Under a beautiful Aspen sky on Tuesday, July 26th, Barbara and Michael Gamson hosted more than…
On Thursday, November 9, 2023, hundreds of Los Angeles Birthright Israel Foundation supporters gathered to honor lay leader Steven J. Fishman and hear the incredible news of the Arline & Buddy Pepp $1,000,000 match. We are grateful to our co-chairs, Lynn & Les Bider, Caroline & Michael Hackman, and Janice Kamenir-Reznik & Benjamin Reznick. The evening represented the community’s unwavering support for Israel and demonstrated the resilience of the Jewish people.
Birthright Israel alum Jonah Platt kicked off the night with a performance of Hatikvah followed by prayers for Israel and the IDF from Rabbi Yoshi Zweibeck, Senior Rabbi of Stephen Wise Temple. Janice Kamenir-Reznik spoke on behalf of the evening’s chairs and expressed immense gratitude for those in attendance and their support of Birthright Israel during this critical and meaningful time.
“Birthright Israel plays a critical role in preparing young Jews to contend with and respond to this new reality. The war will come to an end, God willing, sooner rather than later, and Birthright Israel will then resume its role of creating bonds between young American Jews and the state of Israel and its people. It will be more important than ever to do the work of Birthright Israel. The Biders, the Hackmans, Ben, and I are especially proud to be the chairs of this event because it honors one of the very best people we know, Steve Fishman.” – Janice Kamenir‑Reznik
Following Janice, Birthright Israel Alum and Senior Advisor to Former Special Envoy Noa Tishby, Eden Cohen shared how the program changed the trajectory of her life. Over a decade after her trip, Eden is a prominent Zionist voice for Millennials and Gen Z, helping them navigate the misinformation battle on social media. National Board Chair Phil de Toledo then took to the stage to share his powerful firsthand testimony of visiting Southern Israel only a month after the October 7th terrorist attack. An excerpt from his speech is below.
“I never felt unsafe while in Israel, and everyone was very calm when the sirens went off and we were in shelters. But I felt I got the true Israeli experience of being in a war zone when a siren went off on the way to the airport, and we were lying flat on the side of the road by the concrete barrier while hoping that the shrapnel from the Iron Dome interception would fall somewhere else. I share these stories because I want to honor the request of the traumatized people who shared them with us and asked us to share them broadly.” – Phil de Toledo
Rabbi Noah Farkas, President & CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, had the privilege to introduce the evening’s honoree, Steven J. Fishman. Rabbi Farkas presented Steven with an award for his dedication to Birthright Israel and the Jewish people. Steve has been an integral part of building the Los Angeles Birthright Israel Foundation family under his tenure as Chair of the LA Leadership Council. He greatly expanded the organization’s impact within the greater Los Angeles area. While continuing to serve in a leadership role at Birthright Israel Foundation, Steve also holds leadership roles at the Stephen Wise Temple, AIPAC, Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, ELNET, Hebrew Union College, The Impact Forum, Readers to Leaders, and the Washington Institute. Steven thanked his friends and fellow supporters and saluted the LA community for this ongoing support of Israel during this time.
“Attending a Birthright Israel trip doubles, or more, the chance that a Jewish adult will marry another Jew. And if they don’t, it is almost certain that they will raise their children Jewish. Why wouldn’t we want that? If I asked every one of you, ‘Is it important for your children and grandchildren to carry on our values?’ you would say yes. Well, for $4,500, you can make it happen. That’s why Birthright Israel is important to me.” – Steven J. Fishman
Special remarks came from Elias Saratovsky, President & CEO of Birthright Israel Foundation, who rallied the crowd for the program’s conclusion, expressing that Birthright Israel will be needed in the lives of young Jewish adults more than ever once the war is over. Elias also shared that right now, Birthright Israel alums and young Jewish adults are participating in Birthright Israel Onward’s volunteer program to assist with food rescue operations.
LA Leadership Chair Simon Mendelson concluded the program with the announcement of a “$1,000,000 Matching Grant Challenge” from long-time supporters Arline & Buddy Pepp. The match is for anyone extending their 2023 gift into a multi-year commitment for future years. We hope all supporters take advantage of the Arline & Buddy Pepp match to further sustain Birthright Israel Foundation’s mission of providing every eligible young Jewish adult an immersive Israel experience.
2023 LA Gala Tribute Book
Photos from the Event
