwin Blank
events
NEW YORK REGION Sunday, April 28 Russian Division Celebration Sunday, May 5 My Jerusalem Celebration
WESTERN REGION Monday, May 6 Dessert Reception hosted by Dorian Bilak
National
Thursday, April 18 Concert honoring Joshua Pechthalt & Dean Vogel San Francisco Tuesday, May 2 Dinner honoring Richard Alexander & Teresa T. H. Nguyen Hung San Jose Thursday, May 9 Dinner honoring Dr. Dimitrios Kostopoulos New York Monday, June 3 Dinner honoring Steven Grossman Jacksonville
national Note from the Editor
Quote for the Quarter - עשרה קבין של יופי ירדו לעולם
The Changing Landscape by Lisa Paule
The new George W. Schaeffer Music Conservatory in Ma’aleh Adumim is a marvel to behold. A bold, futuristic structure, it broadens the dimensions of the city both physically and culturally, offering an array of pursuits related to music to the residents of this blossoming city. In Ahava Village for Children & Youth, children removed from dangerous situations by court order find refuge in the new emergency shelter, where compassionate, multifaceted care is available to help these traumatized souls. In the Bnai Zion Medical Center, the modernized and enlarged pediatric surgery department allows more children to benefit from the topknotch services of the hospital. Bnai Zion helps our projects develop and change for the better. With additional funds, our five projects can expand their wonderful programs so that more people will get the help they need.
תשעה נטלה ירושלים ואחד כל העולם אין לך יופי כיופייה של ירושלים.כולו Ten measures of beauty descended on the world; nine were taken by Jerusalem, one by the rest of the world. There is no beauty like the beauty of Jerusalem. —Talmud, Kidushin 45 B 100% of all designated gifts to Bnai Zion will be 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 Rebecca Silverstein • 212 725 0244 • rebecca.silverstein@bnaizion.org Mitchell Sternbach • 646 485 7991 • mitchell.sternbach@bnaizion.org MID-ATLANTIC REGION Sharona Durry • 267 250 3835 • sharona.durry@bnaizion.org Southeast Region Rikki Arad • 305 949 0076 • rikki.arad@bnaizion.org Texas Region Avrille Harris-Cohen • 972 918 9200 • avrille.harris-cohen@bnaizion.org Western Region Igal Zaidenstein • 310 502 1719 • igal.zaidenstein@bnaizion.org
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Meeting our cover artist
A Vision and Appreciation of Beauty The cover art for this issue comes from one of our Bnai Zion projects. Rachel, a 66-year old woman living in the Israel Elwyn Supported Living program in Jerusalem (home of the Zvi Quittman Center) for over half a century, is an artist. Notwithstanding the severe paralysis and spasticity of her limbs and the fact that she uses an electric wheelchair, she paints beautiful scenes for her own pleasure. Rachel began painting as a child and continues because she enjoys it. She has found through the years that painting helps calm her when she is upset, it makes her feel more independent and it also helps her keep memories alive. In the past year Rachel has been displaying and selling her paintings at various exhibitions in Jerusalem and with the proceeds hopes to fulfill the dream of visiting Prague, where she was born. Such a trip will be very expensive because of her disability and the need for round-the-clock support including a nurse, but Rachel is determined to do her utmost to achieve this goal.
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 80 85
6.5% 7.4% 8.3%
$10,000 $10,000 $10,000
$650 $740 $830
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
Phone Email Best time to call
Rachel paints what she loves most: flowers and nature, in happy colors. The special afternoon light in Jerusalem draws her outdoors to paint in quiet corners. Her preferred medium is gouache, which is similar to watercolor but modified to make it an opaque painting medium.
Confidential information is needed to complete illustration. Name of person to receive annuity payments:
Rachel is very proud of her work and is encouraged to continue painting by the value other people place on her work and Bnai Zion is fortunate to have her rendition of spring for this Voice cover.
❑ Cash ❑ Stocks/Bonds (original cost) $______________________ ❑ Israel Bonds
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Name Date of Birth
2nd person if applicable Name Date of Birth Amount to be used for illustration: ($5,000 minimum) $
Type of Asset: DESIRED FREQUENCY OF PAYMENT:
❑ Annual
❑ Semi-Annual
❑ Quarterly
❑ 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
president
David H. Eisenberg
Israel from the Inside It is just about a year and a half since I took on the presidency of Bnai Zion and I have to be honest. I hesitated to take on the responsibility, as do many volunteers, but since that time any doubts have vanished as I continue to see what a wonderful organization this is. A few weeks ago I was privileged to represent Bnai Zion in Israel at the annual conference of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. I was joined by Marc Nadelman, our director of special events, and Steven J. Savitsky, an honored member of our board of directors, who was there representing many organizations. The conference was something that most people only dream about. You are joined by the leaders of all the major American Jewish organizations, who are there to learn about the inner workings of Israel, its successes, issues, outlook, and hopes for the future. The first day began with a meeting at the home of the Hon. Shimon Peres, president of the State of Israel. Not a bad start! The rest of the first day was filled by sessions with the top representatives of Israel, such as Natan Sharansky, chairman of the Jewish Agency, followed by an evening with Amb. Daniel S. Shapiro, U.S. ambassador to Israel, and dinner with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.
Days two and three included presentations by a variety of senior military generals, ambassadors, members of Knesset and leaders of the new coalition party, Tzipi Livni, Yair Lapid, and Naftali Bennett. Preceding the conference, Marc and I spent time visiting some of our projects. We had the opportunity to visit the Bnai Zion Medical Center and Ahava Village for Children & Youth, joined by Devorah Selber from our Mid-Atlantic board. The continued treatment and care given by these institutions to those in need is outstanding and of the highest caliber, thanks to the continued support by those like you. We were also privileged to see the new George W. Schaeffer Music Conservatory that was just dedicated and is open for business thanks to our chairman of the board, George Schaeffer. Our organization continues to shine and grow, and will only be able to do so with your continued support. So, during this Passover season, make your commitment to be active and supportive of Bnai Zion. We have been helping for 105 years and are just getting started. Frances and I wish all of you a Happy Passover and all the best during this holiday season.
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emer
l a e p p a gency
“The situation is not if we’ll suffer another missile attack, but when. We must be prepared.” Amnon Rofe, MD CEO, Bnai Zion Medical Center
Protecting Israel’s Future Israel must be prepared for any attack from the north. During the Second Lebanon War in 2006, the Bnai Zion Medical Center was on the frontlines as Haifa was attacked. Outstanding medical care was provided to more than 500 physically and psychologically injured victims of the Hezbollah rockets. The last rocket of the 34-day barrage that exploded just meters from the hospital underscored the urgency and need to build a new protected underground emergency department. During war or times of attack, the hospital treats not only victims of the attacks, but it also provides medical care to several hundred in-patients and others seeking emergency care, and has the only rehabilitation department in the north. And, as a designated military hospital, the Medical Center is prepared at all times to treat the brave, injured soldiers of the IDF.
Underground Protection against Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Attack: A New Protected Emergency Department The new protected emergency department will be a facility of 1,000 square meters (approximately 10,800 square feet) with thirty beds, two trauma rooms and six professional clinics, where rocket attack victims will receive initial treatment. After they are stabilized, they will be transferred to a new protected hospitalization unit, a 90-bed section offering a complete range of services for patients who will require longterm care and whose protection must be assured. The new protected emergency department must be completed in the coming months, at a cost of $8 million, half of which has already been raised. For the remaining $4 million, Bnai Zion has a $2 million matching gift. For every dollar you contribute, it will be doubled. Emergency preparedness is crucial and help is needed now, so that patients and staff will be protected when rockets fall once again. The Bnai Zion Medical Center is a municipal, government-funded general hospital with 450 beds that provides exemplary medical care and services. A leading teaching and research hospital whose innovations have received international recognition, it receives limited government funding. The Medical Center treats without regard to ethnicity or religion and its staff prides themselves on providing professional expertise with a personal and humane touch to every single patient.
A matching gift up to $2 million will be given for every dollar contributed. 100% of all gifts for this emergency appeal will be transferred to the Medical Center. Please contribute online at bnaizion.org. 6
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executive vice president
jack grunspan
So the Market Is Up–
Just Gives Me New Problems! Fred and Ethel, aged 76 and 75 respectively, have built a very comfortable portfolio during their lifetime and now, during their retirement, are using those smart investments to enjoy their golden years. However, for the past few years they were quite depressed to see so much of their growth disappearing as their portfolio kept reducing in value. As luck would have it, now that the stock market has reached record highs and their portfolio is coming back, the new Capital Gains tax rate is ready to share in their good fortune by taking almost 25% of their profits (combined federal and state taxes). As the saying goes, so now what? When speaking with friends who are Bnai Zion supporters, Fred and Ethel heard about our Planned Giving programs and contacted us. Based on their ages, they decided to establish a two-life Gift Annuity in the amount of $50,000, paying them an annual rate of interest of 5.1%, guaranteed for life. They transferred their appreciated stocks to Bnai Zion’s Gift Annuity to fund their annuity, thereby avoiding any up-front Capital gains Tax. The result is:
• They have the full $50,000 working for them, rather than only $40,000, should they have sold the stock and had to pay the Capital Gains Tax. • For the first sixteen years part of their income will be taxed at Capital Gain rates, lower than their regular income tax rates. • They are entitled to a Charitable Tax deduction in the amount of $16,900. In their tax bracket this saves them $6,800 of income tax, reducing their Gift Annuity investment to $43,200 ($50,000 - $6,800). Their annual return of $2,550 results in a real rate of interest of 5.9%. This income will continue as long as either spouse is alive and Fred and Ethel know that at the end, when they no longer need the income stream, the remainder principal will be used for the life saving projects of Bnai Zion.
For more information please feel free to call Jack Grunspan, executive vice-president, for a confidential discussion at 212 725 1211.
of all designated gifts to Bnai Zion will be transferred to our projects in Israel. 100%
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special events
Branching Out to Benefit Bnai Zion Projects Upcoming fundraisers are taking place nationwide A reception and concert in honor of Joshua Pechthalt, President of the California Federation of Teachers AFL-CIO and Dean Vogel, President of the California Teachers Association, ttakes place on April 18 in San Francisco. Dennis Kelly, last year's honoree, will serve as one of the co-chairmen of the reception, along with numerous other leaders in the fields of labor, law and business. Nathan Ladyzhensky, one of the co-chairs, has assembled the musical talent for the concert, which will include the Blue Hills Band and the Capriccio Chamber Orchestra. Proceeds from this event will be used to fund the vital work of Ahava Village for Children & Youth.
Dr. Dimitrios Kostopoulos, cofounder of Hands-on Physical Therapy, will be honored at a dinner in New York on May 9. Proceeds from this dinner will be shared between the Hellenic Relief Fund and the Rehabilitation Medicine Department at the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa. The dinner has strong support from the GreekAmerican and medical communities.
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June 3 will be an historic date for Bnai Zion when it holds its first event in Jacksonville, Florida, paying tribute to Steven J. Grossman, the chief executive officer and executive director of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority. The dinner is sure to generate significant support and awareness for Bnai Zion. A. L. Kelly, Jacksonville Aviation Authority, Mark Lamping, Jacksonville Jaguars, LLC, Jerry Mallot, JAX USA Partnership and John R. Schmitt of TD Bank have agreed to co-chair this event.
Ted Kirsch recently secured Larry Pitt of Larry Pitt and Associates - one of the most well known, accomplished attorneys in Philadelphia - as a guest of honor for a dinner on October 23 that will take place at the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia. The museum, located on Independence Mall, presents educational programs that preserve, explore and celebrate the history of Jews in America, connecting Jews to their heritage and inspiring in people of all backgrounds a greater appreciation for the diversity of the American Jewish experience.
special events Richard Alexander of the Alexander Law Group, LLP and Teresa T. H. Nguyen Hung of Law Offices of Teresa Thu Huong Nguyen & Associates will be honored at a dinner in San Jose on May 2. Mr. Alexander is one of the nation’s preëminent personal injury attorneys. Ms. Nguyen Hung, a leader in the Vietnamese community, maintains a general law practice. This event has particular significance in view of Israel’s humanitarian efforts on behalf of Vietnamese boat people. In the late 1970’s, one fragile fishing boat crammed with 66 refugees was adrift in the South China Sea for nearly a week, lost. This little boat was leaking and waterlogged. Its passengers were without food and water, and their clothes had been shredded by the high winds. Ship after ship – from East Germany, Norway, Japan and Panama – passed them by, ignoring their desperate SOS signals, in violation of the most basic code of the sea. In his first act as Israel’s new prime minister, Menachem Begin offered asylum and resettlement to these 66 refugees who were turned away from other ports prior to finding safe haven in Israel. 1 1 http://www.aish.com/jw/id/Vietnamese_Boat_People_in_the_Promised_Land.html
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
Welcoming a New Colleague The New York Region Expands Fundraising
Bnai Zion has engaged Rebecca Silverstein, LCSW, to be a director of its New York region. A graduate of USC School of Social Work, Rebecca is clinically licensed in both California and New York and brings solid fundraising experience to the organization. After serving at Jewish Family Services of Los Angeles for five years in a social work capacity, Rebecca became the director of development for Tikva Children’s Home in Odessa, Ukraine, where she cultivated donor relationships, recruited for and led missions to Odessa and staffed major fundraising events. In this new position Rebecca looks forward to promoting the wide range of Bnai Zion philanthropic work in Israel and seeking new support for it. Fluent in Hebrew, Rebecca is a proud grandchild of survivors, and has many relatives in Israel.
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new york
region
A Planned Giving Seminar Explores Complex Subjects Asst. Prof. Joseph Septimus draws on his repertoire of financial planning concepts On November 13, adjunct assistant professor of law Joseph Septimus presented a seminar at Bnai Zion entitled Estate Taxes and Planned Giving: A Wake-Up Call. In addition to teaching law, Professor Septimus heads the Trusts and Estates department at Kostelanetz & Fink in Manhattan. With his special expertise in this area, Professor Septimus made a clear and simple presentation about the complex world of estate taxes. Special emphasis was paid to planned giving and the various ways that Bnai Zion could be incorporated into an overall estate plan. Among the topics were charitable trusts, charitable lead annuity trusts and gift annuities.The crowd included many attorneys, CPA’s and others interested in this important field.
Coming new york events Please mark your calendars
tribute dinners
celebrations
Thursday, May 9 Honoring Dr. Dimitrios Kostopoulos
Sunday, April 28 Annual Russian Division
Tuesday, September 17 Honoring Richard C. Iannuzzi
Sunday, May 5 My Jerusalem
Tuesday, October 1 Honoring Charlotte Knobloch 10 VO I CE march 2013
A special celebration connected to Jerusalem Day on May 1
My Jerusalem
Sponsored by the Consulate of Israel in New York and WZO
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 5pm at the Bnai Zion House Avri Fuchs, Chairperson
Featuring • Dr. Simcha Labowitz discussing The Bible Project • An Israeli choir serenading with songs about Jerusalem led by Tzvi Klein • Two top vocalists • Commentary and anecdotes about the importance of Jerusalem in the lives of many • The opportunity to contribute to a book of verses from the bible pertaining to the glory of Jerusalem Admission is free but reservations
are necessary.
For more information or to reserve, please call 917 733 6707 or email avrimega@hotmail.com
Please save the date! Annual Russian Division Celebration Sunday, April 28, 2013 at 2pm Dedicated to the 65th Anniversary of the State of Israel and the 105th Anniversary of Bnai Zion Benefiting the Bnai Zion Medical Center and other Bnai Zion projects in Israel Program Highlights
Greetings by well known members of the Russian-Jewish Community Artworks of the Jewish Folk Crafts Guild
Concert featuring popular vocalists Charitable auction ...and many more exciting components!
Admission $50 • Snacks and beverages will be served The Bnai Zion House For reservations and information please call 212 725 1211 or email rsvp@bnaizion.org
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texas
region
The Texas Region Welcomes a Distinguished Guest
Dr. Amnon Rofe Urges Texans to Help Fortify the Hospital Donors open their home On February 9, Dr. Amnon Rofe, CEO of the Bnai Zion Medical Center arrived in Dallas, where he had dinner with Dean and Carrye Crowder, who hosted a successful fundraiser for the hospital the next evening in their elegant home. Both Dean and Carrye, donors who had visited the Medical Center, spoke eloquently and passionately from their hearts about the need to construct the new underground emergency department. A postersize photo of a missile attack on Haifa during the Second Lebanon War of 2006 was on prominent view for the audience of about 30 Christian Zionists, as well as a huge map of Israel showing the close proximity of the border with Lebanon and the mountains of Syria, visible on a clear day from the northern windows of the hospital. Dr. Rofe made a poignant presentation, emphasizing the need for funding for this important new venture.
DFW New Beginnings Church helps two Bnai Zion projects Sunday morning Dr. Rofe attended the service at DFW New Beginnings Church led by Pastor Tiz Huch, and he greeted the congregation and expressed gratitude for their fundraising efforts. The congregants of this church support not only the Bnai Zion Medical Center, but they support Ahava Village for Children & Youth as well. Following services, Dr. Rofe, Stacey and Henry Clark and Avrille Harris-Cohen were the guests of Pastor Tiz and her entourage for a delightful lunch at Natalie’s Kosher Kitchen, where they happened upon the granddaughter of Ben Yehuda, Eliezra Ben Yehuda Kassutto, who was lecturing in Dallas with Rabbi Yitz Cohen of Congregation Nishmat Am.
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Editor In Chief Lisa Paule Business Manager Jack Grunspan Art Director Matthew Papa cover artist Rachel from Israel Elwyn in Jerusalem Printing & Producing Cummings Printing Contributing Writers Irwin Blank David H. Eisenberg Jack Grunspan Mel Parness Raymond M. Patt Lisa Paule Contributing Photographer Amit Gabai Sandy Kuttler Rabbi Yaakov Thompson
Evangelical churches support Israel The evangelical Christian churches continue to be a source of support for Israel through their donations. After a meeting with Avrille Harris-Cohen, director of the Texas region, Pastor Richie Mullis of Free Life Church came on board to donate monthly to the emergency appeal for the Bnai Zion Medical Center. After the appeal was publicized, many donations were received from Christian Zionist friends. Â Pastors Sonny and Gloria Rice from The All Around Cowboy Church in Sealy, TX, Pastors Larry and Tiz Huch from DFW New Beginnings and Pastor Mike and and Kathy Hayes of Covenant Church, with many of their affiliates continue to support Bnai Zion on a regular basis. Â Pastor Sam Pollinzi and Pastors Robbie and Brian Dobbs all came forward to help with money for the new protected emergency department.
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
Hold the Date
Bnai Zion Texas Region
Annual Gala honoring
Herb Weitzman Sunday, November 3, 2013
The Bnai Zion Foundation, Inc. is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Please consult your tax advisor regarding specific questions about your deductions.
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mid-atlantic
region
Celebrating a Bat Mitzvah with Charitable Work
Tali Kogan raises funds for Ahava Village for Children & Youth
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n Sunday, December 9, over 250 people gathered in the magnificent and historical sanctuary of Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia for the lighting of the second Hanukah candle and to celebrate togetherness and community. The program, Sharing Our Light and Love Together, was sponsored by PhillyIsrael and Rodeph Shalom and was produced with the support of the Consulate of Israel in Philadelphia, The Israeli House, the Temple Students for Israel Collaborative, the Renaissance Group, Moishe House Philadelphia and the reform Jewish community of Penn. Tali Kogan introduced her bat mitzvah charity project, Ahava Village for Children & Youth. This Bnai Zion project in Kiryat Bialik is a residential center for abused and neglected children removed from their homes by court order, who live en famille on the beautiful Ahava campus, where they participate in numerous activities and receive education and therapy to help them heal from a troubled past. Tali spoke eloquently about her choice of Ahava Village as the focus of her charitable efforts for her bat mitzvah, and of the need to support the wonderful work being done there, where children and youth are given the tools to have a happy and fulfilling future. Yaron Sideman, the Consul General of Israel in Philadelphia addressed the audience, and the lively performance of Mika Karni and the Kol Dodi ensemble added another Israeli note to the program. The group - comprised of Israeli, Moroccan, Yemenite and Ethiopian musicians - reflects the multi-cultural nature of Israel.
A Creative and Impactful Bar & Bat Mitzvah Charity Project Teens committed to help Ahava Village
In the Mid-Atlantic region there is a new activity where bar and bat mitzvah kids are raising money for Ahava Village in Kiryat Bialik by selling friendship bracelets, babysitting, dog walking, doing yard work, tutoring and holding a bake sale. These dedicated teens are intent on making a difference in the lives of children and teenagers in Israel, and are doing their utmost to succeed in their fundraising goals. We applaud their enthusiastic efforts!
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From the Perspective of a Teen by Yoni Shochat Ahava Village is an amazing humanitarian project that is supported by the Bnai Zion Foundation. Ahava Village is a home that takes in children ages 6-18 who can't live with their families because of child abuse or if the family is incapable of providing them with necessary resources to live and grow. Usually the kids live there until they can move back in with their familes, or join the Israel Defense Forces, or are capable of providing for themselves. At Ahava, children are given education, plenty of physical exercise, and time to spend with friends, and they’re taught and treated with a lot of love and caring. What Ahava does is wonderful, but it needs help to keep programs running, so my friends and I are raising money to help Ahava Village as our bar and bat mitzvah projects. I’m helping by making bracelets that I sell to my friends, family, teachers, or anybody else who wishes to purchase one. One size fits all! There are all sorts of designs and patterns that can be made, even ankle bracelets. This is a very fun project, and it is heartwarming to know that all of our hard work is going to make a difference in somebody's life.
southeast
Devorah Selber,
a member of the MidAtlantic board of directors, visited Ahava Village in February and enjoyed an in-depth tour of all its facilities. Keen on raising awareness of Bnai Zion projects, with a particular fondness for helping children, Devorah – originally from Israel – has a relative who works with kids at Ahava, and seeing the activities at Ahava firsthand added to her appreciation of the marvelous work done there. If you plan to visit Israel and would like to see our projects, please contact our national office at 212 725 1211.
region
Learning about Online Marketing to Benefit Businesses The seminar benefits Bnai Zion as well
A gathering took place in February at Mystic Point where online marketing expert Avi Amitai, CEO of BInteractive, discussed the importance and role of the Internet in promoting businesses. Avi explored how to use social media and the various available tools to build a website. After his presentation, guests enjoyed refreshments and Rabbi Rikki Arad spoke about Bnai Zion and opportunities to support the Bnai Medical Center and Ahava Village for Children & Youth.
Volunteers for Bnai Zion
Erika Kistner, FIU Hospitality intern (right), learning how to put together a fundraiser, along with Beth Czeskleba, counting tzedakah money for Ahava Village for Children & Youth.
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southeast
region
Bnai Zion shines in Miami Two Luminaries Are Honored
O
n December 3 in Miami, Javier Palomarez, president and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the honorable Tomรกs Regalado, the mayor, were honored at a Bnai Zion dinner. Both honorees talked about their strong commitment to the State of Israel. Mayor Regalado toured the Bnai Zion Medical Center after the Second Lebanon War, meeting with injured Israeli soldiers. Then a journalist, his positive reporting of events in Israel helped him connect with the Jewish community in Miami. Bnai Zion executive vice president Jack Grunspan and southeast regional director Rabbi Rikki Arad welcomed the guests, who enjoyed a VIP reception and dinner held in rooms of the Dezer Collection Auto Museum. The reception was held in the Batman room, continuing to the James Bond Lounge. The collection, owned by Michael Dezer, contains vehicles, aircraft, boats, submarines and cars. He, Faye Holand, Larry Klairmond and Ettie Studnik generously contributed toward toward ultrasound equipment for the Medical Center. An auction was held for the purchase of equipment needed by the hospital and funds were generated to buy many items.
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western
region
Working together for a good cause
Pastor Mark E. Whitlock Honored in Orange County
T
he Bnai Zion Distinguished Humanitarian Award was presented to Pastor Mark E. Whitlock, Jr. of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, on December 12, 2012 in Orange County. The evening was a celebration of diversity and the strength that it brings to people. Four distinguished members of the cloth participated in the program. The senior rabbi of Congregation Shir Ha’Ma’aot, Rabbi Richard Steinberg, hosted the event and lit the Hanukah menorah, a symbol of the power of belief. Rabbi David Wolpe of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles delivered a video message to the group. Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, a senior fellow at the Center for Religion and Civic Culture at University of Southern California, delivered a moving speech to the participants. Pastor Whitlock brought the evening to a beautiful conclusion as he accepted his award.
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Emphasizing the Priority of the Bnai Zion Medical Center
Dr. Amnon Rofe, the CEO of the Bnai Zion Medical Center, had a brisk schedule when he visited Los Angeles in February. On February 3, Mali Leitner hosted a reception in her home with local leaders in Orange County, learning about Bnai Zion for the first time. Dr. Rofe spoke about the need to construct an underground protected emergency department and Mali suggested she could bring a group to visit the hospital during a mission to Israel that she’s organizing. Marc Nadelman, Bnai Zion director of special events, spoke about the history of the organization and its current projects.
Dr. Rofe then spoke with members of the Israeli-Moroccan community on February 6 at a desert reception at the home of Marty Azouly in Encino, an event conducted primarily in Hebrew. Dr. Rofe discussed the priority of the hospital and a video presentation about the hospital during the Second Lebanon War was shown. Dr. Lee Regev, who trained at the hospital during the war, spoke about her experience when the Medical Center was on the frontlines.
On February 7, Jacob and Negar Yashar hosted a reception in their home in Brentwood at which Dr. Rofe discussed the needs of the Medical Center. Herschel Naghi, president of Nyko Technologies, Inc. sponsored the buffet, attended by over 70 people. Dr. Jonathan Fine from the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) in Israel spoke about threats Israel faces from the north, and Joshua Hoyt, a representative of the Consulate of Israel in Los Angeles, also spoke. Liza Youssefyeh, a member of the western region hospital committee, emceed the evening with enthusiasm and commitment.
Dr. Rofe concluded his Los Angeles tour as the featured speaker on February 8 when Rachel and Haim Meital hosted a presentation in Encino sponsored by Josh Shachar, CEO & CTO of Magnetecs Corporation, which Israeli actor and producer Shirly Brener energetically emceed. Josh Shachar, originally from Haifa, spoke about the significant role of the Medical Center and the need to build a new protected underground emergency department.
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special events
A Bnai Zion Group visits Israel
LEARNING ABOUT SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS AT OUR PROJECTS Bnai Zion sponsored a trip to its projects in Israel in February, attended by individuals involved with its National Dinners program. Visits were made to Ma’aleh Adumim, to the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa and to Ahava Village for Children & Youth in Kiryat Bialik. The group also toured sites of religious and cultural significance to Christians and Jews, and enjoyed the flavor and diversity of the country. Each of the participants on the trip was tremendously moved by the experience, and they were all impressed with the outstanding work of the organization.
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Coming in the JUNE Voice • Coverage of many spring events
• Profiles of honorees
• Reports about VIP visits to our regions
• Ways you can help support our work
• News and developments at our projects
...and much, much more!
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special events
Recognizing the Chairman of the Board Two Momentous Occasions Highlight Giving with Heart
A
nother Bnai Zion group visited Israel early this month and attended outstanding events in Haifa and in Ma’aleh Adumim. Led by George Schaeffer, Bnai Zion chairman of the board, and his lovely wife Irina, participants embarked on a day-long tour of four projects on March 3, visiting the David Yellin Academic College of Education, the Quittman Center at Israel Elwyn, and Ahava Village for Children & Youth, where representatives of each institution spoke about their work and the myriad ways in which their clients get the help they need. At a festive dinner that evening at the Bnai Zion Medical Center - after the group toured the emergency department, the NICU and the pediatric surgery department - the hospital’s Anshei Tzedek award was presented to George W. Schaeffer in recognition of his generous contributions to further the life-saving work done there. Keren Wind, director of Friends of Bnai Zion Medical Center, welcomed the guests, and introduced Dr. Amnon Rofe, the CEO of the hospital, who bestowed the award. The mayor of Haifa, the Hon. Yona Yahav, spoke about the significant role of the hospital serving the northern populations. With the priority of the Medical Center being the need to raise $4 million to build a new protected underground emergency department, George commented, “One way or another, this money will be raised,” an impactful culmination to a sparkling tribute dinner. The next day the group attended the dedication of the impressive new George W. Schaeffer Music Conservatory in Ma’aleh Adumim. Benny Kashriel, the mayor of the city, and MK Reuven Rivlin, speaker of the Knesset, spoke about the impact of the new conservatory on the city, emphasizing that all communities need outlets for education and culture for all their residents. Several musical pieces were performed by ensembles
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representing the diversity of the city, and both George and Irina spoke of their gratitude seeing the magnificent structure come to life. With the opening of the conservatory, a variety of musical pursuits will now be available to children and adults alike. There is no better way to showcase the tremendous work of Bnai Zion in Israel than seeing its projects firsthand. From dollars raised to real, tangible developments that bolster the lives of so many: that is what Bnai Zion is all about.
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our projects in israel
Harnessing the Power of Creativity to Help People Heal and Progress
Art at our Projects
Art plays an important role in each of the institutions and city Bnai Zion supports. In art therapy, people of all ages learn to express themselves in a safe way in their own individual style. In other artistic pursuits, children and adults find satisfaction in activities they enjoy, reducing stress from challenges they must cope with. Regardless of the application, art enhances the situation of many: by easing tension, by providing an outlet and by offering unlimited possibilities, and the hope that springs from them.
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A rt therapy at th e B nai Z ion Medical Center
Enhancing the Lives of Patients Through Art
For six people ready to start painting and sharing their creations, acrylic paint, brushes and tubs of water crowd the table. A tarp covers the floor. This is more than arts and crafts time; this is an art therapy session in the hemato-oncology department of the Bnai Zion Medical Center. In art therapy, patients draw, paint and sculpt to express their feelings graphically and to bring unconscious feelings to the surface. Patients talk about their art, creating a safe distance between themselves and their emotions. The art therapist helps patients increase awareness, deal with stress, resolve conflicts and increase self-esteem. Rachel, a 55-year-old patient, says, “Certainly there are times when things are really bad and the colors are darker, but overall, it gives me a lot of joy to participate.” She adds, “the bright colors make me feel good.” Rachel giggled as she described the joy of having many of her pieces framed and hanging on a wall at home. “I’ve even sold one of my pieces, which was so exciting!” A study published recently in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that art therapy can reduce a broad spectrum of symptoms related to pain and anxiety in cancer patients, providing a distraction that allows patients to focus on something positive instead of their health for a time, and giving them something they can control. As a vehicle for expression, art is also beneficial to some cancer patients who may be uncomfortable with conventional psychotherapy or for those who find verbal expression difficult. As an avenue for patients to refocus their energy, regain a sense of control, and enhance their communication, art therapy at the Medical Center is an effective, versatile treatment for adults and children (on different days), provided three times a week by an art teacher. The program is partially funded and additional support is needed to help ease the patients and expand art therapy to take place every weekday.
News from the Hospital Then & Now in the Pediatric Surgery Department Then
The pediatric surgery department of the Medical Center is the leading specialty of its kind in northern Israel, and since its establishment in 1991, the number of children treated in this department has increased dramatically. It serves as a referral center for treatment and surgery for children from Hadera in the south up to Tzfat in the north. The department contains 17 beds, 3 specialist doctors, 3 interns, 12 nurses, a teacher, a social worker and a secretary. 3,000 surgical procedures are performed annually, including general pediatric surgery, pediatric orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, and ophthalmology, otolaryngology and urology procedures. Every day the department uses at least one operating room customized for children. Children are regarded with high importance and value, which guides the management style of the department and decisions taken there.
The challenge
But even the best medical treatment is not enough. The department had been working in a very small space with 3-4 children sharing a room, a lack of privacy, and with little room for parents spending days and nights by their children, resulting in challenging conditions for patients as well as for the medical and nursing staff. The department was not organized to treat such a demand for its services.
Now
Thanks to Bnai Zion, the hospital received the money needed to renovate and refurbish the pediatric surgery department. A beautiful, comfortable and spacious department can now adequately treat children and parents. The project, completed 18 months ago, was named in honor of Mel Parness, Bnai Zion executive vice president emeritus. An exciting dedication took place in June 2008 during the Bnai Zion 100th Anniversary mission, at which the mayor of Haifa, the Hon. Yona Yahav and others spoke. Thanks to the support of Bnai Zion throughout the years, the Medical Center has been able to build, renovate, upgrade and advance in many areas and ways.
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our projects in israel E ncou ragin g expr ession at Ah ava Villag e f o r C h ildr e n & Yo ut h
Art: A Door to the Soul By Sara Pinchovich, Director of Education
The arts – from music to crafts, from clay to theater – are doors to our soul. I can talk a lot about art therapy, which Ahava uses and the children enjoy, and about the power of therapy using different methods, but I’ll share a bit about the place of art in our lives outside the therapy room. Let’s start with our vision. A second floor to our main hall contains over 200 yards of creation: music rooms, a dancing room with mirrors, practice rooms for the children, and the ability to motivate teachers to work with our children. In Ahava we believe in empowerment and in working with the abilities the kids have. We work with amazing children who have many emotional problems and it’s very easy to see this in them. Being a therapeutic institute and working under therapeutic points of view, it can be easy to miss other parts of one’s strength. Art helps us see the power, and helps us connect with children in a safe place. Art helps the kids express themselves without words. Ahava has an outstanding band that works with a wonderful guitar player, Nick Miller; we have a choir that sings original songs lead by Ronen Lann; and we have dancing classes led by one of our talented 18-year-old girls, Valla. Sarid, with white curly hair and the hands of a worker, has abundant creativity and talent, and endless patience with our kids. She works in what is felt to be a magical room, supplied with materials and the air of imagination. When you enter her room, it's as if everyone can create something with their hands. Every time I visit I feel the urge in my fingers to touch, to take a bit of clay, to knead it, and to create something from it. Sarid has worked in Ahava for about twenty years, four afternoons a week, and meets about 120 children every week. She gives them an empowerment experience by supporting them and encouraging them to create from their heart and not from their mind. She urges them to listen to their inner voice and not to the opinions of what other people say or think about their art. And they do! The art of children adorns Ahava all over: on trees, on walls, in the home care units, and the kids can take their works with them. A smaller but fascinating projects takes place in the Koren home care unit for boys. Shaul and Yael staff the home, having come to Israel from Argentina. They have worked in Ahava for four years and take care of some of the most challenging kids. Two years ago Shaul took a course about puppet shows, from building a human-size puppet to writing a story and performing with it.
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He participates in a puppet show group and he brought his love, talent and desire to help the group of kids in Ahava. With these life-size puppets, the kids can outwardly express things they would never say otherwise. The puppet can have fears, while the children feel they cannot. The puppet can say emotional things, which the children will never do. The puppet gives the children the chance to be another and to be in front on the stage while still safely in the back. Our vision at Ahava is to have an arts center that can give the children the space and structure to develop more, and to use art even more than it is used today.
A rt and cu lt u re in Ma’al eh Adumim
Embellishment and Enrichment as Integral Components Art
Nursery and primary schools in Ma’aleh Adumim offer a wide variety of unique art programs developed in conjunction with the Karev art programs. New art programs focusing on Jewish holidays are introduced every year, encouraging emotional expression and social discourse, and they provide a safe environment for selfexpression with materials. Programs in nursery schools bring children together with artists who teach close to the child through various mediums such as making pot plants with papier-mâché, gluing mosaics on walls, ceramics, designing birthday chairs, game boards and other items. The school programs deal with many fields of art such as origami, and creating birds, flowers, masks, and other representative items. In addition, children participate in music, dance, singing and sculpture, which all derive from their inner world and enhance their creativity in daily life.
Music In a project subsidized by the city, Ma’aleh Adumim schools have been running the Music School program for children in grades 2-6 since 1991. Children in groups of five learn to play the keyboard, recorder, trumpet, and clarinet, and they learn about the history of music, classical music, Israeli, modern and classical songs, folklore, music from around the world and more. The music ensembles formed during the year participate in school and municipal events, making parents and other residents very proud. The music project helps children develop their sense of hearing, listening and rhythm. Studies have shown that the development of musical talent involves sharpened analytical and mathematical abilities, including the ability to deal with daily challenges. Feedback regularly collected from children indicated they believe they are learning a skill they could not have otherwise learned, as their parents do not have enough money to pay for extracurricular activities, and most families have neither musical traditions nor musical instruments at home. Other children stated they hope to join the IDF orchestra when they grow up.
helps children identify their strengths and weaknesses, provides values of respect and patience, and encourages initiative, independence and self-confidence. For many children in Ma’aleh Adumim, these enrichment classes are also their first encounter with musical instruments, with different cultures and with new, exciting and challenging experiences.
This exposure to the arts gives children in Ma’aleh Adumim a forum for their skills in a wide variety of areas. It creates direct contact with others, strengthens their self-confidence,
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our projects in israel Connect ed to th e Quittman Cen t e r
Art Therapy: A Popular Pursuit at Israel Elwyn Art therapy is used by Israel Elwyn for the benefit of hundreds of people throughout Israel with physical and mental challenges. It is used in a number of programs - early intervention, preschool, adult day centers, retiree, and supported living programs – including a program in the Quittman Center in Jerusalem.
Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of art therapy, as applied to people with a wide range of individual needs. One of the major differences between art therapy and the use of other forms of communication is that most other forms elicit the use of words or language as a means of communication, which for some people with challenges, is very difficult. Art therapy may be used to enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages, including those who have a wide range of difficulties, disabilities or diagnoses (emotional, behavioral, intellectual, learning or physical disabilities, lifelimiting conditions, brain injury or neurological conditions and physical illness). Creating art and using a variety of media and processes can increase awareness of oneself and of others, help cope with symptoms, stress and traumatic experiences and enhance cognitive abilities - aside from the simple enjoyment of the activity! On an emotional level, participants are able to express emotions more easily, with a clear enhancement of quality of life. People with intellectual challenges frequently find it difficult to express their emotions, and art therapy can be a bridge to achieving this vital form of expression. Works by several artists in IE programs have been purchased by private citizens, as well as by IE itself to decorate a cafeteria and as a gift presented to individuals being honored by the organization. Rachel Lazar, who lives in IE’s supported living program, has been painting since early childhood and one of Rachel’s paintings adorns the cover of this issue. Another woman who participates in IE’s retiree program in Jerusalem, embroiders the story of her family’s aliya (immigration) to Israel and to express her pride in her cultural background. She enjoys selling her work to visitors and uses the proceeds to purchase threads and sequins for new creations. Art as a form of expression, therapy and pure fun has been and remains a major programmatic element at Israel Elwyn.
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At t h e Dav id Ye lli n Academic Coll e g e o f Educati o n
Artistic Expression as Core of Teaching Tracks Art contributes to shaping the identity of the younger generation and therefore at the College, to the importance of training skilled art teachers to expand students’ horizons and encourage open-mindedness and expression. Acquiring the knowledge and tools necessary to teach art constitutes the basis for teaching and integrating art into the education of the next generation. Tracks of the College art department are intended for students interested in expanding their knowledge in the various fields of art, in experimenting with different creative media and in teaching the arts in secondary and elementary schools, in preschool or in special education. They are also available for students with an interest in art research, art criticism and community activities in art. The studies in this department are intended for students enrolled in supplementary education or completion studies, for those interested in continuing education in the art therapies, and for graduate studies. Art therapy of different sorts is also taught at the College, both for a certificate as well as within the framework of continuing education and enrichment studies for therapists, in these areas, recognized by the Israeli Ministry of Health:
• The Institute of Education and Assistance through the Arts – Art, Bibliotherapy, Music, Movement and Dance, which trains therapists in the arts with a specialization in one of the following fields: visual arts, music, bibliotherapy, movement and dance; • The Institute for Arts in Therapy, the only program in which studies are accompanied by instruction in small groups in plastic art, literature, music, movement and dance; • The visual arts program, which creates art through therapy. This method allows the client to overcome barriers and express fears, wishes and fantasies through images, expanding expression; • Music therapy, allowing expression, contact and interpersonal communication. • Movement and dance therapy, human body expression utilized to advance therapeutic processes to improve one’s state of mind.
Appreciating the Efforts of a National Board Member Bnai Zion is pleased to recognize the many accomplishments of longtime national board member Sanford Batkin, as he celebrates his 90th birthday. A World War II veteran, where he rose from private to first lieutenant, he managed a successful packaging company for many years before his retirement. He was president and sole owner of this company from 1986 until it was sold in 1999. Active in many philanthropic causes, Mr. Batkin has always exemplified a “handson” approach to charitable giving. He is the honorary chairman of the board of American Friends of David Yellin College of Education in Jerusalem, on the board and executive committee of American Friends of the Israel Museum as well as Israel Children’s Center, a past chairman of UJA Federation in Westchester, and numerous other causes. The common thread behind all these endeavors is his lifelong love of Israel and Jewish causes.
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our projects in israel
Israel Under Attack: When Warning Sirens Are Heard Missiles lobbed from Gaza in November threatened communities throughout Israel from Janet Elion, Projects Coordinator, The Quitmann Center
from Keren Wind, Director of Friends of Bnai Zion Medical Center
The dangers posed by the conflict in southern Israel forced the temporary closure of all of Israel Elwyn’s (IE) programs in the south of Israel. For over 10 days, hundreds of people to whom IE provides services on a daily basis were confined to their homes, their lives and their access to dignity and independence on hold. While the situation made it impossible for our counselors and support providers to make home visits to our program participants, contact was maintained by phone. Longing to return to work and be among their friends and workmates, the participants were concerned over the situation and felt the lack of a reassuring routine. When the situation calmed down, normal activity resumed and IE's staff provided our service recipients with the support and attention they needed to help them recover from the intense, heartstopping moments that stretched on for minutes and often hours in saferooms and shelters.
When warning sirens were heard my heart stopped beating for a moment. I was surprised and shocked for a minute. It took me a while to understand that they weren’t for here, at my home, but were far away.
When Jerusalem and Tel Aviv were threatened, precautions were taken based on the instructions received from Israel’s Home Front Command. Unfortunately, shelters around the country must be ready for use 24 hours a day. In Jerusalem, the siren only gives us between 90 seconds and five minutes to take shelter. On the days the alarms were heard in Jerusalem, the nearly 250 residents of IE's Residential Centers, including the Quittman Center, halted their activities and were guided to protected areas by their support providers.
When the sirens began in southern Israel, my heart and mind were with the people there, as I knew it was a terrifying time that would stay with them forever.
Israel is such a small country that every Israeli has a relative, friend or neighbor who has been called up for operations and wars. And nowadays, regardless of whether the confrontation line is in the north or the south, some portion of the “home front” is always in the line of fire.
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The automatic feelings and thoughts are from the summer of 2006, when the Second Lebanon War started, and missiles hit Haifa, my hometown. It was the scariest month of my life. The sirens were new to us - we never heard them in Haifa before - but after a few of them, you cannot forget the sound. It was a summer I won’t forget for the rest of my life. Pregnant with my eldest son, I was afraid not to get too agitated, to protect my baby. Each siren meant running to the shelter or to a protected room until the boom was heard. It was a terrible month that created a lot of fear and conditions beyond one’s control.
from Michal Goshczini, Director of Public Relations, The David Yellin Academic College of Education During the shelling from Gaza in November, twenty students from the David Yellin College in Jerusalem spontaneously and voluntarily chose to go to the south to help with children in the special education system there who were in deep emotional stress and hardship as a result of the attacks. This team of students compassionately made the needs of these children a priority.
guest columnist
irwin blank
Musikah BaMidbar: Music in the Desert by Irwin Blank Tuesday, March 5 When the pioneers of the first waves of aliyah arrived in the land of Israel their needs were urgent and immediate. In a land with poor - if any - natural resources, basic infrastructure as simple as paved roads, electrical power in the communities, and clean and available running water were major priorities, let alone the most basic needs of food and shelter. But a society needs more to grow and prosper than the basic fundamentals of life; it needs a way of expressing itself, its hopes for the future and its connections to the past. This is the wellspring of a people’s culture, its art, its literature, and its music. With the advent of Nazism in Europe, many of the world’s greatest Jewish musicians, composers and conductors found themselves bereft of employment as the antiSemitic laws that spread through Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia robbed them of their former positions in the great orchestras of the world. Many of them were fortunate enough to have had the presence of mind to come to the land of Israel.
“ The youngsters who will learn at the conservatory come from many different lands ”
In 1936, to provide employment for these magnificent artists, the great Bronislaw Huberman formed what was then known as the Palestine Philharmonic, which eventually became known worldwide as the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Last evening I was privileged to be present along with the mayor of Ma’aleh Adumim, Benny Kashriel, the Speaker of the Knesset, the Hon. Reuven Rivlin, and many of my neighbors at the grand opening of the new George W. Schaeffer Music Conservatory in Ma’aleh Adumim made possible through the tremendous generosity of the Bnai Zion chairman of the board, George W. Schaeffer, his
wife Irina, and the Bnai Zion organization. This wonderful center for teaching the magic of music to the children of the town - with all the amenities of the best schools of the kind, from soundproof classrooms to a fine auditorium together with the Bnai Zion Library of Peace next door will create a cultural center for the region and secure the name Bnai Zion in the heartland of the Jewish people. Just like the early years of the philharmonic during the British Mandate, many of the youngsters who will learn at the new conservatory come from many different lands: from Ethiopia, from South Africa, from the UK and from the USA. They will be joined by their Israeliborn classmates in a wonderful orchestra, which we had the pleasure of listening to last night. At the end of the evening’s performance, we all rose to our feet for HaTikvah, Israel’s national anthem, lovingly and magnificently performed by the children’s orchestra. Its sprit not only reverberated within the auditorium, but it powerfully echoed in the ancient hills of the Judean Desert.
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P e ri od i c a l s
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