donor news spring 2011

Don rNewsG R E A T E R M I A M I J E W I S H F E D E R A T I O N

ALL IN A DAY’S WORKHOW FEDERATION DOLLARS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

IN A SINGLE DAY AT HOME AND OVERSEAS

Touching Jewish Lives.

Building Jewish Community.

Spring 2011 | Iyar 5771

INSIDE

It Could Only Bea Mega Mission

Volunteersof the Year

Support for Israel:JCRC Educatesand EngagesCommunity

Announcingthe All-NewJewishMiami.org!

Read more on page 2

MIAMIMEGA

MISSI NISRAEL2012

The Mission of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation is to mobilize human and financial

resources to care for those in need, strengthen Jewish life and advance the unity, values

and shared purpose of the Jewish people in Miami, in Israel and around the world.

Connect with your community at the ALL-NEW JewishMiami.org

One outstanding way to show oursupport is by visiting Israel. Each year atthe end of the Passover seder, Jewsaround the world proclaim, “Next year inJerusalem!” It’s a pledge we have madefor generations – and a promise each ofus can fulfill in 2012. From April 22 throughMay 1, 2012, more than 800 people from ourcommunity will travel together to our spiritualhomeland for an unforgettable Mega Mission.Chaired by our good friend and Federation PastPresident Saby Behar, the Miami Mega Missionwill unite people from across our community in aonce-in-a-lifetime trip that will engage, inspireand delight each and every participant. Please besure to read all about Miami Mega Mission Israel2012 on page 7 of this publication, and then makeplans to hold your place and join us next year inJerusalem!

This issue of Donor News provides insightinto some of the programs and services yoursupport helps to make possible. As always, your giftto the Annual Federation/UJA Campaign continuesto be a vital lifeline to the most vulnerable in Israeland in 64 other countries around the world. It alsoenables Federation and our partner agencies toprovide some form of financial assistance to 1 in 8Jewish people here in Miami.

Our Federation was recognized for thisongoing commitment with the prestigious SapirAward for Campaign Excellence at this year’s GeneralAssembly of The Jewish Federations of NorthAmerica. Ours was one of only two major Americancities to receive this honor – a real sign of ourcommunity’s caring and readiness to assist othersduring tough times.

We invite you to stay connected withFederation and our Jewish community through ourall-new website, JewishMiami.org. Launched atthe beginning of this year, the site has manyoutstanding features, including the ability to shareyour news on The Community Post, a user-generated online Jewish newspaper created byFederation. JewishMiami.org helps you connect toour community and get involved in some of the life-changing programs Federation funds. The feeling ofcommunity that exists here in Miami – the waynewcomers immediately feel as though they’re partof our Jewish family – is one of the many ways wegive help and hope in ordinary and extraordinarytimes.

Going forward, Federation will continue tobe there for those in need. We hope that you will bethere with us as we bring comfort and support toJewish people around the corner and around theglobe. Thank you for your continued support.

Israel is at the heart of the Jewish people and Miami’s Jewishcommunity. As we witness another period of difficulty anduncertainty for the people of Israel, we are filled with a renewedcommitment of support and solidarity.

“Next year in Jerusalem!”

Jacob SolomonPresident and CEO

Brian L. BilzinGeneral Campaign Chair

Barbara Black GoldfarbChair of the Board

Greater MiamiJewish Federation

Barbara Black Goldfarb

Chair of the Board

Brian L. Bilzin

General Campaign Chair

Jacob Solomon

President and Chief Executive Officer

Jeffrey Y. Levin

Chief Development Officer .....................................

David M. Scharlin

Communications Chair

Bonnie Reiter-Lehrer

Chief Communications & Marketing Officer

Nicole Marshal Ozer

Assistant Director of Communications

& Marketing, Editor

Leslie Rosenberg

Senior Communications & Marketing

Associate.....................................

Myron J. “Mike” Brodie

Executive Vice President Emeritus

John M. Bussel | Chair

Stephen C. Lande, J.D. | Director

4200 Biscayne Boulevard

Miami, Florida 33137

305.576.4000

JewishMiami.org

To make a gift, please use theenclosed envelope. You may alsocontact the Greater Miami JewishFederation at 305.576.4000 orvisit JewishMiami.org/gift/donornews.

1 | GREATER MIAMI JEWISH FEDERATION | DONOR NEWS

GREATER MIAMI JEWISH FEDERATION | DONOR NEWS | 2


5 AM, MIAMI / NOON, FORMER SOVIET UNION Eighty-four-year-old Isak sits down toeat the hot lunch he receives dailythrough Federation’s overseaspartner, the American Jewish Joint

Distribution Committee (JDC), itsHesed (welfare) Center and its meals-on-wheelsprogram. Last year, Federation providedmedications, food and winter relief to nearly160,000 vulnerable, elderly Jews across theFSU.

6 AM, MIAMI An unemployed, single mother callsthe Miami Jewish community’s 24-hour, confidential helpline, terrifiedthat she and her young children are

about to be evicted from theirapartment. A trained counselor from JewishCommunity Services of South Florida (JCS), aFederation partner agency, is able to secureemergency financial assistance so the family canremain in their home.

Last year, the Federation-funded helplinereceived 21,720 requests for assistance, resulting in:• Nearly $220,000 in emergency assistance grants • Nearly 3,000 visits to the JCS Kosher Food Bank• Career counseling for more than 330 unemployed people – and jobplacement for more than 150 of them – through ParnossahWorks Miami,a unique online job service offered by Federation and JCS

• Jewish burial for 20 indigent people, funded through contributions toFederation’s Tzedakah Fund.

7:30 AM, MIAMI Four-year-old Ana gets ready forpreschool at the Dave and MaryAlper Jewish Community Center inSouth Dade. Her parents, recent

arrivals from Argentina, are gratefulfor the Federation-funded scholarships that haveenabled them to provide their child with a Jewisheducation.

More than $720,000 in scholarships are giveneach year to families so their children can attendearly childhood education, afterschool and daycamp programs at three JCCs in Miami-DadeCounty.

8 AM, MIAMI / 3 PM, ISRAEL A seventh-grade class at the SamuelScheck Hillel Community DaySchool corresponds with friends ina seventh-grade class in Yerucham,

Israel. The students are using a jointcurriculum to learn from one another in acultural exchange.

In 2006, a long-term partnership was established between Miami’s Jewishcommunity and Yerucham, a 13-square-mile city in Israel’s RamatHaNegev region. The partnership’s purpose is to build people-to-peoplerelationships that will strengthen both communities.

The Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School is one of 14 Jewish dayschools in Miami-Dade County that receives Federation funding. Federationalso supports hardship scholarships, synagogue religious schools and more.

9 AM, MIAMI Tsafra, a para-chaplain trainedthrough the Refuat Ha’Nefeshprogram of Federation’s JewishChaplaincy Program, dances with a

senior at an assisted living facility inMiami-Dade County. Now in its third year, RefuatHa’Nefesh teaches volunteers how to providecompassionate and spiritual support to the sickand elderly in our community.

9:30 AM, MIAMI / 4:30 PM, ISRAEL Oriana, a classically trained balletdancer, demonstrates steps tostudents in an afterschool programin Pardes Channa-Karkur in central

Israel. Oriana, who lives in Miami,helped provide funding to make the danceprogram possible. Since 2005, Federation hasbeen engaged in an initiative with Ethiopian-Israeli residents of the community. Acculturationdifficulties have created special issues for manyof these immigrant families, and Federation isinvolved in projects to enhance the self-confidence and academic success of thecommunity’s youngsters.

Each and every day, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and our partner agencies make a realdifference in the lives of real people in need. It is all made possible through the generosity of donors whosupport the Annual Federation/UJA Campaign and special funds and projects. Here, Donor News takesyou on a virtual tour around the clock and around the globe to see the impact of your dollars during atypical day in Miami, in Israel and worldwide.

ALL IN A DAY’S WORKHOW FEDERATION DOLLARS MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A SINGLE DAY AT HOME AND OVERSEAS

3 | GREATER MIAMI JEWISH FEDERAT ION | DONOR NEWS | COVER STORY


10 AM, MIAMI / 5 PM, ISRAEL Alex, Matt and Rachel, friendsfrom Miami, are the first fromtheir bus to reach the Kotelduring their Taglit-Birthright

Israel tour of Jerusalem. Theprogram, which receives funding from theFederation/UJA Campaign, provides the gift ofa free, first-time trip to Israel for Jewish youngadults, ages 18 to 26, strengtheningparticipants’ personal Jewish identity and connection to the Jewish people.

Last year, nearly 700 young adults from Miami participated in Israelexperience programs, including: 313 who went on Taglit-Birthright Israel;97 who received need-based Israel program scholarships; 50 whoparticipated in Passport to Israel (a savings incentive program); 32 whoattended Alexander Muss High School in Israel; and 160 who were part ofMASA long-term work-study-volunteer programs in Israel.

11:30 AM, MIAMI Seniors gather at a congregatemeal site for a hot kosher lunch,as well as music and socializing.Last year, Federation’s partner

agency, JCS provided nearly275,000 kosher meals to homebound seniors,as well as others at four meal sites throughoutMiami-Dade County.

NOON, MIAMI / 7 PM, ISRAELDina and her three youngdaughters arrive, bruised andcrying, at a Federation-fundedshelter for abused women and

children. There, a specially trainedsocial worker assesses Dina’s needs formedical care, legal assistance, counseling andlong-term housing.

In Israel, there are thousands of women andchildren struggling every day with economicand social issues, including abuse, poverty andisolation. Federation’s Women’s AmutotInitiative was established in 2003 to focus exclusively on the needs andwelfare of women and girls in Israel. Annual grants are allocated to Israelinonprofit organizations (amutot) that provide programs and services forwomen and deal with economic and societal empowerment, integration andequality, protection against and prevention of violence, and leadershipdevelopment.

1 PM, MIAMIChaim conducts research on acomputer specially modified toaccommodate disabilities thataffect his mobility, vision and use

of one of his arms. Before hisfamily heard about the Michael-Ann RussellJewish Community Center’s program for adultswith special needs, Chaim spent most of his days at home watching TV. After attending the JCC program four days each week, his entire world haschanged. Today, he has full access to the Internet and assistive-technologyprograms.

Last year, through Miami’s JCCs, 138 children and adults with specialneeds participated in a variety of Federation-supported inclusion programs,such as summer camp, afterschool care, pre-vocational training and dailylife skill development.

2 PM, MIAMI / 3 PM, ARGENTINA Miriam attends a training sessionat the Ariel Job and BusinessCenter in Buenos Aires. Recentlywidowed and living with her aging

parents, she is learning the skillsneeded to find a job and be self-sufficient. TheAriel Job Center was created by Federation’soverseas partner, JDC, to reduce unemployment resulting from Argentina’seconomic meltdown in 2001. Since then, JDC support has helped putthousands of people back to work and has paved the way for the launch ofhundreds of Jewish-owned small businesses. Last year, the Ariel Job Centerprovided job retraining courses to nearly 1,700 individuals. Ariel JobCenters are also making a difference in Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Estonia,Hungary, Latvia, Romania and Venezuela.

3 PM, MIAMI Teens tour the Holocaust Memorialof the Greater Miami JewishFederation with Holocaustsurvivors as part of Federation’s

Young Lions of Judah program, aJewish youth philanthropy initiative forstudents preparing for their Bar or BatMitzvah. The Young Lions program iscoordinated by Federation’s Jewish VolunteerCenter (JVC). At their B’nai Mitzvah, thestudents will honor a survivor who never had the opportunity to become Baror Bat Mitzvah, and will make a $180 contribution to the AnnualFederation/UJA Campaign.

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK



4 PM, MIAMI / 11 PM, ISRAEL Volunteers in Israel travel torestaurants, malls and banquethalls to gather a surplus ofprepared meals that would have

been thrown away; later, this foodwill be redistributed to 300 nonprofit partnersthat feed the poor and hungry throughoutIsrael. Each year, with the help of 40,000volunteers, Leket Israel – the country’s largestfood bank and food rescue network – collects more than 700,000 mealsand 13 million pounds of produce and perishable goods, and suppliesmore than 1 million volunteer-prepared sandwiches to underprivilegedchildren. Federation provides funding for the nongovernmentalorganization’s Project Leket.

7 PM, MIAMI Ben, a college sophomore, learnshow to counter the internationalcampaign to delegitimize Israelat a program sponsored by the

Jewish Community RelationsCouncil (JCRC) of the Greater Miami JewishFederation. The JCRC presents a variety ofcommunity activities for people of all faithsand backgrounds so they can learn aboutimportant topics of concern, including Israeland the Middle East, vulnerable communities,anti-Semitism, domestic policy, civil libertiesand more. (See related article on page 10.)

8 PM, MIAMI Lara participates in a livelydiscussion on Jewish tradition aspart of the Florence Melton AdultMini School of Miami. Raised

without a formal Jewish education,she is excited to be able to learn about herheritage now so that she can share it with herfamily.

Administered and co-sponsored by the Centerfor the Advancement of Jewish Education(CAJE), a Federation local partner agency, theMelton School is the fastest-growing,pluralistic, Jewish learning program for adultsin the world, with thousands of students enrolling each year. Miami-Dadeboasts more than 800 graduates.

Want to learn more about the work ofthe Greater Miami Jewish Federation?Visit JewishMiami.org/about.

In these challenging times,the Jewish communityis here for you.

Greater Miami Jewish Federation

If you or someone you know is in need of:

n EMERGENCY FINANCIAL

ASSISTANCE

n FOOD

n FAMILY AND

INDIVIDUAL

COUNSELING

n REHABILITATION

...we can help.

Call the Jewish community’s24-hour helpline at 305-576-6550.

Administered by Jewish Community Services of South Florida,this confidential helpline is staffed by knowledgeable andexperienced professionals who are ready to guide you to theservices and information you need.

n EMPLOYMENT

ASSISTANCE

n HOME HEALTH CARE

n STRESS MANAGEMENT

n DOMESTIC ABUSE

ASSISTANCE

n ADDICTION COUNSELING

n BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

HOW FEDERATION DOLLARS MAKE A DIFFERENCEIN A SINGLE DAY AT HOME AND OVERSEAS



AS ONE OF MIAMI’S TOP LAWYERS, Federation 2011 General Campaign ChairBrian Bilzin is a seasoned pro at making cases. This includes making the case for supportingthe Jewish community. Ask him how long he’s been giving to Federation/UJA Campaigns, andhe’ll tell you exactly.

“Since August, 1970,” he said. “That’s when I was old enough to start working, andthat’s when I started making gifts.”

Even then, he was already committed to Jewish values and identity. He learned from hisworking-class parents to give what he can to the Jewish community.

“I grew up believing that if we didn’t take care of ourselves as Jews, nobody else wasgoing to take care of us,” he said. “When you give, it comes back to you. My Jewish communityinvolvement has given me so much: It’s given me a value system, a faith system, a strong workethic and compassion for other people. I’ve come to believe that being born Jewish was one of themost fortunate events in my life.”

Brian is a partner at Bilzin Sumberg, specializing in Business, Corporations and RealEstate Law. He first got involved with the Greater Miami Jewish Federation in the 1970s, throughwhat was then the Young Leadership Council (now The Network). He eventually became aFederation Board member, and he has traveled to Israel and around the world to meet face-to-face with Federation beneficiaries.

“I’ve met Eastern Europeans who couldn’t even practice their Judaism just a few yearsago, and now they have thriving Jewish communities. I’ve met Jews from Latin America who hadtheir world turned upside down by that region’s economic crisis, and now they’re rebuilding theirlives. These are people who really show us that Federation and the Annual Campaign truly dochange lives. Their successes would not be possible without the Campaign, and the people whocontribute to it,” he said.

Brian said Campaign donors can be proud not only of their role in helping our mostvulnerable citizens – but also of how their gifts help Federation to build the Jewish communityof the future.

“Miami is a very interesting community because it is so international in scope,” Briansaid. “I think we’re several years ahead of many other Jewish communities in our ability to reachout to all Jews, welcome them and make them feel comfortable being Jews. We have to continuebringing them in and letting them know that there’s a place for them. The Federation/UJACampaign will always play a vital role in helping Jews who need us – and in welcoming everyonewho wants to experience our Jewish world.”

General Campaign Chair Brian Bilzin Committed to Jewish Values and Identity

“Federation bringsour people and

agencies together.Through Federation,we act as one people,

to confront our challengesand literally

change the world.”

Brian Bilzin, on a recent visit toEastern Europe, expressed his

commitment to Jewish continuity andrenewal worldwide by meeting withbeneficiaries of Federation programs.He is pictured here with Maya, whoreconnected with her Jewish heritagethrough a JDC program and then wenton to establish a new Jewish school forCroatia’s budding Jewish community.

Local Programs and Agencies • Alexander Muss High School in Israel• Association for Jewish Special Education• B’nai B’rith Youth Organization• Beth David/Gordon Day School• Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education• Dave and Mary Alper Jewish Community

Center on The Jay Morton-Levinthal Campus• Day School Hardship Scholarships• Destination Israel of the Greater Miami

Jewish Federation• Greenfield Day School• Hebrew Academy (RASG)

The miracle of your ONE gift to the Federation/UJA Campaign is that it touches the lives of so many people every dayin Miami, in Israel and worldwide. Thank you for your generosity. Your gift provides funding to these agencies andprograms in our community, nationally and overseas.

• Hebrew Free Loan Association ofSouth Florida

• High Holiday Welcome Program of theGreater Miami Jewish Federation

• Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish CampusLife (seven Florida campuses)

• Hochberg Preparatory: A Solomon SchechterDay School at Beth TorahBenny Rok Campus

• Holocaust Documentation andEducation Center

• Holocaust Memorial of theGreater Miami Jewish Federation

• Israel Programs: Passport to Israel, Taglit-Birthright Israel, Israel Scholarships

• Jacobson Sinai Academy• Jewish Chaplaincy Program of the

Greater Miami Jewish Federation• Jewish Community Relations Council of the

Greater Miami Jewish Federation• Jewish Community Services of South Florida• Jewish Community Services/Access and Information

• Jewish Federation Housing• Jewish Museum of Florida

• Jewish Volunteer Center of theGreater Miami Jewish Federation

• Kesher L.D.• Lehrman Community Day School• Mechina High School• Miami Beach Jewish Community Center• Miami Jewish Health Systems• Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center

on the Sanford L. Ziff Campus• Mount Sinai Medical Center• Neytz haChochma• Organization for Leadership Advancement in

Miami of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

REMEMBER LEARNING THE VALUE OF SAVING FOR A RAINY DAY? For many in Miami’sJewish community, the recession has been more like a hurricane. Yet, as trying as these times have been,they would be much worse had it not been for The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.

A Catalyst for New Ideas and Programsthat can Transform the Jewish Community

The Foundation is Federation’s endowment arm, where hundreds ofindividuals and families have created their own legacies to benefit the Jewishcommunity. Since the economic crisis began in 2008, The Foundation hasmade nearly $3 million in special grants to help with the most urgent localJewish community needs. That’s in addition to the regular Federationallocations from Unrestricted and Campaign Endowments.

Those who created endowments through The Foundation probablynever imagined the severity of the recession. Yet, because they provided fundsfor “rainy days,” programs and services that might have been forced to shutdown are still serving our community.

“Even with all the generous giving toFederation’s Annual Campaign, unforeseenthings can happen,” said Foundation ChairJohn M. Bussel. “This crisis hit us so quicklyand severely that we were in danger of not beingable to make good on our commitments to ouragencies. If there’s a silver lining in all this, it’sthat now, more people understand why TheFoundation is so important. Before, when Iwould talk about planned giving andendowments, a lot of people thought of them as abstract concepts. Now, theycan look at what we’ve done and say, ‘Thank goodness we have theseresources to tap into.’”

That need – and the importance of The Foundation endowment –will only grow in the future, John said.

“The demand for services in the Jewish community is growing at apace that’s faster than we can keep up with, and that’s going to continue.

Which type of planned gift is appropriatefor your needs and interests?To find out, you can check out The Foundation’s online giftcalculator at JewishMiami.org/calculator or contact TheFoundation at [email protected] or 786.866.8623.All consultations are confidential, with no obligation.

GREATER MIAMI JEWISH FEDERATION | DONOR NEWS | 65 | GREATER MIAMI JEWISH FEDERATION | DONOR NEWS


Give Thanks.

Give help.

Give h pe.

We will need endowment income to fill the gap,” John said.That’s where The Foundation comes in. The Foundation team works

with individuals, families and their financial advisors to create plans to establishlasting Jewish legacies, while also addressing contemporary needs.

“To me, one of the most important things about endowment money isthat it really can be a catalyst for new ideas and programs that can transformthe Jewish community,” John said. “For many organizations, it’s not easy to bevisionary – especially when budgets are tight. But through The Foundation,donors can help those organizations by creating funds with specific goals inmind.”

John said that Annual Campaign donors who believe they don’t havethe resources for endowment giving are often surprised when they see TheFoundation’s options.

“There’s a big menu with a lot of flexibility,” John said. “When peoplerealize that, they see many ways individuals of even modest means can do morethan they thought they could.”

• Overnight Camp Scholarships• ParnossahWorks Miami• Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School• Shaarei Bina–Torah Academy for Girls• Sue & Leonard Miller Center forContemporary Judaic Studies atthe University of Miami

• Synagogue School SupplementalScholarship Program

• Teacher Fringe Benefits Program• Temple Beth Am Day School• Toras Emes Academy of Miami• Yeshiva Elementary School

National Programs and Services • American Coalition Against a Nuclear Iran• American Jewish Committee• American Jewish Congress• American Jewish World Service• Anti-Defamation League• Association of Jewish Family& Children’s Agencies

• Clal - The National Jewish Center forLearning and Leadership

• Hornstein Jewish Professional LeadershipProgram at Brandeis University

• B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (National)• Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society• Hebrew Union College Schoolof Jewish Communal Service

• Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life

• Israel Action Network• Israel Advocacy Initiative• Jewish Community Centers Association

of North America• Jewish Council for Public Affairs• Jewish Education Service of North America• Jewish Labor Committee• Jewish Telegraphic Agency• Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A.• NCSJ: Advocates on Behalf of Jews in Russia,

Ukraine, Baltic States and Eurasia• National Foundation for Jewish Culture• Project Interchange, an Institute of the

American Jewish Committee• Secure Community Network• World Council of Jewish Communal Service• Wurzweiler School of Social Work

at Yeshiva University

Overseas Programs and Services• American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee• Ethiopian National Project• Hunger Amutot in Israel• Jewish Agency for Israel• The Jewish Federations of North America• Partnership Initiatives in the Israeli citiesof Or Akiva, Pardes Channa-Karkurand Yerucham

• Women’s Amutot Initiative• World ORT

John M. Bussel

We’ve packedso much in...... it could onlybe a MegaMission

MEMORABLE. MEANINGFUL. MAGICAL.

April 22 – May 1, 2012

MIAMIMEGA

MISSI NISRAEL2012

The GREATER MIAMIJEWISH FEDERATIONand our COMMUNITY’SSYNAGOGUES andJEWISH AGENCIESinvite you to join yourneighbors and friendson Miami Mega MissionIsrael 2012.Take the trip of a lifetime with us!

BE THERE to enjoy a personally fulfillingjourney to our spiritual homeland.

BE THERE to participate in anexhilarating community experience withhundreds of friends and neighbors.

BE THERE to commemorate YomHazikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day)and to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut(Israel’s Independence Day). Meet high-ranking officials, public-opinion shapersand ordinary citizens. Get a behind-the-scenes look at Israel’s history and future.And have a great time at five fabulous andunforgettable Mega Events.

It’s all waiting for you in Israel, April 22through May 1, 2012. So pack your bagsfor a most memorable, meaningfuland magical Mega Mission.

Contact: For questions regarding MiamiMega Mission Israel 2012, call KatyBoyask, Miami Mega Mission Manager,at 786.866.8466 or visit us online atMiamiMegaMission2012.org

Greater MiamiJewish Federation




Price*: $3,600 per person (doubleoccupancy) including non-stop, round-trip, coach-class EL AL charter flight andaccommodations at the Mamilla or DavidCitadel, Jerusalem; $2,500 per person(double occupancy) land only, includingaccommodations at the Mamilla or DavidCitadel, Jerusalem; $2,650 per person ages22-39 (double occupancy, space limited),including non-stop, round-trip, coach-class EL AL charter flight andaccommodations at the Inbal JerusalemHotel; $1,800 per person ages 22-39(double occupancy, space limited) landonly, including accommodations at theInbal Jerusalem Hotel.

Optional pre-mission to Poland:April 17 – 22, 2012

• Visit sites of the Holocaust, includingthe Jewish ghettos, the Warsaw GhettoUprising and the only remainingsynagogue in the Warsaw Jewish Quarter

• Join 8,000 others for the March of theLiving on Yom HaShoah (HolocaustRemembrance Day) as we walk fromAuschwitz to Birkenau in testimony ofAm Yisrael Chai, the Jewish people live

• Journey to Israel for Miami MegaMission 2012

* Subject to change based on fuel surcharge.


Register Online atMiamiMegaMission2012.org.

FIVE OUTSTANDING LEADERS will be honored for their service to the Greater MiamiJewish Federation and to Miami’s Jewish community at Federation’s 73rd Annual Meetingon Thursday, May 26, 2011. The event, chaired by Isaac K. Fisher, will include theelection of Officers, Board of Directors, Trustees, Leadership Council and Councilof Jewish Organizations of Miami-Dade County.

Awards and Honors

THE STANLEY C. MYERS PRESIDENTS’ LEADERSHIP AWARDThis award, named for the late Founding President of the Greater MiamiJewish Federation – Stanley C. Myers – is presented annually to twodynamic Jewish leaders who have demonstrated outstanding service to Miami’sJewish community.Stanley C. Myerswas an exceptionalleader who servedthe Jewishcommunity ofMiami for decadesand helped set the standard for Jewish philanthropy in South Florida. The 2011honorees are Ariel Bentata and Amy Berger Chafetz.

THE 2011 ROBERT RUSSELL FELLOWSHIP AWARDNamed in remembrance of the late Robert Russell, this award is presentedto a member of the community who has shown active interest in Federation,and in particular, Jewish communities overseas. Robert Russell was anextraordinary leader who served as President of Federation, as a National UJAChairman, and Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel’s HousingCommittee. The 2011 honoree is Hedy Whitebook.

THE 2011 SANDRA C. GOLDSTEIN YOUNG LEADERSHIP AWARDCreated by Miriam and Sam Goldstein in 2006 in memory of their daughterSandra C. Goldstein – a wonderful young leader in Miami’s Jewishcommunity who received the Stanley C. Myers Presidents’ Leadership Award in

her lifetime – thisaward is presentedannually to two youngindividuals forleadership and serviceto Miami’s Jewishcommunity.

The recipients of the 2011 Sandra C. Goldstein Young Leadership Awardare Amanda Adler and Adam Lustig.

Join us on Thursday, May 26, at 11:30 am at the HiltonMiami Downtown for the 73rd Annual Meeting of the Greater MiamiJewish Federation. For more information, please contact Rina Bassat 786.866.8411 or [email protected].

VOLUNTEERS ARE THE HEART AND SOUL of the Greater Miami JewishFederation, and honoring their commitment of time and energy is an annualtradition of Federation’s Jewish Volunteer Center. Each April during NationalVolunteer Week, awards are presented toindividuals who selflessly dedicate themselves tothe betterment of our community.

In the adult category, the OutstandingVolunteers for 2011 are Karina Chocron andDana Tangir. Seth Kudish is the 2011Outstanding Young Adult Volunteer.

In addition to their individualdedication to helping the Jewish community,Karina and Dana teamed together to create andrun the Community Closet, which sells gentlyused clothing for adults and children at prices ranging mostly from $1 to $5.The brainchild of Hindy Rosenberg, whose family lost everything when theirhouse burned down in 2010, the Community Closet has been a blessing forpeople who have had difficulties like the Rosenbergs, are struggling throughthe economic downturn, or need to clothe a family on a limited budget. JewishCommunity Services of South Florida, a Federation local partner agency,frequently refers clients – and clothing donations – to the Community Closet.

In turning Rosenberg’s dream into a reality, Karina and Dana havedone everything from securing a location and overseeing its renovation toaccessing merchandise for sale and coordinating volunteers’ schedules to run

the shop. Today, 45 volunteers – many referredby the Jewish Volunteer Center – sort and sell theclothing.

A caring, detailed-oriented individual, SethKudish volunteers full-time each weekday atFederation’s offices. Working in data processingand conducting research, he is always happy tohelp out with whatever tasks need to be done.Seth’s degree in computer sciences has enabledhim to teach his colleagues time-savingshortcuts, benefiting the organization as a whole.

His easy-going demeanor and willingness to help wherever he is needed madehim an ideal choice for this year’s Outstanding Young Adult Volunteer award.

JVC Chair Mark Kravitz said, “I am honored to be able to presentthese awards to such dedicated volunteers in our community. They truly inspireothers to give generously of their time.”

For more information about the Jewish Volunteer Center,contact Director Lori Drutz at 786.866.8414 [email protected].

Jewish Volunteer Center Presents 2011 Outstanding Volunteer Awards

Seth KudishKarina Chocron and Dana Tangir



Isaac K. Fisher

Amanda AdlerAriel Bentata Amy Berger Chafetz Adam LustigHedy Whitebook


IN CITIES AND ON COLLEGE CAMPUSESaround the world, there is a rising voice againstIsrael, calling for boycotts, divestment andsanctions (BDS). This campaign seeks todelegitimize Israel by questioning its very right toexist as a homeland for the Jewish people.

The BDS campaign includes boycottingIsraeli products, academic and cultural exchangeswith Israel, and international sporting events inwhich Israel participates; divesting from Israelicompanies and companies that do business withIsrael; and pushing for sanctions against Israel atall levels.

The Jewish Community RelationsCouncil (JCRC) of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation has long had amission to “Educate, Engage and Act” on behalf of our Jewish community inMiami, in Israel and around the world. This year, it is working to inform asmany people as possible about the rising voice of the “BDS” movement andits campaign to delegitimize Israel.

“Legitimate criticism of Israel is one thing, but there’s a fine linebetween that and outright hostility, which is what the ‘BDS’ movementengenders,” said JCRC Chair Regina F. Zelonker. “We have a realopportunity and an obligation to educate our community on how best tocombat this kind of thinking.”

In January, the JCRC convened a Community Summit on thecampaign to delegitimize Israel in partnership with the American JewishCommittee, the Anti-Defamation League, the Consulate General of Israel toFlorida and Puerto Rico, the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami anddozens of other organizations. Chaired by Federation Past Presidents MichaelM. Adler and Norman Braman, the program featured remarks byCongresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Congresswoman DebbieWasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH).Two lively discussions took place among the following panelists: The HonorableIrwin Cotler, Canadian member of Parliament; William Daroff of The

Jewish Federations of North America; Professor AlanDershowitz of Harvard Law School; Rachel Fish ofBrandeis University; Daniel Pipes of the Middle EastForum; Martin Raffel of the Jewish Council forPublic Affairs; Rabbi David Saperstein of theReligious Action Center of Reform Judaism andNatan Sharansky, Chairman of the Executive of theJewish Agency for Israel. Israel’s Ambassador to theU.S., Michael Oren, delivered the keynote address,

and advocacy workshops for high school and college students were facilitatedby the ADL and AIPAC.

The Summit laid a strong foundation of knowledge about the BDSmovement, and the JCRC is continuing to build upon it by working withcollege students, educators, elected officials and the interfaith community, aswell as encouraging the purchase of Israeli products.

Another informative event was the third annual Jewish CommunityRelations Council Washington Advocacy Mission, which took place March 2-3.Co-chaired by Robert Berrin and Jonathan Awner, the mission’s 21participants advocated on public policy regarding a range of topics, whichincluded ensuring sufficient funding for Israel’s security needs. Participants,including Federation Board Chair Barbara Black Goldfarb and CampaignChair Brian Bilzin, met with a broad array of policymakers in the legislativeand executive branches who sit on both sides of the aisle. In addition, thegroup benefited from issues briefings given by AIPAC, the Jewish Council forPublic Affairs and The Jewish Federations of North America, and substantivebriefings from Obama administration staff.

To learn more about the JCRC and its Israel advocacyefforts, contact [email protected] or call786.866.8486.


JCRC Educates and Engages Community in Support of Israel

Majority Leader, U.S.House of RepresentativesEric Cantor (R-VA) andJCRC Vice Chair JonathanAwner speak during ameeting on Capitol Hillin Washington, D.C.

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)speaks at the Community Summit to an audience ofmore than 1,200 people about the U.S. commitmentto Israel. Seated left to right: Congressman SteveChabot (R-OH) and Summit Co-Chairs NormanBraman and Michael M. Adler.

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