Over 600 people gathered to celebrate Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) in grand style at the 33rd Anniversary Dinner of American Friends of Ateret Cohanim/Jerusalem Chai. Each year, Ateret Cohanim honors individuals who have dedicated themselves to supporting the re-establishment of thriving Jewish communities in and around the Old City of Jerusalem.
Ateret Cohanim has restored a number of renowned yeshivot, in the Old City and its outlying areas, which has ensured a vibrant future for generations of Jews to come. The organization has successfully rekindled the flame of Jewish life in the heart and soul of Jerusalem.
A palpable electricity filled the room as this years honorees were assembled on the dais. Serving as Master of Ceremonies was Chaim Leibtag who introduced each awardee. The recipients of the prestigious Bonei Yerushalayim Award were Shoshana Hikind, Executive Vice President of Ateret Cohanim/Jerusalem Chai and Dr. Morris and Rickie Platt.
I am most grateful to Hashem for the opportunity I have had for so many years to stand by our courageous brethren striving to keep all of Jerusalem united under Israeli sovereignty. It is my fervent hope to be able to continue to reach many more American Jews with the message that we must step up to the plate if Yerushalayim is to remain our eternal and undivided capital, declared Mrs. Hikind.
Dr. Morris and Rickie Platt have been exceptionally generous supporters of Ateret Cohanim/Jerusalem Chai, Chabad centers around the globe, and have made significant personal contributions to many other wonderful organizations.
This years Oheiv Yisroel Awardees included Helen Freedman, Executive Director of Americans for a Safe Israel (AFSI), and Shlomo and Aviva Mostofsky. Ms. Freedman said, I get great pleasure from planning and leading the AFSI semi-annual chizuk (strength) tour of Israel. Our participants travel through Israel and provide succor to the fearless Jews who live in Judea and Samaria.
Shlomo Z. Mostofsky is a family law attorney in Brooklyn and his wife Aviva is a reading specialist. They count Ateret Cohanim as one of their favorite organizations.
A new and highly enthusiastic generation of Jewish leaders were introduced to the audience. Michelle Laufer and Rachel Zehava Ruchlamer were presented with the Young Leadership Professionals Award. Hailing from a family with a strong commitment and love for Jerusalem, Michelle has been in the forefront of planning numerous events for Ateret Cohanim/Jerusalem Chai.
Its such an honor to receive this award. I love helping the precious Ateret Cohanim children in the Old City and cant wait to do another young leadership event to raise money for their activities, said Ms. Laufer.
Together, we can put more smiles on the faces of the beautiful children living in the Old City, proclaimed Rachel Zehava Ruchlamer, a 30-year old teacher from New Jersey, as she received her award. I congratulate Ateret Cohanim/Jerusalem Chai on 33 years of keeping Jerusalem united and making it a better and safer place for today and tomorrow, she added.
In addition to redeeming land in and around the Old City of Jerusalem, Ateret Cohanim, which was founded by Matityahu HaCohen Dan, establishes educational centers, provides assistance in the renovation of old buildings, installs and maintains security systems and initiates a variety of other Jewish educational projects in an effort to revitalize Jerusalem.
Everyone going to Israel is urged to take one of Ateret Cohanims fascinating tours. For more information visit www.jerusalemchai.org.
