FEATURED HUMANITARIANS
Israel Sport Center for the Disabled raises spirits and changes lives Lori Komisar and Stu Nitzkin BY KARIE LUC For Sun-Times Media
Karie Luc is with Lori Komisar and Stu Nitzkin in Winnetka as they explain the philanthropic mission of the Israel Sport Center for the Disabled.
L
ori Komisar of Winnetka, and longtime supporter of the Israel Sport Center for the Disabled (ISCD), is a philanthropist who prefers staying behind the scenes. Going about her day with cell phone handy, her calls are frequent. Often, Morrie Silverman, her life partner, gives her a shout. Walking the grounds of her riparian 4 | 2013-2014 MITZVAH GUIDE
residence, Komisar is used to having a cell phone glued to her ear. As landscapers work, Komisar artfully navigates a mower’s path. Poise and grace are mandatory within shouting distance of Lake Michigan. “That was Morrie,” said Komisar, with a smile, finishing a conversation before besting ravine steps to a private patio overlooking her backyard. Silverman, also a supporter of numerous charitable causes, equally prefers to go about his work quietly. The two would prefer deserving children be featured on the society pages. The mission of the ISCD, the only service provider of its kind in the world, prompted
Komisar to grant a rare interview. The conversation with Komisar took place on a spectacular early autumn morning. Her backyard is a Lake Michigan beach. “It’s a beautiful day,” Komisar said. “I do feel fortunate I live in this environment but I have to say, it doesn’t define me.” What does define her, she said: “It’s a smile on a face; it’s a medal on a kid.” Stuart Nitzkin, who serves as national executive director for the American Friends of the Israel Sport Center for the Disabled (AFISCD), accompanied Komisar. “The center is a place, in my opinion, that God kissed and never left,” said Komisar, gesturing with her left hand to demonstrate a higher power’s path.