To celebrate 110 years of building a more inclusive, healthy, and vibrant Israel, Bnai Zion Foundation recently hosted their Annual New York Gala. Over 250 guests came out to the Museum of Jewish Heritage to support the organization’s work, raise funds, and honor four individuals who have truly embodied Bnai Zion’s ideals. The four esteemed honorees included Rabbi Elie Abadie, M.D., Founding Rabbi of Manhattan East Synagogue and Founder and Head of School of The Sephardic Academy of Manhattan; Kenneth Abramowitz, Managing General Partner and co-Founder of NGN Capital and Founder of SaveTheWest.com; Mark Langfan, Managing Partner of The Langfan Company, a Senior Fellow of the London Center, and the Arutz Sheva Correspondent to the UN; and William K. Langfan, a philanthropist and WWII veteran who received the French Legion of Honor Medal.
The gala, which started with a reception at noon, gave attendees a chance to mingle before settling into their seats for the upcoming speeches, while enjoying a buffet lunch. The four honorees each received an award, as well as standing ovations for their outstanding contributions to their respective fields.
Ambassador Dani Dayan, Consul General of Israel in New York, was in attendance, and gave a rousing speech about Israel’s solidarity with the Jews of the diaspora in the wake of rising anti-Semitism and the shooting in Pittsburgh.
“I have never shared so many common values and beliefs than with the honorees at this particular event,” said Ambassador Dayan, before moving on to more somber sentiments. “In a few weeks we will mark Holocaust Remembrance Day. We always say never again. I believe that never is now.”
Stephen Savitsky, Board President, spoke beautifully about Bnai Zion’s ability to bring together people from across the religious and political spectrum. Acknowledging the stunning view of the Statue of Liberty from the museum, he said: “That’s our mission. Give us your tired and your poor. Give us people in Israel who need our help—because regardless of politics, regardless of religious belief, we come together to work for the children, for the people, and for the State of Israel. We are the answer to Jewish unity in the world, at a time when we need Jewish unity so badly.
Other speakers included Cheryl Bier, CEO, who spoke about our power to unite in the face of tragedy and rally around our common cause—our love of Israel; and George Schaeffer, Chairman, reminisced about Bnai Zion’s incredible work over his 53 years of involvement in the organization.
The program ended with an intriguing performance from Mentalist Oz Pearlman, who captivated guests with his “mind-reading,” guessing everything from Master of Ceremonies Harry Adjmi’s favorite dessert, to what various guests were thinking about. Afterwards, the guests retired to the cocktail room for dessert, where Senior Vice President Rebecca Harary led the drawing of an exquisite auction with exciting prize packages, all donated in support of Bnai Zion Foundation.
“This was our best event yet,” said Cheryl Bier. “I was so happy to have such movers and shakers in the room, including our amazing honorees and emcee Harry Adjmi. With everything going on, it was wonderful to have the chance to celebrate Israel.
Bnai Zion Foundation is an America-based nonprofit that identifies and funds capital projects in Israel in the areas of social inclusion, health, and culture. Over the past 110 years, Bnai Zion has completed over one hundred humanitarian projects in Israel that have contributed to the physical, mental, and social well-being of the people of Israel.q
