OVER A HUNDRED YEARS OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE
March 2014• Volume 99 • No. 3
Multi-Culturalism at Our Projects Exploring a Diverse Landscape
The Bnai Zion Medical Center CEO Impresses on the West Coast Our Southeast Gala Bridges Two Communities Young New Yorkers Charm and Delight at Benefit for Ahava Village
The Mayor of Ma'aleh Adumim Showcases His City
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contents 3 Israel: A Colorful Mosaic 4 A Whimsical Touch for Our Cover
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5 Our Accomplishments, Thanks to You David H. Eisenberg President
events
7 The Future is Now Jack Grunspan Executive Vice-President
Sunday, May 4 Russian Division Celebration
NEW YORK REGION
NEW YORK REGION
Wednesday, May 7 Dessert Reception for Ahava Village
11 Heartwarming Moments in Israel Yaara Bank-Plotkin
Thursday, May 8 Speaker Series featuring Gil Hoffman
12 A Soirée for Ahava Village
Sunday, June 1 Salute to Israel Parade
WESTERN REGION 15 Representing in Los Angeles
TEXAS REGION 17 A Sweet Reception
SOUTHEAST REGION 18 A Spectacular Setting for the Gala
OUR PROJECTS IN ISRAEL 22 Innovation at the Medical Center 24 Multiculturalism at Our Projects
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TEXAS REGION
Tuesday, May 6 Booth at Israel Independence Day Celebration at the Jewish Community Center Thursday, May 15 Dessert Reception
NATIONAL
Wednesday, April 30 Dinner honoring Ron Lind Los Gatos, CA Tuesday, October 21 Dinner honoring Dr. Susan Windham-Bannister Newton, MA
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NATIONAL Note from the Editor
Israel: A Colorful Mosaic by LISA PAULE Israel is a visual feast that blends ancient and modern elements, eastern and western influences, and extensive natural beauty. The colors and shapes of Israel seduce and impress, leaving a lasting imprint. This visual richness can also be seen in our projects, each a microcosm of the cultural make-up of the State, where people from a variety of backgrounds come together in pursuit of the common good. The Bnai Zion Medical Center has staff of different ethnicities, treating patients with humane touch without regard to religion, ethnicity or economic standing. In Ahava Village, children and staff come with varied traditions and accents. At the David Yellin Academic College of Education, a dual HebrewArabic curriculum attracts both Jewish and Arab students. In the Quittman Center, residents come from a variety of backgrounds, and in Ma’aleh Adumim, the settlement of new immigrants has been a significant dynamic. We help improve the lives of many in need, extending far and wide in Israel.
Quote of the Quarter
“Whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world.” —Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:9; Babylonian Talmud Tractate Sanhedrin 37a 100% of all designated gifts to Bnai Zion are transferred to our projects in Israel.
see us bnaizion.org FACEBOOK: facebook.com/bnaizionfoundation TWITTER: twitter.com/bnaizion
contact us
NATIONAL OFFICE Cheryl Bier • 212 725 1211 • cheryl.bier@bnaizion.org NEW YORK REGION Alicia Post • 212 725 0244 • alicia.post@bnaizion.org facebook.com/bnaizionnewyork MID-ATLANTIC REGION 800 564 6399 • midatlanticregion@bnaizion.org SOUTHEAST REGION Rikki Arad • 305 949 0076 • rikki.arad@bnaizion.org facebook.com/bnaizionsoutheastregion TEXAS REGION Avrille Harris • 972 918 9200 • avrille.harris-cohen@bnaizion.org WESTERN REGION 800 564 6399 • westernregion@bnaizion.org facebook.com/bnaizionwesternregion
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About our cover artist
A Whimsical Touch Makes a Lively Cover Olivier Latyk, the cover artist for this issue, has a lot of experience, and his sense of joy, wonder and fascination can be seen in this illustration. In his twelve-year career, Olivier has illustrated sixty children’s books and has also enjoyed commissions from global advertising, design and editorial sectors. Olivier’s partial client list includes the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, The New York Times, United Airlines, Publicis, McDonald’s, Gallimard, ON THE COVER Casterman, Mudpuppy, Djeco, Simon & Schuster, Templar Publishing, Oxford University Press, Usborne, Nathan, Hachette, and Bayard Publishing. Running and fly fishing are just two of the things Olivier enjoys when he is not producing his distinctively retro children’s illustrations and conceptual adult work. Olivier lived in Scotland for two years, and recently moved back to France. We welcome him to the Voice.
a
Seats 150-200 DIETARY LAWS OBSERVED
4
AUDITORIUM
available at the Bnai Zion House in New York For more information call 646 485 7980
A Perfect Space
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Private Parties, Events & Meetings
president
DAVID H. EISENBERG
Our Accomplishments, Thanks to You It is a new year and in just about a month Bnai Zion will be celebrating its 106th anniversary. Way back in 1908 this wonderful organization began to do its humanitarian work, and we continue today, stronger than ever. 2013 was a landmark year for us in so many ways thanks to so many of you. As a result of the endowment established by our chairman of the board, George Schaeffer, which allows us to transfer 100% of funds raised, we were able to send our projects in Israel a significant increase of funds over the previous year. Last year was the inauguration of the George W. Schaeffer Music Conservatory in Ma’aleh Adumim, which is now up and running and bringing new levels of culture to the entire region. The Bnai Zion Medical Center received a financial commitment from the Ministry of Health in Israel, which will let them now put “shovel to the ground” and get the underground emergency department started, something that is vitally needed.
Ahava continues to protect abused and neglected children and the 18+ program and the children’s emergency shelter are now on the campus of Ahava and fully functional (although not fully funded).
“We were able to send our projects in Israel a significant increase of funds over the previous year.”
The Quittman Center and David Yellin College of Education continue to be examples of dealing with the handicapped and improving coexistence. All of this is able to be done with YOUR help and support and I know we can continue to count on you. Over a century and counting, with so much still to do. Fran and I wish you a very happy Passover and holiday season.
of all DESIGNATED GIFTS to BNAI ZION are TRANSFERRED to our PROJECTS IN ISRAEL. 100%
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Optimum Retirement: Your Future Can Be Enhanced with Smart Planning Support our humanitarian projects in Israel while earning high interest with a
BNAI ZION GIFT ANNUITY High Interest Guaranteed | Income Tax Deduction | Capital Gains Tax Deferral A Bnai Zion Gift Annuity: How It Works A Gift Annuity with our organization is a contract under which the Bnai Zion Foundation, Inc. (authorized under New York) commits to paying a fixed-rate lifetime annuity to one or two individuals in exchange for a contribution of cash or marketable securities. The fixed annuity rate is based on the age(s) of the annuitant(s) and is drawn from Bnai Zion Gift Annuity tables for one or two lives. More information can be found on bnaizion.org.
Yes,
I am interested in a Personalized Gift Annuity illustration. ❑ Please mail the illustration to me
❑ Please contact me to
Compelling Reasons to Enroll One wants assurance that one’s fixed income investments are secure and that the income received is enough to help with the high cost of living when retired. Reputable, stable charitable organizations have made regular and reliable payments to annuitants over decades, throughout all sorts of economic fluctuations. The Bnai Zion Gift Annuity reserve fund, required to conform to regulations of the New York State Insurance Department, provides our annuitants with assured, timely income.
arrange an appointment
NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE
ZIP
PHONE EMAIL BEST TIME TO CALL
Learn More For a confidential, customized Gift Annuity proposal, contact Jack Grunspan, Bnai Zion Executive Vice President, at 800 564 6399 or via grunspan@bnaizion.org
Confidential information is needed to complete illustration. Name of person to receive annuity payments: NAME
For a confidential personalized Gift Annuity proposal, please complete and return the form at right.
bnaizion.org
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DATE OF BIRTH
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
executive vice president
JACK GRUNSPAN
The Future Is Now Eighty-two and still saving for the future. Throughout my working career I was buying U.S. Savings Bonds so as not to worry about my retirement. At age 70 I retired and started drawing from my retirement account, always leaving my Savings Bonds for last, knowing I would be taxed on all of my accrued interest. Finally, I found the solution. Attending a Planned Giving seminar of Bnai Zion, I learned many new ways to receive a guaranteed income through a Gift Annuity and offset a major portion of my tax liability. My meeting with Bnai Zion resulted in a wonderful new “retirement package.”
By establishing a Gift Annuity with Bnai Zion for the $250,000, I received a Charitable Tax Deduction of $118,000, offsetting the vast majority of my taxable interest. This left me with a tax liability (after federal, state and city tax savings) of $12,800 – a saving of over $46,000. I realized that this would work for lesser amounts as well, and even if I didn’t have a state or city tax I would still have saved a tremendous amount of tax liability. The future is now! No more waiting for me.
If you would like more information about Bnai Zion’s Planned Giving programs, please contact Jack Grunspan at 212 725 1211.
I had accumulated $250,000 of U.S. Savings Bonds earning 4% interest. My cost was $100,000 leaving me with accrued (taxable) interest of $150,000. In my tax bracket, this would give me a tax liability of $59,400.
SAMPLE SINGLE GIFT ANNUITY RATES
AGE
RATE
PRINCIPAL
INCOME
75
7%
$10,000
$700
80
8%
$10,000
$800
85
9%
$10,000
$900
90
10.5%
$10,000
$1,050
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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. 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.
100% of all gifts for this emergency appeal will be transferred to the Medical Center. Please contribute online at bnaizion.org.
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Announcing a Stunning Achievement by our Board Member
Fridrikh Furman
In On Philanthropy in America: From the Colonial Era to the Present Day, Fridrikh Furman provides an overview of the diverse and evolving world of American philanthropy and the non-profit sector. This book is available in Russian on amazon.com For more information please see this page on our website: www.bnaizion.org/ russian.php
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NEW YORK
region
THE ROTHS DO IT AGAIN This annual dinner supports soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces
O
n a winter night with miserable weather, the commitment of Dr. Olitsa and Herman Roth proved itself once again. The annual dinner raising funds for IDF solders serving in northern Israel was a huge success. With over $100,000 raised, those in attendance showed their support and enjoyed the festive evening for this very worthwhile cause. Thanks to all of you who made this evening a success.
Bnai Zion Welcomes a New Director Alicia Post appointed director of the Greater New York region Alicia Post has been engaged as director of the Greater New York region, coming to the organization with significant experience. Alicia started her career at Taglit-Birthright Israel, continuing as the chief of staff to the executive director of the
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Jewish National Fund. She has held positions on the leadership boards of many organizations, including Council of Young Jewish Presidents and Hadassah. Alicia dedicates much of her time to enhancing Jewish life by helping young Jewish adults find meaningful connections to Israel and strengthening their Jewish identities. An enthusiastic Zionist, Alicia is committed to the success of Bnai Zion in the New York region and throughout the U.S.
Ahava Village: A Loving Environment and a Heartwarming Time by YAARA BANK-PLOTKIN
I
n December, my husband Gabriel, our 3-½ year-old son Eytan and I visited Ahava Village in Israel, a unique place where abused children find not only shelter and basic necessities, but also real homes. They live in residential apartments in family units, with parents and siblings who care for them the way a real family would. Children have opportunities for education and development in the village, and the staff help them cultivate their strengths and guide them as any parent would throughout their childhood. Just like on our last visit to Ahava, Eytan ran straight to the large playground, full of slides, ladders and children of various ages running around. Some older children and pre-teens stopped by the playground as well, chatting with each other after school. Eytan watched them, wondering what new and interesting things he could learn from the bigger kids. After he played a while, Yoav Apelboim, the executive director of the village, led us to the apartment of the Saar family, where girls ages 13-18 live together as sisters, and Ahava focuses on teaching them empowerment and strength. We had emailed for a few months prior to our visit, as part of the Bnai Zion Adopt-a-Family program, and were very excited to meet the family.
“Ahava focuses on teaching
empowerment and strength” After accepting a gift basket of crayons, Eytan sat down at the lunch table and began to draw, letting one of the older girls sit next to him with a coloring book. She is about to graduate with a degree in childcare, and as part of her education, she also works in a nursery. Another girl, who struggled with reading and writing years before when she first entered Ahava, played various tunes for us on her guitar. Then two other girls who sing in the chorus decided they would serenade us with their joyful voices.
Later they escorted me through all the rooms, giving me a tour of the apartment, and I chatted with them. It was a typical conversation in Israel – they wanted to know all about New York City. One girl who is studying to be a beautician flipped through her phone camera roll to show me various hair styles she was working on. I returned to the living room, finding a few girls chasing my son in his beloved game of cat and mouse. Eytan was too busy having the time of his life to notice I was in another room, playing with his newfound friends as if he had been there many times before. When it was time to say goodbye and leave the Saar Family, Eytan was reluctant to go, and several of the girls, their mom and I hugged. We promised to visit every time we come to Israel. One of the girls we met was so attached to Eytan that she walked us to our car, helped him into his car seat and blew goodbye kisses to him. Eytan talked about this day throughout our trip, about his new friends and their home. One day we’ll explain to him that this wasn’t merely a playground at a friend’s apartment, and we’ll continue to view Ahava as Eytan does: a home filled with warmth, fun and love.
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NEW YORK
region
A MASQUERADE PARTY BEGUILES and DELIGHTS Young New Yorkers raise funds for Ahava Village
O
n February 26, the New York region hosted its Ahava Unveiled soirée at GoldBar, a lounge with shimmering gold décor. Over 150 people attended, raising funds for Ahava Village for Children & Youth and learning about this refuge from harm for abused children. Rachel Sabo, a member of the Ahava Unveiled host committee, greeted the crowd and shared a few words about her visit to Ahava Village last summer. “Incredible work is done with children in Ahava Village, and they need our help.” Jonathan Glatt, a sponsor of the event and host committee member whose company, Private Island, generously donated hundreds of alluring masks to enhance the evening, said, “I’m proud to be involved with an organization that helps save the lives of children and provides them with love and hope, and I salute the remarkable efforts of Ahava Village.” Sagi Ashkevitz of Dental Savings, another sponsor and member of the host committee, commented, “I’m thankful there’s an organization like Ahava that helps Israel’s underprivileged youth.” Thanks to all the sponsors of the evening, including Mark Kohzin of D’vida, 67 Wine, Sivan Hadari of Isramerica, Holy Schnitzel, and Effie Nagar from Talia’s Steakhouse. Thanks as well to event co-chairs Miri Frankel and Rebecca Silverstein, and to the other host committee members: Liad Amir, Eran Arkin, Sheeri Avrahami, Jennifer Dockendorf, Ariel Fixler, Alyssa Gammo, Bari Jaye, Andrew Joseph, Yaara Bank-Plotkin, Ron Oren, Katerin Rodriguez and Seth Weiser, all of whom contributed to the success of the evening.
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NEW YORK
region Welcoming the Mayor of Ma’aleh Adumim
T
Security and Culture: Essential Components of a Blossoming City
he mayor of Ma’aleh Adumim, Benny Kashriel, making a winter visit to New York, was welcomed at the Bnai Zion House on January 14 as the guest speaker. This special program was part of the Speaker Series held throughout the year, and was attended by well over seventy supporters.
Guests were welcomed by Jack Grunspan, executive vice president of Bnai Zion, then were treated to the screening of a video about Ma’aleh Adumim (which can be seen on bnaizion.org as well) before the speaker took to the stage. Mayor Kashriel discussed his history as mayor of this city of over 40,000 and the role it plays in the region as a beacon for residents of surrounding communities for both cultural opportunities and for employment (including Arab workers from nearby towns), and he spoke about the need for effective security, describing previous terrorist incidents and threats. Mayor Kashriel then described the tour of a Jordanian politician who visited and how misperception can take root but can be cured by a reality check. The Jordanian politician said he expected Ma’aleh Adumim to be a settlement with tents, and was surprised to see a modern, thriving city. He was astonished to see the industrial section of Ma’aleh Adumim and all the institutions and services of the city, some of which serve the nearby Arab communities, such as the Ma’aleh Adumim fire department. Ma’aleh Adumim is a city proud of its development, thanks in part to Bnai Zion. Mayor Kashriel’s poignant appeal for funding to continue its progress was persuasive, and he was presented with a check from Bnai Zion to help further Ma’aleh Adumim initiatives.
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WESTERN
region
Emphasizing the Priority of the Medical Center on the West Coast Dr. Amnon Rofe Paints a Poignant Picture In February, the CEO of the Bnai Zion Medical Center, Dr. Amnon Rofe, spent a very productive week fundraising in Los Angeles. The highlight of his trip was attending a reception at the home of Sherry Lansing, head of the Sherry Lansing Foundation and former head of Paramount, which over thirty local leaders from the fields of law, entertainment and business attended, as well as George Schaeffer, Bnai Zion chairman of the board, and his wife Irina. Dr. Rofe spoke passionately about the urgent need of a new protected emergency department at the hospital, and George underscored the importance of this initiative. Dr. Rofe then attended a Shabbat dinner with the leadership of Sinai Temple hosted by Gail and
Fred Rollman, whose guests included Joel Weinstein, the president of the synagogue, his wife Deborah, Shervin Behnam, president of their men’s club, his wife Yoshina, and David and Liza Youssefyeh. Liza has been serving as a representative of Bnai Zion at Temple Sinai. Dr. Rofe was subsequently the guest speaker at Shabbat services at the synagogue, which over 400 congregants attended, eloquently describing the need to build the new emergency department.
DISCUSSING EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS in NORTHERN ISRAEL Dr. Michael Kafka Represents the Bnai Zion Medical Center Malibu Jewish Center, under the leadership of Rabbi Judith Halevy, has committed to adopting the Bnai Zion Medical Center. Dr. Michael Kafka, the head of emergency services at the Medical Center, visiting California in December, spoke to the students and parents of the Hebrew school and gave an overview of the role of the Medical Center in treating emergency patients and the importance of emergency preparedness for the facility.
Later in the week Dr. Kafka spoke at an oneg Shabbat sponsored by Bnai Zion at the Malibu Jewish Center, and he spoke as well at a private reception hosted by Rabbi Halevy. Thanks to Rabbi Halevy for opening the door for Bnai Zion to this community, and for their support.
The students, enthusiastic about helping the hospital, voted to raise funds for air-oxygen blenders and physician scales, items needed by the Medical Center, and the rabbi has agreed to match the funds raised by the children.
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TEXAS
region
HOLD THE DATE for
I
Our Texas Region
This Dallas program broadens awareness of the organization and its projects in Israel The Alphabet Soup of local Jewish agencies was presented Thursday, January 30, 2014 at Levine Academy in Dallas. This event is a part of the continuing education program that the Center for Jewish Education provides for local educators. Avrille Harris, Bnai Zion Texas Region Executive Director, participated in the symposium, sharing information about the organization with Jewish educators who work in preschools, day schools and religious schools. With a power point presentation, Avrille highlighted noteworthy accomplishments at the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa and at Ahava Village for Children & Youth in Kiryat Bialik, made possible thanks to funds raised by the Texas Region. She gave a detailed, enthusiastic overview of the scope of Bnai Zion projects in Israel that help improve the lives of thousands in need. Avrille will call on all the local Jewish day schools and religious schools to present Bnai Zion to as many people as possible, emphasizing the virtues and values of the organization and significant reasons people should donate to it.
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Educators Learn About Bnai Zion at Symposium
ANNUAL GALA Sunday evening, November 9, 2014 Benefitting the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa, Israel For inquiries, please contact Avrille Harris, Texas Executive Director 972 918 9200 or avrille.harris-cohen@ bnaizion.org
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SOUTHEAST
region
Bridging the Jewish and Christian communities of South Florida
PASSION and CHARM at the SOUTHEAST GALA
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n December 3, Michael Abrams, Pastor Mario Bramnick, Bill Hansen and Dr. Robert Stearns were honored at the annual southeast Gala, taking place in the atmospheric James Bond lounge of the Dezer Collection Auto Museum, and benefiting the Bnai Zion Medical Center.
It was an evening of collaboration between the local Jewish and Christian communities. The attendees learned about the role of Bnai Zion in supporting humanitarian projects in Israel. Thanks to efforts by Linen Connection Decor by Julio and Exquisite Catering by Robert, the evening was enhanced and the ambience bright and spirited. Bnai Zion executive vice president Jack Grunspan served as master of ceremonies, and Dr. Stearns performed stirring renditions of the American and Israeli national anthems in English and in Hebrew. Jews and Christians rallied around the common goal of helping the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Israel. FIU students of Bill Hansen who volunteered to serve the meals did an outstanding job. At the Gala, a painting by a French-Jewish artist, Michel Boutboul, a southeast region board member, was purchased in the silent auction by a community activist and devoted Christian from Argentina. Michel commented about his painting of Moses holding the ten commandments on Mt. Sinai, “When I painted this picture, I was thinking, if people would only follow these ten basic commandments, the earth would be a much better place.” Thanks to all who made the Gala a tremendous success.
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SOUTHEAST
region
Fundraising in other Florida areas
A Dedicated Contributor Opens a Door to Boca Raton The Southeast Region of Bnai Zion is thankful to David Ravodowitz for his longtime support. David recently joined Herbert J. Sims, a prestigious 78-year-old firm in Boca Raton that specializes in investment banking and income-producing investments for its clients. He continues to help the Bnai Zion Medical Center, a major hospital in Haifa that treats patients from northern Israel regardless of ethnicity or religion, and which is the premier project of the organization.
Rabbi Rikki Arad discussing the Medical Center with David Ravodowitz
BLENDING CHARITABLE PURSUITS with ART A gallery hosts a benefit for Bnai Zion
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n April 3 from 6-9pm, the d’Art Vine Gallery (dartvine.com) will host a VIP opening for a three-week international art exhibition. The gallery will showcase the works of international artists Michel Boutboul, Diana Rodriguez, Carlos Rodriguez, Sebastian Diez, Bianca Strada, and Oliva Alfonso. The opening will be sponsored by the d’Art Vine gallery and Mr. Fine Wines, and the evening will benefit Ahava Village for Children & Youth.
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special EVENTS
A SPRING DINNER WILL BENEFIT AHAVA VILLAGE for CHILDREN & YOUTH Ron Lind will be honored
Ron Lind, president of United Food & Commercial Workers Local 5 in San Jose, California, will be honored at a testimonial dinner at the Jewish Community Center in Los Gatos on Wednesday, April 30. Proceeds from the dinner will go to Ahava Village for Children & Youth, the residential center for children at risk in Kiryat Bialik that gives abused children hope for a better future. Dinner co-chairpersons include James Araby, UFCW Western States Council, Dr. Hugh Dang, Union Dental, Jack Daniel, MedExpert, Timothy Losee, Blue Shield of California and Jacques Loveall, UFCW 8 Golden Gate. Serving on the dinner committee are John Corr, Lord Abbett, Mark DeVincentis, Crescent Capital Group, Joseph Hansen, UFCW International Union, Ricardo Icaza, UFCW Local 770, Mickey Kasparian, UFCW Local 135, Connie M. Leyva, UFCW Local 1428, Jerry Slavonia, Fremont Bank and Philip Tucker, Union Automation.
RON LIND
dinner
Wednesday, April 30, 2014 6pm reception; 7pm program & dinner For reservations and more information call 646 485 7991
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UPCOMING BNAI ZION
special events
Tuesday, October 21 A dinner in honor of Susan Windham Bannister, Ph.D. President and CEO, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Newton, MA
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our PROJECTS in ISRAEL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BNAI ZION MEDICAL CENTER
Reaching New Heights in Medical Treatment The Medical Center Will Lead Research into Averting Heart Failure The Medical Center is one of three hospitals in Israel selected to lead clinical research for an Israeli life-saving development: a subcutaneous implant that averts heart failure.
Work Can Begin on Priority Project The Israel Ministry of Health will assist the hospital with its important goal of building a new protected emergency department. Dr. Amnon Rofe, the Medical Center CEO, has reached an agreement whereby the Ministry will 100% match any sum the hospital raises for the new department. With Bnai Zion funds that have been raised and matched by George W. Schaeffer, coupled with funds raised in Israel, the process can begin to obtain bids from planners and consultants. The construction will take three years and more money needs to be raised, but the project can now get underway.
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Recently a new system called CardioFit® was licensed for practice clinical trials in Israel. CardioFit® is the first device designed to increase the effect of the parasympathetic branch, with the goal of bringing better balance to the heart so that heart failure symptoms are alleviated and heart failure is reversed. Prof. Uri Rosenschein, head of the cardiology department, explains that this research is very important, as its success could bring a new medical approach for treating patients with heart failure. The CardioFit® activates a specific part of the body’s nervous system to reduce stress on the heart. The brain helps to control the function of the heart through two branches. The sympathetic branch activates the “fight or flight” response during stress, increasing heart rate and blood pressure. The parasympathetic branch has a calming effect on the heart through signals carried by the vagus nerve. Normally, the two branches are in “balance.” But in heart failure, the sympathetic branch is in overdrive while the parasympathetic branch is underactive. Some heart failure medications help to “slow down” the sympathetic branch, but currently there are no proven treatments that help the underactive parasympathetic branch. The CardioFit® system from BioControl Medical is an Israeli development and the first device designed to increase the effect of the parasympathetic branch. The goal is to bring better balance to the heart so that heart failure symptoms are alleviated and deterioration toward heart failure is averted. BioControl Medical has begun recruiting patients, and the Medical Center will be part of this important and prestigious research.
BLENDING TECHNOLOGY and MEDICINE to FIND NEW SOLUTIONS Prof. Uri Rosenschein, head of the cardiology department, and Prof. Deborah Estrin, a professor of computer science at Cornell NYC Tech, organized a conference that focused on developing medical technologies. Prof. Rosenschein explained that the main goal of the conference was to combine the two worlds of medicine and technology and investigate possible applications of the advanced technological world and their implementation in medicine. Prof. Rosenschein explained that in the last decades there has been a significant change in society thanks to the adoption of smartphones and the availability of constant, varied information. The conference explored how this information can be implemented in medicine. Prof. Rosenschein also serves as vice dean of strategic development at the faculty of medicine of Technion. The conference was held at Technion in cooperation with the faculty of engineering and with cellular companies, smartphone manufacturers and Israeli companies from the medical field.
Attracting Future Doctors to the Medical Center
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edical students in the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology - chose Bnai Zion Medical Center as their favorite hospital for internship. The graduates of the Faculty of Medicine in the Technion can choose every hospital affiliated with the faculty (with many options in Haifa and in northern Israel), yet most of them chose the Medical Center, one of the most popular hospitals in Israel for internship thanks to its high academic achievements, senior physicians and distinguished professionals. Dr. Amnon Rofe, the hospital CEO, says that choosing the Medical Center is the most important proof that the institution is a model of national and international excellence, where staff work with innovative technologies that place the hospital in many leading positions. According to Dr. Elad Schiff, head of Internal Medicine Department B who is in charge of internship at the hospital, great investment is made in nurturing the next generation of doctors. Interns benefit from close tutoring, providing a solid foundation for the professional, moral and personal challenges that will be faced as a practicing physician.
The Hospital Receives Noteworthy Recognition A special report by the Israel Ministry of Health reveals the waiting times at every emergency room in government hospitals. In the Haifa area, the waiting time to receive medical treatment is the shortest at the Medical Center at 2.84 hours. In addition, in a satisfaction survey conducted by the Ministry of Health among 5,500 patients at 11 governmental hospitals all over Israel, the Medical Center was rated second in patient satisfaction based on the care received from doctors and nurses and it also was rated second when 78.2% of patients said they would recommend the hospital to others.
A FOCUS on SIGHT
This is the second second year that a program to rehabilitate sight has been provided by the occupational therapy unit and the rehabilitation department, to treat defects in sight and assist patients in returning to their regular lives. The service includes an examination and diagnosis by a neuroophthalmologist, and treatment for sight functioning provided by a trained occupational therapist. According to Noa Gutfried, deputy director of the occupational therapy unit, people with sight defects suffer a wide range of symptoms that disturb everyday life: double vision, inability to focus, difficulty in reading, headaches, migraines, dizziness and lack of field of vision. Sight defects usually occur as a result of nerve disease, muscular dystrophy and head injuries.
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MULTI-CULTURALISM AT OUR PROJECTS Explore the diversity of our projects, which reach a cross-section of the Israeli population, and where lines between religion, ethnicity, economic standing, and family background can blend. A microcosm of Israel’s population can often be seen in a variety of activities that take place at each of our projects, where Israelis from all walks of life improve their lives and reach their full potential. Learn about the reach of our projects and the communities they serve in these pages. 24 VO I CE march 2014
our PROJECTS in ISRAEL AT THE BNAI ZION MEDICAL CENTER
Co-Existence Based on Common Ground and Understanding Children who cannot see interact beautifully with one another Haifa is Israel’s third largest city, the capital of northern Israel, the gateway to the Galilee, and home to over a quarter of a million residents. Its outstanding record of coexistence among its diverse population of Jews, Christians, Muslims, Baha’is, Druze and Ahmadis is a model of cultural and religious pluralism and harmony. This reflects the Bnai Zion Medical Center as well, as Israelis of all backgrounds - Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Druze and Bahai – receive outstanding medical care from hospital staff, which in all sectors represents the varied population of Haifa and the north. An interesting picture of co-existence can be seen in Ofarim, the hospital center providing rehabilitating daycare for blind and visually-impaired infants. In this daycare facility, early intervention is provided for children from birth to 3-4 years of age so they can develop into independent and confident youth. Children receiving treatment in Ofarim blossom in the hands of dedicated professionals. Often visually challenged children are afraid to move in the environment, and are afraid of touching new textures and of the many sounds occurring daily. With continued encouragement and support, these children learn to trust, begin to explore their environment and develop into happy, self-assured youngsters. The daycare unit includes twenty infants, a mix of Jews and Arabs. The languages spoken daily are Hebrew and Arabic, and the staff includes caregivers and teachers. Multiculturalism is celebrated every day, as children spend eight hours a day together, playing and interacting in beautiful harmony, unaware of the background or religion of others. Five years ago the director of the daycare unit decided they should celebrate Jewish-Arab co-existence, and a big party for Hanukah, Christmas and Ramadan called Holiday of Holidays
was created to represent Israel’s multicultural society, that all the children and their parents can relate to and participate in. The daycare setting was decorated according to all the religious and traditional themes, and it was a big success as the children learned about all three holidays with unique stories, tastes and songs. All the families came to the party and felt at home. Holiday of Holidays became a tradition in Ofarim and now the staff, children and families can’t wait for Chanukah, Christmas and Ramadan to start!
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our PROJECTS in ISRAEL
Sign up today! For more information about this program and to register, please go to bnaizion.org.
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IN AHAVA VILLAGE FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
Adding Dimension to Identity In Ahava Village, a microcosm of Israel, residents and staff from different communities come together under one experience of “being Israeli.” The village is a melting-pot of people from South America, Eastern Europe, North Africa and Ethiopia, with many Israeli-born “sabras.” There are traditional families along with residents from mixed JewishArab families, and the common ground for all of them is Israel. A different identity is not visible at first sight, unless one is Ethiopian. The Ethiopian identity is visible to all, stereotypes surface and for Ethiopian immigrants, there can be great difficulty in the concept of “belonging” and in the struggle for definition of identity. Ahava has few Ethiopian residents, because most Ethiopian kids removed from their families are sent to more religious residential institutes. One of these residents is Yarus, a lovely 16-year-old girl, from a large family with 10 siblings. Yarus has been at Ahava for two years, and writes poetry and very moving texts. She has been working with an Ethiopian student for youth advancement named Michal, age 27. The story of Michal is quite similar to the story of Yarus, with common elements: the struggle to arrive in a foreign country, very different from their country of origin; the effect of the aliyah on the family members, and their coping ability; complex identity definition with a struggle to assimilate, and the price of each choice made along the way. Michal has been married over a year to a military man, also Ethiopian. She grew up in the Semien mountains, in a beautiful, pastoral place where many Ethiopian Jews lived. Her family had a large house, much livestock, and were wealthy in terms of Ethiopian concepts of property, land and agriculture. Michal and her entire family, including seven siblings, came to Israel via Operation Solomon in 1991. Unlike many families who lost part of their strength and authority as a result of emigration and a change of language, Michal’s father insisted on registering the birthdates of the children as he had memorized them, rejecting the age estimates of the Interior Department. The children’s’ names were changed in the education system and Michal kept her Israeli name. Michal describes the segregation: after a year staying in the guest-house in Beit-Oren, the family was sent to the caravans at Hof-HaCarmel, where they lived for two years. On one hand this strengthened the community but on the other hand, it prevented a connection to Israeli culture, making absorption more difficult.
Yarus and other Ethiopian kids are naturally integrated in Ahava Village (and not in a facility where most of the residents are from the Ethiopian community), which is essential to bonding, development and success. Yet it is clear to Michal that this creates a challenge for these residents in defining their identity and treading between belonging to the general community and belonging to their own community. Michal speaks about the loss of religion and tradition. Her parents, like many others, came from a very religious family. There are very few places in Israel with an Ethiopian synagogue. Her family lost their influence in the community, and the traditions with which they grew up. The children moved to a less religious and more western, pluralistic, lifestyle, the tribal camaraderie was lost, and the connection between parents and children changed, as the Israeli lifestyle is very different from life in Ethiopia. The main topic of Michal’s discussions with Yarus is connecting Ethiopian community members with Israelis, and encouraging Yarus to maintain her connection to the Ethiopian community while integrating into the Israeli community. The center of their connection is how to feel good in their culture of origin in a place where they are different, but with the understanding that everybody is different. There is a sense in the village that beyond different colors, communities and traditions, as human beings, everyone experiences the same fears and the same joys. Each of the residents and staff at Ahava has a story about absorption in Israeli society and the quest for personal and national identify among the residents is very strong.
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our PROJECTS in ISRAEL AT THE DAVID YELLIN ACADEMIC COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
A Structured Approach Eases Multicultural Relations Arab students, the seminar brings a unique opportunity for a deep, uninterrupted and significant dialogue. The acknowledgement of the existence of multicultural conflicts in other countries helps clarify issues and students learn from the successes and failures of others. These future educators have an opportunity, from within their own conflicts, to contribute to resolution and education, and the insights gained affect their counterparts, as well as the overall atmosphere of the College. And as educators, they will transfer these insights to their pupils and optimistically, through them to Israeli society as a whole. Another program is Open Faces and Reaching Hands - An Invitation for a Polish-Israeli Dialogue. The coordinator cofacilitates this with Dr. Edna Green.
About 5,000 students representing Israel’s multicultural society attend the David Yellin Academic College in Jerusalem. There are observant and secular Jewish students, Muslim and Christian Arab students and newcomers to the country, and they all meet at the College, a unique gathering place, to become the future backbone of education in Israel. Ruth Bar-Sinai, the external relations coordinator for the College, has been operating various programs on this subject for several years. In the Multicultural Dialogue, Jewish and Arab education students participate with education students from other countries. Ruth co-facilitates this dialogue with Arab lecturers from the College, Fatma Alian and Dr. Yihya Hijazzi. Arab and Jewish students study mostly in parallel courses, but in this program, they work with education students from other countries who also deal with conflicts and multicultural issues. In the last five years, College partners have included Protestant and Catholic students from Stranmillis University College and St. Mary’s University College in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The groups in each country hold dialogues, which expand by assuming the multicultural dialogue of the other country. The subsequent multinational dialogues take place in both countries, with participants going through different levels of preparation and forming groups. For the Jewish and
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Every year, 6,000 Israeli high school students visit the death camps and what were Jewish life centers in Poland. These visits clarify personal and collective identity, help explore death and loss, strengthen pride in being Jewish and perhaps surprisingly, weaken hatred of “the other.” Only a few of these visits have included meetings with Polish youth, although youth in both countries reported those meetings to be significant and formative experiences. Polish educators feel that Jewish-Polish meetings can create a constructive and optimistic dialogue, focusing not only on the past but also on the present and future. A unique seminar was designed at the College (with the Israeli organization SparkPro) jointly with universities in Poland. Groups visit educational institutes, and discuss with Polish children, students, lecturers and visionaries. This seminar invites students to probe deeper into their personal, professional and collective identity and examine their past and their family roots, and it provides a framework for understanding the essence of one’s identity and “the other,” as a beginning for change. In a third program, overseas practical work is conducted for the second year. Student pairs, coming from different backgrounds - Jewish, Muslim and Christian - visit schools abroad for three weeks of concentrated work. In addition to classroom work, they present their narratives as Jewish, Muslim and Christian students. This has been carried out in Doane Stuart School in Albany, NY, and in Haberton Special Education School and in Hazelwood Integrated School, both in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
IN MA’ALEH ADUMIM, THE PEARL OF THE DESERT
A Foundation of Tolerance Bolsters Culture and Industry Ma’aleh Adumim was founded during Hanukah in 1975 by a Zionist group that put down roots at founder’s hill (Givat Hameyasdim), and In 1991 it was declared the first city in Judea and Samaria by prime minister Yitzhak Shamir. From a small village, Ma’aleh Adumim has developed into a major urban metropolis with modern facilities providing a vast variety of services to the entire region. It has grown into one of the leading cities in Israel the Pearl of the Desert – and continues to grow. And its location, close to the capital of Israel, puts it in an important strategic position. With a population of 41,000 residents, a quarter of them children, the city has 21 schools, 78 kindergartens and three high schools, as well as green parks, 52 synagogues, and shopping and entertainment centers. Its two major cultural institutions, the Bnai Zion Library of Peace and the
“This city
encourages co-existence” George W. Shaeffer Music Conservatory, built thanks to the Bnai Zion Foundation and the generosity of George W. Schaeffer, are frequented throughout the year by a wide range of visitors of different origins, among whom many different languages can be heard (English, French, Amharic, Chinese and others). This city encourages co-existence – between veteran Israelis and new immigrants, between religious and secular Jews, between Palestinians and Israelis – based on a strong foundation of tolerance, mutual responsibility and unity.
In the Ma’aleh Adumim industrial park, an adjacent section of nearly 300 acres, with the status of a development area, more than three hundred industries in the fields of trade, mechanics, food, textiles, construction materials, aluminum products, wineries, beverages, metals, printing and others, operate side-by-side with 2,500 Palestinians. An example of Jews and Palestinians working together in an environment of peace and brotherhood, this industrial area offers open employment opportunities and prosperity, and showcases the successes and benefits of productive cooperation.
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our PROJECTS in ISRAEL AT THE QUITTMAN CENTER
Mutual Respect in Israel Elwyn Care Israel Elwyn (IE), on whose Jerusalem campus the Quittman Center is situated, has other locations in Israel. Its Haifa & Northern Israel branch is very much like the rest of Israel: a cultural mosaic. The people with disabilities to whom Israel Elwyn provides support services and tools for achieving independence and inclusion come from a variety of cultures and backgrounds, characterized by a range of languages, customs, religious practices, traditions and foods. Side by side, immigrants from Russia, Ethiopia and South America work with Jews, Christian and Muslim Arabs and Druze who were born and raised in Israel. Their relationships and respect for each other as human beings – regardless of origin and culture – create an atmosphere that is accepting and open to the differences in everyone. To provide a solution for this cultural melting pot, Israel Elwyn gives full expression to adaptation in language and in familiarity with cultural characteristics. For instance, for a program operated in a Druze town, a Druze support provider
“The attitude throughout Israel
Elwyn is that it doesn’t matter where one comes from.” familiar with local customs was recruited. Ethiopian service recipients whose first language is Amharic have an Amharicspeaking support provider. Programs serving individuals who are very religious allow men and women to be separate and have support providers of their gender.
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Relations of geniality and mutual respect among the members of the Israel Elwyn staff - who likewise come from all of Israel’s cultural backgrounds - are a model for service recipients, and extend to each Israel Elwyn campus, and to the Quittman Center. Each December, Haifa celebrates the Holiday of Holidays to mark the seasonal holidays of Jews, Christians and Muslims, giving each group individual recognition while acknowledging what is common to all of Israel’s citizens. The attitude throughout Israel Elwyn is that it doesn’t matter where one comes from – there is no social exclusion. In parallel, there is meaning and respect for holidays and symbols and their recognition in Israel Elwyn programs. This can be regarded as a basis – though small – for the Israel Elwyn assumption that mutual respect and tolerance can be achieved throughout society for all of its members. Perhaps this can be the start of something bigger? One can only hope.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lisa Paule BUSINESS MANAGER Jack Grunspan ART DIRECTOR Matthew Papa COVER ILLUSTRATION Olivier Latyk
COMING in the JUNE VOICE • Reports on spring events • Updates from our projects • Commentary, information, photos … and many other exciting features!
PRINTING & PRODUCING Cummings Printing CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Irwin Blank David H. Eisenberg Jack Grunspan Mel Parness Raymond M. Patt Lisa Paule CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Ceejphotos Paul Puccio/miamishooter.com CIRCULATION MANAGER Rosemary Fletcher Published quarterly by BNAI ZION FOUNDATION Annual Periodical Subscription: $2 members $5 non members
Sunday, June 1
The Annual
CELEBRATE ISRAEL
Parade
Fifth Avenue from 57th Street to 74th Street, rain or shine
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 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.
We’re delighted to announce our latest video
COMPASSION, CARE & CULTURE A tour through the landscape of our projects See our projects from new angles with commentary and footage from Israel, and insight from Knesset Member Reuven Rivlin – Now on bnaizion.org
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P E RI OD I C A L S
THE MAGAZINE OF THE BNAI ZION FOUNDATION
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