Sponsored by the Philadelphia and Delaware Chapters
NOVEMBER 16, 2025
PLEASE JOIN THE PHILADELPHIA AND DELAWARE CHAPTERS FOR THE Sunday, November 16, 2025, 11:00 A.M.
WEITZMAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY
101 South Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA
SE Corner of Fifth and Market Streets
Valet Parking at Museum Entrance or Complimentary Self-Park Available
TRIBUTE BRUNCH RESERVATIONS
$250 per attendee
R.S.V.P. by November 10, 2025
Register at a4bgu.org/tribute-brunch-2025 or use the reply card enclosed.
Business Attire. Dietary Laws Observed.
PATRON PARTY
In conversation with Award-Winning Documentarian and Mid-Atlantic Co-Chair
PROGRAM SAM KATZ ARIEL FROMOWITZ
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Student and IDF Veteran
Sponsors of $1,800 and greater are invited to join us for our Patron Party on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Please see page 5 for that invitation.
2025 TRIBUTE BRUNCH AWARD RECIPIENTS
DAVID MAGERMAN
Philadelphia Chapter Honoree
David Magerman, founder of the Tzemach David Foundation, is a leading philanthropist committed to strengthening Israel through education. He has supported transitional programs at several Israeli universities that help American students attend university in Israel and successfully integrate into Israeli society.
Through Tzemach David, he has advanced K–12 education reform in Israel, fostered deeper engagement between American students and Israeli higher education, and backed key national initiatives in education and security—reflecting a deep commitment to Israel’s future and Jewish continuity.
GOVERNOR MATT MEYER
Delaware Chapter Honoree
Matt Meyer was inaugurated as the Governor of Delaware on January 21, 2025. From 2017 to early 2025, he served as New Castle County Executive, leading Delaware‘s largest local government. Prior to that position he worked as an attorney in private practice and was an economic advisor to former Governor Jack Markell and an advisor within the US State Department.
A former public school math teacher, he attended schools in Delaware and later studied computer science and political science at Brown University, earning his law degree from
Before focusing his philanthropy on Israel, David founded the Kohelet Foundation in the U.S., which played a transformative role in Jewish day school education through initiatives like the Kohelet Fellowships, the Kohelet Prize, and the Philadelphia Jewish Day School Collaborative.
Professionally, David was a pioneering computer scientist at Renaissance Technologies, where he helped build the firm’s equities trading group. He is now Managing Partner at Differential Ventures, investing in data-driven innovation. David and his wife Debra are the parents of four children.
University of Michigan. He then moved to Nairobi, Kenya, where he learned Swahili and as a small business owner created Echosandals, a recycled footwear company that sold environmentally friendly footwear to customers in 17 countries on five continents. He subsequently spent 12 months in Mosul, Iraq as a diplomat embedded with the United States Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.
Governor Meyer and his wife, Dr. Lauren Meyer live in Wilmington with their son Levi.
2025 TRIBUTE BRUNCH GUEST SPEAKERS
Sam Katz
Sam Katz is a documentary filmmaker, civic leader and co-chair, with his wife Connie, of the Mid-Atlantic Region of Americans for Ben-Gurion University. He spent nearly three decades in municipal and project finance. Among his many projects are the Orlando International Airport, the Wells Fargo Center and Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Sam has also spent a lifetime in state and local politics including four races for public office.
In 2008, he shifted gears and formed History Making Productions to produce historical documentary films. His Philadelphia history productions have been broadcast on 6abc and received 18 Emmys. His film on the rise of classical music in China, Beethoven in Beijing, was a finalist for the Ken
Ariel Fromowitz
Ariel Fromowitz is a second-year mechanical engineering student at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU).
Ariel grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey, and graduated from Torah Academy of Bergen County. After high school, he spent two years at Yeshivat Har Etzion before making Aliyah. Ariel served for three years in IDF Intelligence, then spent a year studying at Yeshivat Otniel.
Following his time in Otniel, he moved to Beer-Sheva and completed BGU’s pre-academic mechina program for STEM degrees. Subsequently, Ariel
Burns Prize for film awarded by the Library of Congress in 2020. Sam produced and directed, Gradually, Then Suddenly, documenting the historic tale of the bankruptcy of Detroit. That film was the 2021 winner of the Burns Prize. Sam is working on several new projects, including Boys to Fame, which explores the story of the lifelong bond between sports journalist Ray Didinger and his boyhood hero, Tommy McDonald.
Sam and Connie have been married for 53 years. They are parents of four children and seven grandchildren and another on the way. The Katzes are longtime active members of Germantown Jewish Centre.
was accepted into BGU’s mechanical engineering program and was set to begin in October 2023. Ariel was called up for reserve duty immediately after October 7th and continues to serve whenever called upon. Most recently, this included several intense weeks during the war with Iran. Outside the classroom, he’s an active member of the religious student community, a member of the mechanical engineering division of the BGU Formula Student Racing Team, and part of the Southern chapter leadership of the Fourth Quarter Movement.
PATRON DINNER PARTY
To contributors of $1,800 or greater, please be our guests for this special event in appreciation of your generous support.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025 6:30 P.M.
GUEST SPEAKER
PROF. RELI HERSHKOVITZ
Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU)
Head, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology A, Soroka University Medical Center
President, Forum of Deans of Medical Faculties in Israel
Paula and Bill Glazer at their home
Gladwyne, PA address provided upon reservation
PATRON CHAIR
Violet Zeitlin
PATRON GIFT SPONSORS
Ellen and Robert Meyer
HOSTED BY SPECIAL GUESTS
Toni Young, Past President, AABGU
Andrea Goren, Board Chair, A4BGU
R.S.V.P. to claire@a4bgu.org by October 10th.
Prof. Reli Hershkovitz is a leading physician, academic, and healthcare leader in Israel, with clinical expertise in highrisk obstetrics and gynecological ultrasound. She currently serves as Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at BGU, where she oversees the education and training of over 3,000 students in medicine and health professions. Simultaneously, she is conducting groundbreaking research in maternal-fetal health.
Prof. Hershovitz is also Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology A at Soroka University Medical Center, where she leads advanced care in women’s health and prenatal diagnostics.
Prof. Hershkovitz earned her medical degree at BGU and completed a fellowship in embryonic medicine at University College Hospital in London. She is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and is recognized for her contributions to high-risk pregnancy care, congenital anomalies diagnostics, and ultrasound technology.
2025 TRIBUTE BRUNCH LEADERSHIP
TRIBUTE CO-CHAIRS
Daniel Erlbaum
Richard A. Levine, Esq.
HONORARY CHAIRS
Prof. Daniel Chamovitz
President, BGU
Prof. Rivka Carmi, M.D.
Past President, BGU
Toni Young
Past President, AABGU
Andrea Goren
Board Chair, A4BGU
Ernest Scheller, Jr.
BGU Honorary Doctorate Recipient
ARRANGEMENTS CHAIR
Bonnie Freundlich
COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR
Ann Waldman
KICKOFF RECEPTION HOSTS
Nina Appel and Carol Rothschild
PATRON CHAIR
Violet Zeitlin
PATRON PARTY HOSTS
Paula and Bill Glazer
PATRON GIFT SPONSORS
Ellen and Robert Meyer
TRIBUTE ASSOCIATES
Andrea and Richard Gottlieb
Alan Levin
MID-ATLANTIC OFFICERS
Co-Chairs
Connie and Sam Katz
Associate Chairs
Samuel J. Greenblatt
Michele Levin
Robert Levin
Ernest Scheller, Jr.
Ann Waldman
Mona Zeehandelaar
Marla Zipkin
Dr. Robert Zipkin
DELAWARE CHAPTER
OFFICERS
Co-Chairs
Drs. Carolyn Glazer-Hockstein and Neil Hockstein
Immediate Past Chair
Dr. Barry Kayne
Associate Chairs
Nina Appel, Esq.
Dr. Gregg Goldstein
Dr. Jennifer Goldstein
Dr. Robin Karol-Eng
Ellen Meyer, Esq.
Robert Meyer, Esq.
Elisa Morris
Lelaine Nemser
Dr. Stuart Nemser
Robert Pincus, Esq.
Carol Rothschild
PHILADELPHIA
CHAPTER OFFICERS
Chair
Sherrie R. Savett, Esq.
Associate Chairs
Paul Astor, Esq.
John Birnhak
David Blumenthal
Sylvia A. Brodsky
Charles Epstein
Roslyn Epstein
Carl Goldstein
Jodi Greenblatt
Dr. Marcia Halpern
Jay Leistner
Maribeth Lerner
Steven Lerner
Paula Mandel
Dr. Richard Mandel
Holly Nelson
Norm Nelson
Lana R. Pinkenson
Jordan Savitch
Dr. Julie Savitch
Lisa J. Scheller
Dr. Barbara Seletsky
Barbara Epstein Sivan
David Steinberg
Dr. Alton Sutnick
Violet Zeitlin
AMERICANS FOR BEN-GURION
UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP
Andrea Goren
Chair, Board of Directors
Doug Seserman
Chief Executive Officer
Claire Winick
Director of Development
BEN-GURION SOCIETY
Ben-Gurion Society members are lifetime contributors of $1 million or more. Their outstanding generosity provides the resources to strengthen and expand Ben-Gurion University as its remarkable research addresses the challenges of the 21st century.
MID-ATLANTIC MEMBERS
Rita and Dr. Sam L.* Agron
Isaac and Carol Auerbach
Family Foundation
Rothermel L. Caplan*
Shirley W.* and Harry T.* Dozor
Arlene* and Stanley D.* Ginsburg
Goldinger Trust, Jewish Federation of Delaware/Jewish Fund for the Future
Monroe Guttman Charitable
Foundation
Eileen and Ira* Ingerman
Debra and David Magerman
The Mitrani Family Foundation
Lisa Jane Scheller
Roberta* and Ernest Scheller, Jr.
Jacob Shochat
Gerald B. Shreiber Foundation
Judith* and Murray H.* Shusterman
Harry Stern Family Foundation
Aileen Epstein Whitman*
Ruta and Dr. Felix* Zandman
NEGEV SOCIETY
The Negev Society has three levels based on lifetime giving to Ben-Gurion University: Tamar for $500,000, Arava for $250,000 and Eshkol for $100,000.
In Hebrew, Tamar is a date palm, Arava, a desert, and Eshkol, a cluster of grapes.
MID-ATLANTIC MEMBERS
TAMAR
Helen and Jack R* Bershad
Sylvia A. Brodsky and Family
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Eileen and Ira Ingerman
Family Foundation
Frieda* and Edwin J.* Podell
Harriet* and Albert* Soffa
Wayne Woodman
ARAVA
Hannah* and Benjamin* Cantor
Moses Feldman Family Foundation
Lana R. Pinkenson
Muriel* and Samuel* Schwarzman
Drs. Mona* and Alton Sutnick
Dorothy* and Leonard* Wasserman
Charlotte and Dr. Carroll
A.* Weinberg
Elaine S.* and Alvin W.* Wene
Philip Chosky Charitable
Educational Foundation
ESHKOL
Nina Appel
Marilyn* and J. Robert* Birnhak
Richard Dozor and Family
Drexel University
Debbie and Robert Dunn
Roslyn and Charles Epstein
Marcel Farago*
Connie and Sam Katz
Reiko and Dr. Barry Kayne
Maribeth and Steven Lerner
Michele S. and Robert C. Levin
Sallie Needles
Carol S. Rothschild
Sherrie R. Savett
Elizabeth* and Benjamin* Schoenfeld
Barbara Epstein Sivan
Philip Taylor*
Ann Waldman
Marla and Dr. Robert Zipkin
*Deceased
FOUNDERS
Founders are contributors of $50,000 or more and are dedicated to the advancement of scientific research and education at Ben-Gurion University.
They are recognized with an inscription on the Founders Wall at BGU’s Marcus Family Campus in Beer-Sheva.
MID-ATLANTIC MEMBERS
Madlyn* and Leonard Abramson
Rita and Dr. Sam L.* Agron
Lehla* and Irving* Altman
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous
Nina Appel, Esq.
Rose and Paul Astor, Esq.
Atkins Foundation
Carol and Isaac L.* Auerbach
Reba Azoff*
Lorraine* and Martin* Beitler
Evelyn Berger*
Phyllis* and Gabriel* Berk
Bernard A. and Rebecca S. Bernard Foundation:
William Bernard*
Marlyn Bernstein*
Estelle Solomon*
Helen and Jack R* Bershad
Marilyn* and J. Robert* Birnhak
Miriam and Leonard Bisk
Blank Rome, LLP
Drs. Joan and Jay Bloch
Borowsky Family:
Laurie Wagman and Irvin J. Borowsky*
Caren and Ned Borowsky
The Ben Paul Brasley Foundation
Dorothy* and Joseph* Breskman
Sylvia A. and Ben* Brodsky
Judy and Charles* Broudy
Tanya and Myron Buchman
Hannah* and Benjamin* Cantor
Rothermel L. Caplan*
William Chanoff*
Philip Chosky Charitable Educational Foundation
Suzanne and Daniel Cohen
Edith* and Harry* Cohen Commerce Bank
Arlene* and Robert* Davis
Mildred* and Marvin N.* Demchick
Ignatz Deutsch*
Dickler Family:
Joan* and Arnold Berman
Leatrice and Herbert* Dickler
Mickey and Marvin* Dickler
Rose* and Morey* Dickler
Gerri and Ronald L. Fash
Anita* and Fred L.* Rosenstein
Beryl and Jack E. Rosenstein
Richard Dozor and Family
Shirley W.* and Harry T.* Dozor
Drexel University
Wendy and Harvey Dubin
Debbie and Robert Dunn
Alma* and Dr. Gabriel* Elias
Roslyn and Charles Epstein
Gerson Epstein*
Rose* and Robert M.* Epstein
Katharine S. Falk*
Marcel Farago*
David Feld
Moses Feldman Family Foundation
Bracha and Martin Fenster
Herman and Jerry Finkelstein Foundation
Hildegard Fischer*
Bertha Simon Fisher*
*Deceased
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Adam, Robert and Dean Frankel
Linda and Benjamin* Frankel
Lynne* and William Frankel
Patricia and Leonard* Frankel
Zerline* and Ephraim J.* Frankel
Muriel Fusfeld*
Rosalie* and Dr. Irvin* Gerson
Arlene* and Stanley D.* Ginsburg
Gold Family Foundation
Shirley and Maxwell J.* Goldberg
Michael E. Golden
Doris* and Seymour W.* Golden
Beatrice* and Leonard* Goldfine
Phyllis* and Dr. Tevis* Goldhaft
Goldinger Trust, Jewish Federation of Delaware/Jewish Fund for the Future
Dr. Estelle Gold-Kossman*
Carol and Robert Goodman
David I. and Victoria R. Greenberg
Memorial Scholarship Fund
Jodi Greenblatt
Samuel J. Greenblatt
Monroe Guttman Charitable Foundation
Harriet Hankin*
Ruth* and Stanford* Harris
Renee* and Aaron* Heine
Heine/Feinberg Family:
Marion* and Hon. Norman* Heine
Joan and Henry* Feinberg
Carolyn Glazer-Hockstein and Neil Hockstein
L.G. Horowitz Family
Hudson United Bank
Ann* and Joseph* Huscher
Eileen and Ira* Ingerman
Dr. Mark Iutcovich*
Sandra Kahn
The Kaiserman Family
Nathaniel P. Kann*
Shirley* and Seymour* Kaplan
Samuel and Rebecca Kardon Foundation
Jeanne* and Richard* Kaskey
Dr. Ellin and Robert* Kassow
Connie and Sam Katz
Kathy Katz
Reiko and Dr. Barry Kayne
Fannie* and Herman* Kerner
Anne Brown Koons
Phyllis and Theodore Kosloff
Mickey and Arnold* Kramer
Barbara and Harvey Kroiz
H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest*
Maribeth and Steven Lerner
Michele S. and Robert C. Levin
Marlene and William N.* Levy
Diane and Alan Lieberman
Debra and David Magerman
Mandell Foundation:
Miriam and Seymour G.* Mandell
Rhea and Dr. Morton Mandell
The Mitrani Family Foundation
Gertrude* and Bernard* Mohr
Andrea and Paul Moss
Esther Acker* and Dr. Israel Nathanson*
Sallie and Stanley* Needles
*Deceased
Negev Funding Coalition
Holly and Norm Nelson
Lelaine and Dr. Stuart Nemser
Sarah F. Newmark*
Miriam* and Morris* Ockman
William Ostroff*
Lois and Jack* Panitch
Lana R. Pinkenson
Frieda* and Edwin J.* Podell
Margaret Pollar*
Diane and Arthur G.* Raynes
Herman Robbins*
June* and Philip* Roberts
Tallu* and Ruben P.* Rosen
Carol S. Rothschild
Rotko Foundation:
Bessie* and Bernard B.* Rotko
Denise* and Michael Rotko
Judith and Dr. Jacob* Shipon
Dorothy* and Dr. Morris* Rubinoff
Roslyn Sailor*
Sherrie R. Savett, Esq.
Dr. P. George Savitz*
Lisa Jane Scheller
Rita and Joseph Scheller
Roberta* and Ernest Scheller, Jr.
Elizabeth* and Benjamin* Schoenfeld
Jean Schwartz*
Muriel* and Samuel* Schwarzman
Sylvia* and Ellis* Segal
Ronnie* and Richard* Seidenberg
Janice and Kenneth* Shengold
Jacob Shochat
Gerald B. Shreiber Foundation
Judith* and Murray H.* Shusterman
Mildred* and Michel* Sidorow
Herman Silver*
Barbara Epstein Sivan
Harriet* and Albert* Soffa
Florence Stein*
Mary and Martin Stein
Bunny* and Dr. Sidney* Stein
Estelle* and David Steinberg
Harry Stern Family Foundation
Maxwell Strawbridge Charitable Trust
Drs. Mona* and Alton Sutnick
Shirley* and Dr. Stanley* Tauber
Philip Taylor*
The Waber Fund – Harry Waber*
Ann Waldman and Robert Wolf
Dorothy* and Leonard* Wasserman
Lillian* and Louis* Waxman
Charlotte and Dr. Carroll A.* Weinberg
Elaine Wene*
Aileen* and Jules I.* Whitman
Claire and David* Winick
Winig Family
Wayne Woodman
Ruta and Dr. Felix* Zandman
Mona and David* Zeehandelaar
Violet and Richard* Zeitlin
Marla and Dr. Robert Zipkin
*Deceased
1001 Avenue of the Americas, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10018
ABOUT BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY
ABOUT AMERICANS FOR BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY
First Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion recognized that the Negev Desert holds the key to Israel’s future. A world-renowned institution of research and higher learning, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) brings that vision to life - transforming the Negev region, Israel and the world. Through groundbreaking research, education, and innovation, BGU has become an international powerhouse in academia, scientific advancements and technology. At Americans for Ben-Gurion University (A4BGU) we do three things: raise awareness of BGU’s unique role in nurturing the Negev community, while sharing the University’s expertise locally and around the globe, we raise financial resources to advance BGU’s remarkable work, and we run programs, like Zin Fellows Leadership Program, which engages and immerses the next generation of leaders in support of Israel. Inspired by the vision of David Ben-Gurion, A4BGU is Partners in the Remarkable with BGU in the promise of a better tomorrow, anchored in the belief that the world is simply better with Israel in it.
BEN-GURION ANNUAL FUND
The Ben-Gurion Annual Fund provides critical resources when and where they are needed most. This includes support for scholarships, research, innovation and entrepreneurship, and programmatic offerings that build and strengthen the Negev community and beyond. In a post-October 7 reality, the Ben-Gurion Annual Fund is more important than ever. It enables both A4BGU and BGU to be nimble and to continue to respond to pressing and emerging needs whenever they may arise.
RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE FUND
The Recovery and Resilience Fund was established to support the rebuilding and recovery efforts following the 12-Day War and Iran’s missile attacks on Beer-Sheva. This fund enables A4BGU and BGU to help our community navigate ongoing PTSD and deep trauma, provides a direct stipend to student reservists, helps rebuild damaged buildings and critical research labs, aids those whose homes were marred by missile attacks, and supports the greater Negev community.