Voice Summer 2016 by Bnai Zion Foundation

T H E M A G A Z I N E O F T H E B N A I Z I O N F O U N D AT I O N

SUMMER 2016 · VOLUME 101 · NO. 1

VOICE SUMMER 2016 · VOLUME 101 · NO. 1

NATIONAL 4

Building Upon Our Past. Creating the Future. David H. Eisenberg, President

6 Busy and Exciting Cheryl Bier, Executive Vice President 11 Breakfast Reception / David Birnbaum

TEXAS REGION 12 Spring Awakenings 15 Supporting Israel / Kosher Chili Event

NORTHEAST REGION 16 Successful Art Event with Michael Arad 17 Israel Folk Dance / We Shopped ‘Til We Dropped 18 Yom to Yom

UPCOMING EVENTS 19 Upcoming Events

PROJECTS: BNAI ZION MEDICAL CENTER 20 Putting More Care Into Pediatrics 22 Hospital In a Hospital

DONOR’S IMPACT 23 Yaara’s Girls / Special Gift Recipient Meitar

PROJECTS: AHAVA VILLAGE

24 Building to Rebuild Young Lives 25 Success Story: Avi

PROJECTS: MA’ALEH ADUMIM 26 High Hopes for Teenagers 27 Holocaust Survivors / Senior Citizens

PROJECTS: DAVID YELLIN 28 A Unique Project

PROJECTS: QUITTMAN CENTER 29 Mosaic Helps Volunteers with Disabilities

BNAI ZION FEATURE 30 Through the Lens

BNAI ZION VOICE · SUMMER 2016

VOICE

SUMMER 2016 VOL. 101 • NO. 1 ISSN: 0884-5565

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Cheryl Bier ASSOCIATE EDITOR Brooke-Lynn Danoff

Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it. -Helen Keller

CONTACT & CONNECT NATIONAL OFFICE 1430 Broadway, Suite 1804 New York, NY 10018 Phone: 212 725 1211 NORTHEAST REGION 1430 Broadway, Suite 1804 New York, NY 10018 Phone: 212 725 1211

TEXAS REGION 7920 Belt Line Road #695 Dallas, Texas 75254 Phone: 972 918 9200

SOUTHEAST REGION 1835 E. Hallandale Blvd. #892 Hallandale, FL 33009 Phone: 800 564 6399

WESTERN REGION 23723 Stagg Street West Hills, CA 91304 Phone: 818 598 1818

ART DIRECTORS Keith Friedman Jeffrey Kostick COVER ART Jeffrey Kostick PRINTING & PRODUCING Cummings Printing CONTRIBUTING WRITERS David H. Eisenberg Cheryl Bier CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Shahar Azran Ira Hantz Avi Hayun Rick Morton CIRCULATION MANAGER Stephanie Solorzano PUBLISHED BY Bnai Zion Foundation Annual Subscription: $2 members $5 non-members POSTMASTER Bnai Zion Foundation 1430 Broadway, Suite 1804 New York, NY 10018 phone 212 725 1211 • fax 212 684 6327 bnaizion.org

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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.

SUMMER 2016 · BNAI ZION VOICE

PRESIDENT DAVID H. EISENBERG

Building Upon Our Past.

Creating the Future. As we stand on the shoulders of our dear friends and former leaders, we stand ready to build our future on a solid foundation and with confidence in our projects, team, and supporters. The first half of 2016 has helped construct this future, from Cheryl Bier’s new role, to the successful events in Dallas and NY, to our amazing 10 day trip to Israel. It’s been a very exciting time and a lot has happened since our last Voice issue. We are now settled into our new national offices and the team is very happy to be there and they feel more productive than ever. Our new Executive Vice President

BNAI ZION VOICE · SUMMER 2016

and National Secretary Cheryl Bier is doing extremely well in her new role, managing donor and project expansion, as well as day to day operations. Cheryl has also invigorated our public relations efforts both at home and abroad, as I saw firsthand on our 10 day trip to Israel. Cheryl also still retains her role of controller.

Now for a list of events and highlights that I am both proud and excited to share: Our Texas region, Bnai Zion’s leading contributor, has started the new year off right with major donations for the Medical Center. Three cheers to our President, Executive Director, and Board in Dallas. We also just had the pleasure of hosting our annual Spring Reception honoring five of our brightest young adults, for the benefit of Ahava Village, and our new Therapy Center (see page 12). We also completed two terrific events in New York. One event was hosted by our new investment

Before the above events, but saving the most memorable for last, Cheryl and I had a great trip to Israel. As members of the Conference of Presidents, we had the opportunity to spend 10 days in Israel, from Haifa to Ma’aleh Adumim to Jerusalem. The first 2 days we visited our projects in and near Haifa where we dedicated plaques to our friends and past leaders, Jack Grunspan, Mel Parness, and Ray Patt. Many of Jack’s family and dear friends attended both events to recognize their contributions to our projects and to Bnai Zion.

Bier, Cheryl’s husband. Later that evening, the Conference of Presidents had its opening session, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of peace through strength and about the changing neighborhood, where enemies are fast becoming friends. Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and many more, all trying to best deal with ISIS. He then spoke of new partnerships in commerce with India, China, Turkey, Greece, and Cypress, all trying to understand each other, with Israel being the benefactor. He also

“As members of the Conference of Presidents, we had the opportunity to spend 10 days in Israel, from Haifa to Ma’aleh Adumim to Jerusalem”

group, AllianceBernstein, which was attended by over 75 people, including Dr. Amnon Rofe, Chief Executive Officer of the Bnai Zion Medical Center. Dr. Rofe made several important remarks about the need of our “Hospital-in-a-Hospital” project (a protected underground emergency room). The next night an event was held in N.Y.C. at an art studio, complements of the owners, who are friends of our Chair George Schaeffer. The studio was filled with fantastic art for another level of understanding of the Bnai Zion Foundation. Dr. Rofe was in attendance at this event as well.

While at Ahava we had a delightful lunch. The children put on a captivating show for us, with music and dancing. Dr. Rofe and Yoav Appleboim, Executive Director, Ahava Village for Children & Youth, made lovely presentations for our 3 mentors (Jack, Mel and Ray) and Bnai Zion. It was a wonderful, moving day for the BZ family.

On Sunday, Bnai Zion members Herman & Dr. Olitsa Roth dedicated a Torah to the Border Patrol police. That was a great experience to witness. The Border Patrol put on an exciting demonstration, showing us the use of different weapons, and even the deployment of an underground network to stop the terror before it starts. We also saw a demonstration of the police dogs and how they find drugs and protect the police, and the Israeli people. They even gave me the honor of signing the Torah, along with Paul

discussed Iran and all of the other threats to oust the Jews from, and eliminate Israel. Afterwards we went to the Golan Heights, visited Haifa University, and had a grand experience. Overall we learned that Israel has it threats, many of them, but the opportunities outweigh the threats. Israel is in good hands that are only getting stronger! Frances and I wish you the very best. Enjoy the summer and we hope that your health stays excellent!

SUMMER 2016 · BNAI ZION VOICE

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT CHERYL BIER

Busy and

Exciting This year has been both busy and exciting for Bnai Zion. As we look with great pride at how much we have accomplished over our 108 year history, we are more determined than ever to become more vibrant and expand our reach. Our mission of serving less fortunate children, teens and adults in Israel through medical care, educational, cultural, and social service programs is in greater need than ever. We continue to expand our visibility including targeting key inter-

BNAI ZION VOICE Âˇ SUMMER 2016

est groups in both social and business arenas to attract and educate potential new donors regarding the worthiness of our projects. These efforts are beginning to bear fruit and we are confident that this success will continue to bring the Bnai Zion name into more households and groups alike. As part of this ongoing expansion program, we produced two new brochures, showcasing our new initiatives and recent accomplishments. They illustrate continual project

progress to our long term supporters, while appealing to potential new donors.We have also recently added David Birnbaum to our fundraising team to augment our fundraising efforts and bring a wider perspective to our outreach (see page 11). I have traveled to Israel three times in the last 6 months. We have had dedications for my three mentors; men who were the corner stones of Bnai Zion over the past several decades. I represented Bnai Zion at the exciting and busy Conference of

Presidents, a gathering of the heads of Major American Jewish organizations. On my April trip, I traveled to our projects to take part in the shooting of the new videos being produced to help publicize our current initiatives (see pages 30 & 31). We look forward to building on Bnai Zionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legacy of helping and transforming the lives of thousands in Israel. We are already on our way. With your help Bnai Zion will grow to be more vital and more vibrant than ever! SUMMER 2016 Âˇ BNAI ZION VOICE

Support our humanitarian projects in Israel and earn high interest!

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NATIONAL

Breakfast Reception Attended by Movers and Shakers of the New York Business Community Over 70 NY business leaders from preeminent law, accounting, insurance and real estate firms attended a Bnai Zion breakfast reception, March 9, along with National Board Members Jan Kiderman, Alan V. Schwartz, and Executive Vice President Cheryl Bier. Aaron Kaiser, CPA, Partner, Real Estate Services Group, EisnerAmper LLP and Seth Pinsky, Esq., Executive Vice President of RXR Realty discussed “Metro NY Real Estate” and Dr. Amnon Rofe CEO of the Bnai Zion Medical Center addressed “The Business of Running a Public Hospital in Israel.” Afterwards, Aaron said, “I enjoyed participating in this great event. I thought Seth’s comments were interesting and insightful. I support the wonderful work of Bnai Zion and am happy to play a part.” Mr. Schwartz stated, “It is an honor for the Bnai Zion Foundation to host this meeting which provided a wealth of information about the current and future prospects in the New York real estate market as well as the cutting edge work of the Bnai Zion Medical Center, in Haifa, Israel.” Thank you to all who participated.

David Birnbaum Announced as New Director of Institutional Advancement We’re pleased to introduce the new Director of Institutional Advancement, David Birnbaum, effective March 1st 2016. David has already brought a wealth of ideas, energy and experience to the development efforts. David will report to Cheryl Bier, and handle dayto-day fundraising activities, and assist in the implementation of strategic goals and objectives. David brings over ten years of nonprofit experience, having worked with Ohr Torah Stone, UJA of New York and American Friends of Meir Panim. Bnai Zion is proud to welcome David Birnbaum and wish him much success in his new position.

SUMMER 2016 · BNAI ZION VOICE

TEXAS REGION

Spring

Awakenings On May 17, the Texas Region held a Spring Reception at Congregation Shaare Tefilla, recognizing 5 outstanding young leaders in the community: Rivka Altman, Pastor Stephen Hayes, Kim Kaliser, Staci Rubin and Adam Shepherd. Ahava Village for Children and Youth, a village for abused and neglected children in Kiryat Bialik, Israel, was the beneficiary of the Live Auction held at the event.

for a large Therapy Center housing all therapies under one roof.

Yoav Apelboim, Executive Director of Ahava Village for Children and Youth, flew in from Israel, along with Danielle Levy, a young graduate student doing an internship at Ahava. Danielleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full circle story was amazingly interesting. Her grandfather worked at Ahava as a counselor when he was younger. Yoav gave updates on Ahava and the critical need

Larry Strauss was his usual great self as our #1 auctioneer. All funds raised at the Live Auction were sent immediately to Israel with Yoav and Danielle.

BNAI ZION VOICE Âˇ SUMMER 2016

A brand new video about Ahava, which was recently shot in Israel and overseen by Cheryl Bier, National Executive Vice President who was in attendance from NY, was shown to a spellbound audience. Regina and Steve Savitsky, First Vice President of the National Board, also were in Dallas for this fundraiser.

Co-Chairs Shane Stein and Barry Wernick presented awards to the

honorees who then had a photo opportunity with David Eisenberg, National President, Bnai Zion Foundation. Closing remarks were given by Avrille Harris-Cohen, Executive Director, Texas Region who thanked Lowell of Simcha Caterers for his donation of the flowers and signature drinks. His concern for the children of Ahava was very apparent.

SUMMER 2016 Â· BNAI ZION VOICE

TEXAS REGION

BNAI ZION VOICE Â· SUMMER 2016

The 23rd Annual Dallas Kosher Chili Cook off at Tiferet Israel The event turnout was outstanding with over 4000 in attendance. The Bnai Zion Texas Region produced a flavorful entry that we humbly thought worthy of first place! Chefs included Michael Wilson and Bnai Zion Board Members Dr. Kathi Silver, Haia Goldenberg, Lauren Rose, and Bnai Zion Texas Region President, Diane Benjamin. Attendees including Board Members Dr. Bill Katz, and Rivae Balkan-Kliman, 2016 Ahava Spring Reception Chairs Shane Stein and Barry Wernick, honoree Rivka Altman, past honorees, and many others. The booth was beautifully set up by Board Members Gwen and Martin van Brauman and Rivae Balkin-Kliman. Also pitching in was Avrille Harris, Executive Director and Harriet Cohen, Executive Assistant. The eye catching signage was secured by event chairwoman, Theresa Wilson.

Celebrating and Supporting Israel Pastors Larry and Tiz Huch of New Beginnings Church in Bedford, Texas, hosted the “Salute to Israel” program, attended by our devoted Israel benefactors from this church and the Covenant Church in Carrollton, Texas - another generous supporter of Bnai Zion’s projects, including Ahava Village for Children and Youth. A strong Bnai Zion contingent, which included Executive Vice President Cheryl Bier, was graciously welcomed by the churches. “The Texas Region is blessed with a strong board including Dr. and Mrs. Timothy Shepherd who initiated these precious alliances with our Christian brethren,” stated Texas Region President, Diane Benjamin. National President David Eisenberg, a Dallas resident, accepted the meaningful funds from the pastors and devoted congregants. “In the ‘buckle of the Bible Belt’, we’re blessed with people who recognize the incredible work being performed in our Bnai Zion facilities,” confirmed Texas Region Board Chairman, Larry Strauss. We thank these mega, world renowned churches, for consistently demonstrating, in great numbers, financial and spiritual support under their divinely inspired clergy.

Save the Date! 4th Annual Alan Marx Memorial IFPA Pinball Fundraiser Sunday, September 11 from 3 PM - 8 PM Hosted by Louis Marx and Kimberly Jeanette Marx Benefiting the Bnai Zion Medical Center Pinball * Silent Auction * Cash Bar Info/Register: http://tinyurl.com/j9grv2r

SUMMER 2016 · BNAI ZION VOICE

NORTHEAST REGION

Art

Bnai Zion Foundation’s Successful Art Event with Michael Arad In March, the Northeast Region hosted an event at David Benrimon Fine Art, located on Fifth Avenue. The exclusive gallery specializes in Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary art. Their world-renowned collection includes magnificent works from Fernando Botero, Roy Lichtenstein, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. Michael Arad, whose design for the 9/11 Memorial at the World Trade Center site, titled “Reflecting Absence,” was selected by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation from among more than 5,000 entries (submitted in an international competition held in 2003), shared his inspiration and experience, “For two years nobody talked about anything other than the

BNAI ZION VOICE · SUMMER 2016

name arrangement. There was no fund-raising and no progress being made on construction and design.” Dr. Amnon Rofe was in attendance along with National Board Members Cheryl Bier (Executive Vice President and National Secretary), Alan V. Schwartz (Vice President), Donald H. Vogelman, Esq. (Treasurer), Jan Kiderman and Rabbi Joe Potasnik. Alicia Post, Northeast Region Director, opened the evening by welcoming and reminding the crowd that Bnai Zion supports humanitarian projects in Israel that improve the lives of those in need. She also

addressed construction of a ‘Hospital in a Hospital’, a protected underground emergency facility to protect the citizens in northern Israel. Generously sponsored wine (Israel Wine Producers Association) and food (Pitopia) was delicious and plentiful. An excellent evening was had by all.

We Shopped ‘Til We Dropped at the Elie Tahari Showroom

65th Annual Israel Folk Dance Festival & Festival of the Arts Held March 20th, in NYC, this 65th anniversary event embraced the theme, “Baderech Lamachol - Onward to the Dance!”- A joyous celebration reflecting the diverse styles and cultures that contribute to Israeli folk dance. Visions of Israel and Jewish life were exuberantly shared in a program that included Judaica crafts, family activities, Israeli folk dancing, glorious music, colorful costumes and artwork. Dancers and singers representing youth and regional dance troupes and vocal ensembles from across the U.S. performed. Ron Eliran, Israel’s Ambassador of Song, thrilled the audience with his wonderful performance. This is a project of the Israeli Dance Institute (IDI) in partnership with the Jewish National Fund, with support from Bnai Zion, The New York Board of Rabbis and The Jewish Community Relations Council of NY. Bnai Zion’s long association and support has helped sustain and encourage IDI activities, continually reaffirming youth’s identification with Israel and with the American Jewish community. Next year’s landmark Festival project: HORATI 2017 – The World’s Fair of Israeli Folk Dance, is a four day event featuring workshops and performances with participants, presenters and performers from Israel and across the globe. Watch for exciting details!

On May 12th, Elie Tahari on 5th Avenue and Bnai Zion staged an exclusive designer shopping event featuring full access to the new Spring and Summer collections. Guests enjoyed delicious refreshments by Filicori Zecchini while stylists shared fashion tips and assisted in coordinating clothing selections. Jill Savedoff won an Elie Tahari gift card, with personal shopper included. Alicia Post, Northeast Director spoke of the importance of funding the new Therapy Center at Ahava Village, and Co-Chairs, Ilene Tannen and Sharon Kaplan helped make the evening a great success with their dedication and hard work. Proceeds benefited Ahava Village.

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SUMMER 2016 · BNAI ZION VOICE

NORTHEAST REGION

Yom to Yom From Remembrance to Independence: Two Special Events On Wednesday, May 11th, in N.Y.C., Bnai Zion joined with The New York Board of Rabbis, America-Israel Friendship League and the Consulate General of Israel for a Special Flag Ceremony at Bowling Green Park. Binyamin Segal sang the national anthems and select special guests, representing the organizations, shared greetings. Ambassador Ido Aharoni gave moving remarks, explaining how Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day) is always preceded by Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day for the fallen soldiers. The connection is clear. Israel’s independence and the existence of the state is due to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for it. The flag was raised to half-mast to honor those who gave their lives to protect Israel. Following this moving ceremony, we continued to the “2nd Annual New York City Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day, Community Celebration” at Park Avenue Synagogue. For American Jews, celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut has been a way to express solidarity with Israel and to strengthen their alliance with the people and land of Israel. Bnai Zion was proud to be represented and organize these important events.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Upcoming Events NORTHEAST REGION

Inaugural Baltimore Gala November 3, 2016

Save the date for our Inaugural Baltimore Gala Award Dinner. The event will honor Guy E. Flynn, Esq. Partner, Chair, Maryland Real Estate Practice and Partner in charge of the downtown Baltimore office of DLA Piper, Brian J. Gibbons, Esq. Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Greenberg Gibbons and Neil H. Meltzer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lifebridge Health.

TEXAS REGION

Texas Region Annual Gala November 13, 2016

Save the date for the Texas Region’s Annual Gala. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Bnai Zion Medical Center. The Gala’s program includes opening remarks from some of Bnai Zion’s leaders, dinner, a live auction, and a presentation of awards.

MID-ATLANTIC

National Labor Dinner Winter 2017 in Washington, DC

Honoring Tefere Gebre, Executive Vice President, AFLCIO and Edward J. Mcelroy, President Emeritus, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO. Proceeds to benefit Ahava Village for Children and Youth and The David Yellin Academic College of Education.

SUMMER 2016 · BNAI ZION VOICE

OUR PROJECTS IN ISRAEL: BNAI ZION MEDICAL CENTER

Putting More Care Into

Pediatrics How we treat our children is often how we judge our society. When infant mortality drops, and when children grow up healthy, we understand that we are doing something right. Bnai Zion Medical Center takes this responsibility very seri-

BNAI ZION VOICE Âˇ SUMMER 2016

ously. With public and private support, we continue to make great strides in pediatric care, prenatal health and in our cardio and hemato-oncology specialty units, ensuring that those least able to advocate for themselves are advocated for by

the hospital itself. With the support of generous donors we have built a new pediatric unit and continue to raise additional funds to grow and invest in our specialty units. With our research part-

perience, second to none. Over the past two years we have introduced a new program starting in our pediatric division that has elevated job satisfaction, reduced absenteeism, increased interaction between patients, parents and medical staff, and has improved internal communications. It has also allowed for more and better choices and had such an overall positive impact on the entire department that we have introduced the program hospital-wide. The program uses a concept called “Emotional Intelligence” (EI), but our approach magnifies this by many times, utilizing the “total brain” concept, encouraging our entire staff to maximize their thinking capacity, their interaction with others and enhance their empathetic understanding of patient, patient’s family and co-workers. We are the first hospital in the world to integrate this process hospital-wide and the first to take EI from

the corporate environment and have it tailored specifically for the healthcare workplace. The impact on the department from the relationship with patients and staff have been nothing short of miraculous and have encouraged us to introduce this process to other healthcare centers around the world. Many are aware of Israel’s healthcare and technological contributions around the world, but few are aware that we are also leaders in establishing a number of processes that raise the bar, allowing provider and patient to get maximum value from the technology and services being provided. This lowers costs, makes for more efficient services and most importantly, as we look into the eyes of a newborn, or the relieved face of her parents, our work saves lives here in Israel and around the world. Contact us for more information on this valuable program for your local hospital or healthcare provider, or to support our life saving work.

ners and doctors’ participation in global conferences and the priority we place on this matter, we are truly a leader in the field and the most sought after hospital in Israel’s north for mothers giving birth. Never being an organization to accept the status quo, we have explored other ways to improve treatment, build on the quality of our work and enlist the engagement of our staff, patients and community. This ensures that we continue to make the Bnai Zion healthcare exSUMMER 2016 · BNAI ZION VOICE

OUR PROJECTS IN ISRAEL: BNAI ZION MEDICAL CENTER

Hospital In a

Hospital Bnai Zion Medical Center has a sprawling view of the city of Haifa. From its windows you can see its magnificent port, as well as Lebanon and the Syrian mountains. The hospital is so close, you see Hezbollah’s missile launching sites, with any number of them targeting the medical center and other parts of the historic city we serve. In the last war a missile shattered windows on one side of the hospital building just as injured Haifa citizens were arriving at the hospital for treatment. The well-trained staff moved beds, patients and staff, preventing serious injury to those inside. This near disaster could have

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been prevented had there been a “Hospital in a Hospital” at the time. We dare not wait until the next war to build it. The structure, a small full service hospital, with six operational departments and an emergency room, is to be built underground, impervious to a nuclear, chemical or biological attack. This state-of-the-art center will include 200 beds and be prepared 24/7 to take on the very worst our enemies can inflict upon us. In the best of times, it will expand and enhance the medical center’s capabilities. In times of terrorist attacks or war, it will serve as the nerve and treatment center for an expert team

of doctors, nurses and technicians serving on the front lines, ensuring the IDF and Israeli citizens have the best medical care possible. The Israeli government recognizes that Bnai Zion Medical Center serves a growing population, surrounded by Israel’s enemies. That is why they are willing to provide 50% of the building costs for this new and essential project. We need your support to match what the government has offered. Once complete, the “Hospital in a Hospital” will provide our patients and the residents of Haifa with the healthcare security they deserve. This is an important step, as together we continue building and supporting Eretz Yisrael.

DONOR’S IMPACT

Yaara’s Girls Over two years ago, Gabe and Yaara Plotkin, along with their son Eytan, had the chance to finally meet the family they had “adopted” at Ahava Village. They were so moved by their visit that they have stayed in touch and recently enabled each girl to experience a shopping spree, where they chose their own gift, making them feel special, unique and empowered. “Every child should have opportunities, especially in a loving and supportive environment,” said Yaara. Next, she and Gabe look forward to bringing their daughter Carmel to Ahava to experience the love of their extended family.

Ahava Special Gift Recipient: Meitar Meitar is a 13 year old girl, born in Israel. We cannot divulge Meitar’s family background, but can reveal that she does not have a family to support her. She now lives at Ahava Village where she is also being educated. On the weekends, Meitar is being hosted by a family who cares for her with great devotion. Meitar excels in her studies and in many subjects is at the top of her class. Meitar benefits from several of the different therapies that Ahava has to offer, particularly Art Therapy, with an emphasis on painting. In addition to her home life and studies, Meitar has volunteered to work with a group of students who suffer from learning disabilities and communication disorders. She works with them a few hours a week. Recently, Meitar has been asked by school management to create a mural on the classroom walls of those students. Meitar has grown very fond of her family care unit (Mishpachton) and contributes to their everyday life as well as her classmates at Ahava. Thanks to the Ignal Endowment, set up by Shelley Kilcoyne, we were able to give Meitar a special gift that she was more than deserving of.

SUMMER 2016 · BNAI ZION VOICE

OUR PROJECTS IN ISRAEL: AHAVA VILLAGE

Building to

Rebuild Young Lives Building the therapy center will dramatically help in rebuilding young lives by consolidating residents, therapists, therapies, and therapeutic resources all under one roof. Ahava Village for Children and Youth, is a residential center for abused and at-risk children in Kiryat Bialik, Israel. It houses more than 250 children and youth, ages 6 to 18, who have been removed from their homes by court order and whose needs cannot be met by Israel’s regular foster care system. It provides refuge for some of Israel’s most vulnerable children and young adults, exposed to unimaginable horrors, and provides compassionate treatment to overcome the nightmares

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they have endured. The childen receive continuous specialized support from a dedicated staff, that includes, a psychiatrist, 3 psychologists, 11 social workers, 12 special therapists, caregivers and special education teachers. This allows the children to begin to heal, trust and grow as individuals and as productive members of Israeli society. The therapeutic team develops a unique treatment plan that addresses each child’s needs. In addition to

one-on-one and group therapy the program includes horseback riding, animal care, movement therapy, drama therapy, biblio-therapy and writing therapy. Currently, the therapeutic team is spread across the Ahava campus. Once the Therapy Center is completed, all therapies will be under one roof, creating more efficiency and collaboration, and thereby accelerating the transformation of Ahava’s children and youth.

Avi Both of Avi’s parents were substance abusers. In fact, Avi’s mother used drugs the entire time that she was pregnant. While still in the hospital, the staff observed that Avi’s birth mother was disinterested in her newborn baby. She did not want to hold him, soothe him when he cried, feed him or change his diapers. The concerned hospital staff intervened and contacted the department of social services on Avi’s behalf, before his birth mother would have a chance to harm him. Based on a decision by the department of social services and the family court, it was determined that Avi’s birth mother was not suitable to raise him. Avi was removed from his home and sent to a residential care center for babies, toddlers and children under the age of 6. Avi arrived at Ahava Village for Children and Youth when he was 6 years old. Already, he was a very troubled little boy. He was withdrawn and exhibited signs of depression. He constantly acted out and had little or no self-control. Avi was placed in an Ahava family unit consisting of a married couple and 9 other children between the ages of 6 and 11. The house parents created a warm and loving environment for all members of the family in general, paying special attention to Avi, helping him adapt to his new home. With the additional services provided by Ahava’s dedicated staff, including a psychiatrist, 3 psychologists, 11 social workers, 12 special therapists, caregivers and special education teachers, Avi’s life began to improve. Avi responded particularly well to Ahava’s pet therapy program provided at Ahava’s petting zoo. With time, Avi became more comfortable at Ahava. He made many friends, became a very good student and was an important and contributing member of his Ahava family. Today, Avi is 17 years old. He is an excellent student and has been designated as a candidate for advanced officer training. In another year and a half, Avi will complete his high school studies and will join the 18+ Program. His Ahava family will remain beside him during and after his National Service.

OUR PROJECTS IN ISRAEL: MA’ALEH ADUMIM

High Hopes

for Teenagers in High Tech Setting ORT–Dekel Vilnay High School participated in a groundbreaking program empowering graduates to lead us into a technologically accelerating and socially complex future. Students from the all over Israel who participated in a special technological leadership and knowledge management program, presented their breakthrough projects at a national conference in Ramat-Gan, at the Bar-Ilan University. The program is a partnership between Ness Technologies Company, the IDF, and 35 schools and municipalities across Israel. The program exposed the students to Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering — all in a setting designed to stir their vision, moral assessment, and fortify their ability to work in complex environments.

BNAI ZION VOICE · SUMMER 2016

We are proud to report that the first group of students completed the project in the city of Ma’aleh Adumim at the ORT – Dekel Vilnay High School. They presented two breakthrough technologies. The first, a helmet enabling a soldier in battle to receive and respond to events in real-time. The second, a chipset device for sufferers of diabetes that warns and provides the injection the body needs. According to Mayor Benny Kashriel, “Our students showed leadership, excellence and innovative ideas from which we will all benefit, as we equip our youth with the tools needed to lead us into a brighter future.”

The students of ORT – Dekel Vilany High School won in three categories: 1. The excellent ten municipalities’ award 2. Excellency Award for Team Work, and 3. The individual student prize was awarded to Ya’ara Ofir, for her work on the team. Culture department manager, David Sharet, thanked Irma Ben-Moshe for her dedicated work that led to the excellent results achieved by the students. Also at the conference was headmaster Har’el Horovitz, and the Mayor of Ma’aleh Adumim, Benny Kashriel

Holocaust Survivors Program

In Ma’aleh Adumim we are privileged to have nearly 1000 Holocaust survivors living among us. These precious people were teenagers when the Holocaust ended seventy years ago. Now, they are very elderly and many are frail. They face unique challenges, immigrating to Israel without family or possessions. Some, have outlived their work pensions and live on a small amount from the National Insurance Institute. Some, have no children or none close enough to assist. Their homes

may need repairs, but they may not even have enough money for their basic needs. Some, must choose medicine over food. The program for Holocaust survivors will ensure that volunteers check on these seniors and that people can be hired to do repairs. The program also provides food baskets for Shabbat and holidays. Please join us in helping these special people, who have been through so much, live out their lives in comfort and dignity!

Senior Citizens Center The Senior Citizens’ Center is an active, happy place. Seniors from every neighborhood of Ma’aleh Adumim come for a busy day of activities including stimulating lectures, art projects and trips. The activities enable our seniors to develop friendships and the activities promote cognitive health in preventing the onset of memory loss. The senior population is growing rapidly as more elderly people are joining their children in Ma’aleh Adumim, either moving from other parts of Israel or retiring in the States and making Aliyah. We need to add a second floor to the senior citizens’ center in order to accommodate this population and adequately service them.

SUMMER 2016 · BNAI ZION VOICE

OUR PROJECTS IN ISRAEL: DAVID YELLIN ACADEMIC COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Unique Project

A unique babysitter project, “For the Special Children”, is a blessed project that was conceived in the TCMD (Teachers for Children with Multiple Disabilities) course within the College, in which students would babysit children with special needs. The initiative is the brainchild of Naomi Avner, an ex-student in the TCMD course and a parent to a child with a mental disability. From her own experience as a mother of a child with severe brain damage and from knowing and conversing with many parents, she learned that parents seldom leave their home and find it hard to maintain a normal family and social life, leading to a decline in the quality of their lives.

BNAI ZION VOICE · SUMMER 2016

To help improve the quality of life, students taking the TCMD course are willing to work as babysitters in their homes. They are paid the lawful minimum wage and work with a wide variety of special needs children. The course helps them acquire the unique skills necessary to teach these children, while the much needed respite allows the parents to continue raising their children at home according to their individual needs.

have disabilities with supports that help them make their service a success, a OUR PROJECTS IN ISRAEL: QUITTMAN CENTER them to prepare for what life as an adult offers upon their completing milita National Service is a well-accepted alternative to military service for young a RAEL ELWYN'S HELPS VOLUNTEERS WITH DISABILITIES GOALS eligible or MOSAIC not accepted by the IDF, and like the Army,ACHIEVE serveswith as an importan Israel Elwyn’s Mosaic Helps Volunteers integration into Israeli society. Goals Disabilities rael Elwyn’s (IE) “Mosaic” Achieve program provides Israeli Army and National Service volunteers w Rafi Eliav (pictured fr ave disabilities with supports that help them make their service a success, as well asleft), assistin day after they complete their service currently performing his m and start a new chapter inor their lives,service hem to prepare for what life as an adult offers upon their completing military civic which is generally employment. This theapproximately Natan Base in Be ational Service is a well-accepted alternative to military service youngArmy adults who year,for 200 young peo-are no withimportant disabilities volunteering igible or not accepted by the IDF, and like the Army, serves asple an basis forprogra full years in IE'sareReshet in the National Service system with tegration into Israeli society. below), IE’s support. Rafi chose to serve Rafi Eliav (pictured left), from Be'er Sheba, initially did not want to acc IE’s Reshet “Network” programservice is for currently performing his military at teenagers with physical sensory persisted and,and with our ass the Natan Army Baseand in diminished Be'er Sheba. disabilities cogni- After in making hisstudents dream tive skills program who are theof full years in IE's Reshet (seeindescriptio regular, non-special education sysservice come true. We hav below), Rafi tem. chose to serve in the IDF, This extracurricular program whic Israel Elwyn’s “Mosaic” program be released in May 2017. When the aims to prepare 16-to-18-year work with Rafi during his s initially did not want to accept him.oldsHe provides Israeli Army and National time comes, we will work with Rafi for independence, while providing persisted and, with our assistance, succeed follow onrange hisofprogress. Service volunteers, who have disto help him plan his next steps. them with aup broad experiin making hisences dream of fullyear and and regular abilities, with the support that helps and extensive exposure to ophis second willArm be make their service a success. It also Dudu (David) Deal (at right) with in the postcontinued high school to service comeportunities true. We have 2017.ThisWhen time prepares them for life as an adult, Yaron Samimi, IE Director of Youth world. includes the Military or com work with Rafi during his service in order to upon their completion of their Miland Young Adult Programs, also National Service, employment, conwith Rafi to help him plan itary or Civic Service. National Serfrom Be’er Sheba, chose to volunteer education, asRafi well is as currently interfollow up ontinuing his progress. vice is a well-accepted alternative to Military Service for young adults who are not eligible or not accepted by the IDF, and like the Army, serves as an important basis for full integration into Israeli society.

for National Service after 3 years in action with the community. Reshet’s his second year andprovide will bethereleased IE’s Reshet program. He performed activities participantsin May his first year of National Service with tools comes, to make knowledge2017. Whenwith thethetime we will work the Be’er Sheba Fire Department. He able choices about their future. with Rafi to help him plan his next steps. is performing his second year of service in a hospital. We udu (David) Deal (at right with Yaron have Samimi, continued to Rafi – Eliav (pictured with Dudu in Director Youth andabove), Youngfrom Adultwork Programs), Be’er Sheba, is currently performorder to follow up on so from Sheba, to volunteer for He ing Be'er his Military Servicechose at the Natan his development. Base inafter Be’er Sheba. After complete his serationalArmy Service 3 years in3IE'swill Reshet years in IE’s Reshet program, Rafi vice in August 2016 ogramchose andto performed first serve in the IDF,his which ini- year and of is already contially did not want to accept him. He sidering, ational Service with the Be'er Sheba Fire together persisted and with our assistance, with our staff, what epartment. He is performing his second year succeeded in making his dream of he will then do. IE’s service hospital. We have to was full in andaregular Army Service come continued Mosaic program true. We have continued to work established ork with Dudu in order to follow up on histwo years with Rafi during his service in order ago and works with evelopment. He complete service in preto follow up onwill his progress. Rafi ishisyoung adults, currently in hisissecond year and will paring them for the ugust 2016 and already considering,

Dudu (David) Deal (at right with Yaron Samimi, IE Director – Youth and Young Adult Programs), also from Be'er Sheba, chose to volunteer for National Service after 3 years in IE's Reshet program and performed his first year of National Service with the Be'er Sheba Fire Department. He is performing his second year of service in a hospital. We have continued to work with Dudu in order to follow up on his development. He will complete his service in August 2016 and is already considering, together with our staff, what he will then do.

gether with our staff, what he will then do.

IE’s Mosaic program was established two years

SUMMER 2016 · BNAI ZION VOICE

Through the Lens

A visual journey of Executive Vice President Cheryl Bier’s April 2016 trip to Israel Seeing the projects we fund through the lens of a photographer and witnessing first hand, testimonials of those lives that have been quite literally transformed because of Bnai Zion’s efforts, has given me an even greater appreciation for the daily challenges and importance of Bnai Zion’s work. Interviewing the patients, students and their parents really added a deeper perspective to the ongoing connection and loving relationships with the larger Israeli projects and our hundreds of colleagues there. We wish to thank our colleagues, staff and volunteers that turn our support into cutting-edge medical care, life-saving surgeries, transforming therapies, and bring music and culture to venues that had none. See our new Ahava village video by going to www.AhavaVideo.com.

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