The Sephardic Nursing Center’s Gala

A spectacular gala to celebrate the Sephardic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center’s 60th Diamond Anniversary was recently held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City, with over 550 veteran and recent supporters in attendance. This was a celebration for the ages. The Sephardic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is the “Crown Jewel” of the Sephardic community.

The Syrian elderly should be proud that the Sephardic Home’s board of directors is well represented by five members of our community: Alberto Sutton, Raymond Cohen, Jerry Natkin, Jeffrey Menaged and Albert Maleh.

When thinking about the options of caring for your loved one, the Sephardic Home should be number one on your list. Cultural and religious benefits, plus outstanding medical, nursing and rehabilitation care are provided 365 days and nights a year.

At the gala, President James Caspi welcomed the audience with words of gratitude—thanking everybody, especially the honorees for helping to make the evening a huge success. Jim was proud that he and his family, parents and grandparents have devoted their lives as founders and present leaders of the Sephardic Home.

Jim introduced Dr. Sal Cumella, a prominent physician who is a close friend of the Sephardic Home. Sal serves as an NYPD police surgeon among many other prestigious positions.

Dr. Cumella welcomed all and was thrilled to see such a large group of Sephardic friends. He praised the wonderful reputation of the home, saying that he admires the great teamwork and outstanding quality of care the Sephardic Home is known for throughout the region. Sal said it was his sincere pleasure to welcome the emcee/keynote speaker, his close personal friend, Rita Cosby, noted journalist with major news networks.

Before Rita came on the stage, a short video clip was presented which showed her interviewing American and world leaders.

She received a warm round of applause and proceeded to tell everybody how honored she felt to have been selected as the night’s emcee. She reflected on her lunch meeting with Jerry Natkin, Dinner Chairperson, Bella Vais and Michael New. The warmth of that interaction made it clear to her that The Sephardic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is not just any nursing home, but a very special nurturing home, where residents have been living comfortably, in a respectful environment, for 60 years.

Rita acknowledged the officers of the Sephardic Home and the Sephardic Geriatric Foundation in the audience and asked them to take a well deserved bow for all the amazing work, time and effort they dedicate to the cause. These members included: Michael Lopez, Chairman of the Board; James Caspi, President; Laurie Kamhi, 1st Vice President; Louis Rousso, 2nd Vice President; Neil Crespi, Treasurer; Joe Halio, MD, Secretary; Martin Elias, President of the Sephardic Geriatric Foundation of New York and Marion Crespi, Vice President.

Two large video screens showed a lovely video produced by filmmaker Larry Confino, a Sephardic Jew of Greek heritage, that illustrated the beautiful role the Sephardic Home plays in caring for the elderly. Highlighted in the film were pictures of the residents and personal accounts of what the Sephardic Home means to the community according to Cliff Russo, Journal Chairman, Rabbi Arnold Marans, Chaplain of the Home; and Rabbi of the Sephardic Temple in Cedarhurst. There was also a personal account from board member Raymond Cohen who fondly described how his mother Sophie’s life visibly improved during her final years as she received tender loving care while affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Rita praised the powerful video as many wiped tears from their eyes. She then called Executive Director Michael New up to the podium to join her in handing out awards to the honorees. Michael thanked the board for entrusting him with the running of the Sephardic Home for nearly 30 years. It is a major responsibility, he said, “that can only be accomplished with the help of a great staff and incredible help from Norman Cohen, Senior VP of Administration, Marion Charleston, Administrative Assistant and Jay Mostel, Chief Financial Officer, to name a few. “

Rita called Elsi Levy, a staunch supporter of the home for many years, to receive a plaque which reads as follows:

In Grateful Recognition and Appreciation to Elsi Levy for Your Generosity and Dedication To the Residents of The Home and Upholding Sephardic Values.

Next to be honored was Susan Bibi, who received an award for her enthusiasm in volunteering and for being a role model for mothers and daughters in the community. Her plaque contained the following words:

Aishes Chayil Award Presented to Susan Bibi Who Selflessly Dedicates Her Time to the Elderly in Our Community. Mabrook.

Kudos to Raymond Cohen for introducing Susan to the home. Rita then called the four honorees to receive their awards:

Ron Finkler from TD Bank was given a Corporate Leadership Award; Jack Halpern from MyElder Advocate was given a Senior Care Humanitarian Award; Saul Greenberger, from Pharmscript, LLC was given a Healthcare Leadership Award and Lenny Tilman from ABRUD was given a Community Service and Civic Leadership Award.

Each honoree thanked the home and praised all those who came to cheer them on and help support their efforts on behalf of the residents of the Sephardic Home.

Rita remarked about the Home’s historic record of caring for many Holocaust survivors. Her own personal connection to the Holocaust is illustrated in the book “Quiet Hero,” the story of Rita’s personal life that profoundly affects anyone who reads it, especially children of Holocaust survivors. Rita also showed a video clip of her dad’s return to the streets of Warsaw and commentary about the Warsaw Ghetto which was highly emotional and extremely moving.

Rita welcomed everyone to bring their personal copy of her book to be signed and to take a picture with her.

Much thanks to Jeff Menaged, Dinner Co-Chair, for organizing a successful art auction. Special thanks to the Noga Orchestra led by Avram Pengas for providing entertaining music and Ken Brown, an amazing magician who wowed many during the cocktail hour.

Thanks go to the Grand Hyatt crew and Mike Cohen of Foremost-Ram for the delicious food that we all enjoyed, as well as Five Boro printing for a great journal.

Finally, a special thanks to Bella Vais and Judith Elias who worked for months to make sure the gala would be an everlasting memory for everyone—which it was indeed.