Good Jewish News Magazine - Kislev 5784 Issue

KISLEV 5784 ‫ִּכ ְס ֵל ו‬

Cultivating Hope - JNF Bolster’s Food Security

PUBLISHER LUXURY CHAMBER MEDIA GROUP

EDITOR Jay Parnassa Shapiro

PHOTOGRAPHER Bob Bauman

LUXURY CHAMBER MEDIA GROUP

Cultivating Hope in Israel: Jewish National Fund-USA is Bolstering Israel’s Food Security and Economy Amidst Conflict

By Tania Shalom Michaelian

Just hours after the harrowing events that shook Israel on October 7th, Shai Zohar wasted no time; he was already en route to the crisis zone in the South. This 50-year-old engineer from just outside of Tel Aviv might be entrenched in the country’s high-tech epicenter, but his roots growing up in a small agricultural village in the country’s far north etched one indisputable truth into his psyche: Israel’s farming sector was in dire straits, and it required an all-handson-deck approach to survive this disaster. This was not just about answering a volunteer call; it was about fortifying Israel’s very food security. So, Shai reached out to the Jewish National Fund-USA affiliate, HaShomer HaChadash, who were actively scouting for people to come to the aid of beleaguered farmers on the unforgiving frontlines of the Gaza Envelope.

Established in 2007, the Zionist social-education non-profit organization is based on volunteers who help safeguard agricultural properties, assist farmers, and strengthen the Jewish people’s connections to the land. These values on which the organization stands made HaShomer HaChadash the perfect fit to step into the huge vacuum left by the thousands of foreign agricultural workers who fled the southern region after the massacres.

Hamas terrorists brutally claimed the lives of up to 30 Thai workers and abducted many of their friends, creating a dire situation. The crisis has been exacerbated by the mobilization of Israeli farmers and workers for the ongoing conflict, coupled with a comprehensive ban on Palestinian farm workers entering Israel. In response, organizations like HaShomer HaChadash are racing to fill this gaping void.

Shai was dispatched to aid farmers on Moshav Yadtet, along with a team of four others. Within a few days, this group swiftly expanded to over 30 individuals hailing from all corners of the nation, and even from outside of Israel, all unified by the urgent mission to safeguard the future of the agricultural sector and rescue Israel's economy. This mission takes on paramount significance when one grasps that the region bordering Gaza contributes to a staggering three-quarters of Israel's agricultural production.

“Our ability as a nation to rise to the challenge and step in to help this sector through organizations such as HaShomer HaChadash is the glue that holds our people together,” he added. “Am Yisrael Chai!”

In addition to mobilizing thousands of agricultural volunteers, Jewish National Fund-USA is leveraging its unparalleled network of affiliates to support the immediate needs of displaced Israelis. Through its “Israel Resilience Campaign,” the organization is providing critical therapy to traumatized children; firefighting equipment, defensive equipment for civilian security guards, and supporting the opening of a life-saving Trauma Ward at the ADI NegevNahalat Eran Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center – the only rehabilitation hospital in the south of Israel.

To support Jewish National Fund-USA’s Israel Resilience Campaign, visit jnf.org

Jewish National Fund-USA supported volunteers learn how to farm

Tamnoon Raises $5.1M in Seed Funding and Appoints Executives to Accelerate Customer Adoption of Assisted Cloud Remediation Ran Nahmias joins as Chief Business Officer, and Jonathan Lebowitsch joins as the company's Vice President of Technical Services

the leader in Assisted Cloud Remediation, today announced it has raised $5.1M in seed funding and appointed two key executives to advance the company's expansion and commercialization of its managed service solution, Assisted Cloud Remediation. The seed funding was led by cyber investors Merlin Ventures and Secret Chord Ventures, with participation from Elron Ventures, Inner Loop Capital, and toDay Ventures.

Nahmias and Lebowitsch join an executive team that includes CSPM/CNAPP industry veterans Marina Segal, CEO and Co-Founder; Idan Perez, CTO and Co-Founder; and Zohar Alon, Chairman.

About Tamnoon Tamnoon is the leading provider of Assisted Cloud Remediation Services. Its AI-augmented managed service combines human expertise with technology to help teams quickly and safely remediate their cloud risks. Founded by the people who built the first CSPM, Tamnoon's service helps DevSecOps teams fix more risks in less time with minimal negative impact to their environments. For more information, please visit tamnoon.io.

About Inner Loop Capital Inner Loop Capital is a pre-seed and seed venture capital firm investing in enterprise technology start-ups in cybersecurity, cloud technology, data science, and other enterprise SaaS sectors. Inner Loop Capital is based in Baltimore, MD. For further information, please visit innerloopcap.com

Sabra® x Frank's RedHot® & Stubb's®: Bold Hummus Collabs Give Snackers Something New to Dip into this Fall Sabra is going boldly where no hummus has gone before, introducing three spectacularly flavorful collaborations that pair America's most loved, creamy and crave-worthy hummus with some of America's favorite bold-flavored brands.

Sabra's newest varieties take snack time to the next level, offering heat, smoke, spice, and Texas-style Barbeque flavor to pair perfectly with everything in the pantry.

Sabra Buffalo Hummus made with Frank's RedHot Sabra BBQ Hummus inspired by Stubb's Sabra Southwest Hummus "These outstanding dips are for the big flavor fans out there," said Sabra's Global Chief Research, Development, and Sustainability Officer Olugbenga Diyaolu. "As we reach for snacks more often, we want more from them… more intense flavor, more satisfying textures, more fulfilling options. I am really proud of the team for crafting these extraordinary dips!

Whether you are new to hummus or already dip in daily, I think you will be blown away by the creamy texture and bold flavor Sabra is bringing to the table. If you have Sabra hummus in the fridge, you're always snack-ready."

As part of the brand's overall "The Snack Your Snacks Would Snack on If Snacks Could Snack on Snacks" marketing campaign, two new digital shorts were created featuring Sabra Buffalo Hummus made with Frank's RedHot and Sabra BBQ Hummus inspired by Stubb's.

This launch is the first in a series of bold-flavor innovations from Sabra, aimed at satisfying any and every snack craving and expanding beyond the brand's already beloved hummus and guacamole offerings. These everyday craveable snack staples are available in store and online in the deli department of your favorite supermarket.

IMC welcomes new Israeli cannabis regulations which are about to change significantly, facilitating access for many new patients The Israeli ministry of health announced the anticipated medical cannabis regulatory reform on Monday August 7, 2023.

The new regulations will remove many of the heavy regulations in the sector, making medical cannabis more accessible to patients as well as boosting export.

TORONTO and GLIL YAM, Israel, Aug. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- IM Cannabis Corp. (CSE: IMCC) (NASDAQ: IMCC) (the "Company" or "IMC"), a leading medical cannabis company with operations in Israel and Germany, is pleased to share the new medical cannabis reform announced by the Israeli ministry of health on August 7, 2023 (the "Reform").

Oncology, epilepsy, gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn's and colitis, dementia, autism from the age of 5, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, Parkinsons, Tourette-Syndrome and palliative care. All Israeli patients suffering from these indications will be able to have access to medical cannabis with a regular prescription.

The key aspects of the regulatory reform are the following: Starting December 29, 2023, patients with a wide range of diseases and medical conditions will no longer be required to obtain a license to receive medical cannabis. Patients will receive a prescription similar to those for other prescription medications.

Cannabis can now also be used as a first line treatment as opposed to a last resort based on medical discretion.

Simplification of the export process which can facilitate the export of Israeli grown cannabis to Europe along with the associated EU-GMP certification process.

While point 1 is already approved, points 2 and 3 are pending final approval by the ministry of health.

"With the overhaul of the cannabis regulation, the Israeli Ministry of Health is clearly putting patient needs first, facilitating the access of medical cannabis for many new patients. We believe it will change the face of the medical cannabis market in Israel, once it is fully approved by the ministry of health," said Oren Shuster, Chief Executive Officer of IMC. "There are two aspects of the new reform which are particularly pertinent to our business. First, by moving from cannabis licenses to cannabis prescriptions and enabling the use of cannabis as a first line treatment, we anticipate a significant growth in patient numbers. Second, by allowing the growers to separate the post-harvest process from the growing process, it could facilitate EU GMP certification, enabling export to Germany, the largest medical cannabis market in Europe, where we are a top 10 player."

Sidenote: THC, the psychoactive chemical component in marijuana that causes a high, was first isolated by Israeli scientists Raphael Mechoulam of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem's Center for Research on Pain and Yechiel Gaoni of the Weizmann Institute in 1964.

BioBetter Pioneers Cultivated Meat Future with Molecular Farming FoodTech start-up BioBetter, Ltd., opens its first food-grade pilot facility to accelerate the production of key growth factors for the cultivated meat industry. The company has pioneered a unique protein manufacturing platform for producing growth factors (GFs) using tobacco plants as self-sustained, animal-free bioreactors.

Helping cultivated meat companies offer affordable and accessible products to consumers, BioBetter is revolutionizing the future of cellular agriculture with its innovative molecular farming-based production platform.

Currently, cultivated meat production processes are relatively expensive, making it a challenge to scale up and reach price parity with animal-based counterparts.

"Cultivated meat is still very expensive in comparison to conventional meat and the key is to reduce the growth medium costs to a minimum," explains Amit Yaari, Ph.D., CEO of BioBetter. "Our target is to reduce the production cost of growth factors, including insulin, a key part of the growth medium, to $1 per gram which is a 100-fold less than the going rate today."

The start-up already has achieved five impressive milestones in just the past year: 1. Production scale-up/building pilot plan 2. Commercial scale cultivation of insulin- and FGF-expressing tobacco plants 3. Reaching GF expression levels that enable a significant reduction of production costs 4. Significant regulatory progresses and advances with the Israel Ministry of Health 5. Collaboration with leading cultivated meat companies

Plant bioreactor technology BioBetter discovered a new purpose for the traditionally shunned tobacco plants, transforming them into bioreactors for the production of GFs. These GFs play a key role in the proliferation and differentiation of cultured meat cells, allowing for the formation of authentic and well-structured muscle tissue.

Designed for both environmental safety and efficiency, these bioreactors will be grown in a large-scale, net house cultivation system. The plants are carefully engineered to prevent the escape of any transgenic material. They are induced to express growth factors only when chemically triggered, and the company exclusively uses non-food, non-feed tobacco plants to eliminate any risk of inadvertent consumption or cross-contamination of food crops.

BOCA RATON’S ORIGINAL JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2023 SUMMER FEST FILM SERIES & 7TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL AUDIENCE WINNERS Boca Raton’s original Jewish film festival, The Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival (JLKBRJFF), presented by the Adolph and Rose Levis JCC (Levis JCC) announces the audience winners from its 7th annual event, the 2023 Summer Fest film series, and a call for Screening Committee members. Viewed by more than 3,000 film lovers in 2023, the film festival is recognized as a premiere destination for Jewish and Israeli films and has become one of the country’s largest niche film festivals.

More than 80 feature-length films, documentaries and shorts were judged by viewers based on the overall quality of the film, effectiveness of the message, entertainment value and audience popularity, among other criteria. Viewers selected the top three finalists in each category: best narrative, best documentary and best short.

“At the heart of JLKBRJFF’s mission is our commitment to showcasing films that capture the rich and multifaceted experiences of Jewish culture and history,” said Nina Rosenzweig, Chair, JLKBRJFF Screening Committee. “Our dedicated screening committee and I take great care to curate a diverse selection of films that challenge, inspire and provoke thought, and we are privileged to collaborate with talented film makers from all corners of the world who share our passion for storytelling.”

Top three winners in each category are: Best Narratives: Farewell Mr. Haffman; Simone Veil: A Woman of the Century ; The Accusation Best Documentary Films: Baltic Truth; The Rhapsody; Reckonings Best Short Films: Nakam; Twenty Minutes; The Caretaker “JLKBRJFF is more than just a film festival, 3 weeks, 80 films or 9 winners—it’s a celebration of Jewish culture and a testament to the vibrant community that supports it,” said Stephanie Owitz, VP of Arts, Culture and Learning, Levis JCC Sandler Center.

Demand for enriching cultural arts programming in our area remains strong during the summer months. The Levis JCC’s JLKBRJFF is proud to present its Summer Fest film series. Films will be screened one Wednesday per month at 1 p.m., June through October at the Levis JCC. Tickets are $10 per film.

The 8 th annual JLKBRJFF will be held January 28 – February 18, 2024. The Festival’s Screening Committee, an integral part of the Festival each year, is currently accepting new members; this is an active committee that is involved in carefully curating the final roster of films that will be presented to the 2024 Festival audiences. Contact JLKBRJFF Director Lisa Barash at lisab@levisjcc.org for more information.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. The Levis JCC is located at 21050 95th Avenue S. in Boca Raton.

Dr. Stewart and Judy Levis Krug

MINGLE MOCKTAILS JOINS FORCES WITH BEVERAGE INDUSTRY DISRUPTOR BETHENNY FRANKEL TO MAKE MOCKTAILS MAINSTREAM Mingle Mocktails, a line of alcohol-free sparkling mocktails, today announced an exciting new partnership with entrepreneur, philanthropist, producer, and New York Times bestselling author, Bethenny Frankel.

Recognized as a successful businesswoman, beverage industry maven, and influential personality, Frankel's investment in the brand is poised to elevate the adult non-alcoholic beverage category. This strategic partnership will further the clean-crafted mocktail line's mission of fostering fun, social connection, and inclusion by ensuring everyone feels part of the party, whether or not you choose to drink.

"The spirits industry is a boys club - breaking into it requires a strong voice and innovative ideas," says Bethenny Frankel. "Skinnygirl was groundbreaking, allowing me to disrupt the space in a unique way. With Mingle, we're addressing a different consumer need and bringing much-needed excitement and variety to the non-alcoholic market," she adds.

Established in 2017 by Laura Taylor, Mingle is an inclusive line of sparkling mocktails that can be enjoyed on their own or as mixers. Taylor, having given up alcohol, discovered the challenges of social gatherings without a non-alcoholic option beyond boring seltzer. Inspired to create a delicious product that allows everyone to feel included and celebrate their choice to drink or not, Mingle was born. Crafted with real fruit juices, botanicals, and a refreshing effervescence, each of Mingle's six flavors elevates any occasion, whether it's a night, a week, or a lifestyle without alcohol.

Frankel's business acumen will be instrumental in expanding the brand's national retail presence, which already includes top retailers such as Whole Foods, Walmart, CVS, Albertsons Safeway, Total Wine, Costco, Wegmans and more. To accelerate Mingle's growth among its target female demographic, Frankel will also leverage her platform through social amplification, events, and other initiatives.

"I am thrilled to partner with an incredible businesswoman like Bethenny Frankel, who has already achieved tremendous success in the beverage industry," says Mingle Mocktails Founder Laura Taylor. "By harnessing the collective strength and determination of two like-minded businesswomen, we will catapult the brand and category to new heights. Together, we are empowering individuals to embark on an exhilarating journey into the realm of mocktails and inviting everyone to the party!"

Mingle's portfolio includes six fruit-forward, zero-proof mocktail offerings - Cranberry Cosmo, Cucumber Melon Mojito, Key Lime Margarita, Blood Orange Elderflower Mimosa, Blackberry Hibiscus Bellini, and Moscow Mule - which are available in sleek 12oz cans or 750mL glass bottles. The inclusive mocktail brand is woman-owned and certified by WBENC, the gold standard for women-owned businesses. Mingle is also a proud partner of PACT for Animals, supporting their mission to keep military personnel and their pets together by providing temporary, vetted foster care in times of need.

To learn more about Mingle Mocktails visit www.MingleMocktails.com or follow the brand on social @MingleMocktails.

Altshuler Shaham, a Leading Israeli Investment House, to Becomes a TASE Member

The Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange Ltd. (TASE: TASE) announces that Altshuler Shaham Trade Ltd., a subsidiary of Altshuler Shaham Investment House, has applied to join TASE as a member.

Altshuler Shaham Trade will enable the public to trade online through an innovative system that offers a cuttingedge, fast, personalized and friendly user experience.

Altshuler Shaham Investment House was founded in 1990 by Kalman Shaham and Gilad Altshuler, and is among Israel's leading investment houses, specializing in the management of mutual funds, investment portfolios, provident funds and pension funds. The Investment House currently manages assets in an amount of NIS 190 billion on behalf of 2.3 million clients and investors.

Ran Shaham, CEO of Altshuler Shaham: "We are delighted to join TASE as a member and offer the public innovative channels with flexible access, cutting-edge tools and multiple added values that facilitate dynamic investment. This step is part of our commitment to constantly create advanced investment options for our clients."

Ittai Ben Zeev, CEO of TASE: "Welcoming Altshuler Shaham Trade as a new TASE member is another significant

Israeli Prime Minister Visits Steakholder Foods® to Experience Cutting-Edge 3D Printing Technology and Taste Structured Cultivated Slaughter-Free Meat As Israel continues to lead the way in foodtech innovation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu takes a firsthand look at the latest developments in Steakholder Foods and the foodtech industry: Tasted Steakholder Foods' delicious, 3D-printed cultivated meat creations.

Became first Prime Minister to ever taste 3D-printed cultivated fish.

Experienced a demo of Steakholder Foods' industrial printer, printing a customized steak and fish fillet.

Hosted a roundtable discussion with industry leaders, government officials, and representatives of investors, academia, and the non-profit sector.

Steakholder Foods Ltd. (Nasdaq: STKH), an international deep tech food company at the forefront of the cultivated meat industry, announced that it was proud to host the Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, who explored the latest advancements in cultivated meat and 3D bio-printing, and tasted 3D-printed cultivated fish and meat products at the cutting edge of foodtech.

During his visit, the Prime Minister had the opportunity to tour the company's facilities, see firsthand how Steakholder Foods' industrial-scale 3D bio-printer works, and learn about its potential to print tons of cultivated meat per day.

He said that there is a global revolution in how humanity is producing food, and emphasized that his government is working to help companies move forward in order to maintain a technological lead.

He then tasted a 3D-printed cultivated fish fillet, printed with Steakholder Foods' customized bio-inks using Umami Meats' fish cells. The tasting also included Steakholder Foods' beef product grown with ethically harvested cells in the Company's facilities.

Joining the tour were industry leaders (including the CEOs of leading Israeli food manufacturers), government officials, and representatives of investors, academia and the non-profit sector, including: Prime Minister of Israel - Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu Israeli Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology – Mr. Ofir Akunis Director-General of the Prime Minister's Office – Mr. Yossi Sheli CEO of the Israel Innovation Authority – Mr. Dror Bin Director-General of the Ministry of Health – Mr. Moshe Bar Siman Tov Prime Minister's Animal Rights Advisor – Mrs. Tal Gilboa Israeli Cabinet Secretary – Mr. Tzahi Braverman Steakholder Foods CEO – Mr. Arik Kaufman Photos by Uria Sayag.

Steakholder Foods Co-Founder and Chairman – Mr. Yaron Kaiser Heads of leading food manufacturers in Israel - Vice President for Business Development of the Strauss Group, Mr. Elad Komissar, CEO of Osem-Nestlé, Mr. Avi Ben-Assayag and Chief Innovation Officer of Tnuva, Mr. Shay Cohen.

CEO of Milk & Honey Ventures – Mr. Beni Nofech Innovation and Applied Research Leader, Technion R&D Foundation - Mr. David Shem Tov Prime Minister Netanyahu: "Today we ate fish that was produced without fish and meat that was produced without cattle.

This is a global revolution.

Israel is a global leader in the field of alternative protein and we will see to it that we continue to lead."

Arik Kaufman, CEO of Steakholder Foods: "As Israel continues to lead the way in food innovation, today's visit by the Prime Minister of Israel is a testament to the importance of our technology and the incredible potential it holds for the future.

We were honored to offer Mr. Netanyahu the opportunity to taste and witness the future of food."

Rare Marc Chagall Painting of His Father, Recently Restituted to the Descendants of Its Original Owner, on View at the Jewish Museum Marc Chagall’s painting Le Père (1911), which was recently restituted to the descendants of its original owner, is now on view at the Jewish Museum through January 1, 2024.

Completed in 1911, during a transformative period in the artist’s career, Le Père was among 15 works of art that the French Government restituted in April of 2022, part of an ongoing effort to return works in its museums that were stolen by the Nazis during World War II. The painting was restituted to the descendants of David Cender, the original owner, and sold at auction by Phillips in November 2022. Following the sale, Phillips’ team in New York worked with the buyer of the artwork and facilitated the loan to the Museum.

Claudia Gould, Helen Goldsmith Menschel Director, said, “The Jewish Museum is honored to show Chagall’s rare portrait of his father. The vast and systemic pillaging of artworks during World War II, and the eventual rescue and return of many, is one of the most dramatic stories of twentieth-century art, and one that continues to have repercussions today. It is imperative that the Jewish Museum tells these stories, most recently doing so with our exhibition Afterlives: Recovering the Lost Stories of Looted Art (2021). We are grateful to Phillips for facilitating this loan.”

Part of the collection of David Cender, a musical instrument-maker from Łódź, Poland, the work was stolen from him in 1940 before he was sent to Auschwitz with his family. While Cender survived, his wife, daughter, and other relatives were killed at Auschwitz. By the early 1950s, the painting had been reacquired by Chagall himself, who held a particular affinity for it. The artist was likely unaware of the history of the painting’s ownership. In 1988, the Musée national d’art moderne, Centre national d’art et de culture Georges-Pompidou in Paris received the painting by donation from Chagall’s estate. Ten years later, the work was deposited into the Musée d'art et d'histoire du Judaïsme in Paris, where it was on view for 24 years before research showed that the work should be and was restituted to Cender’s heirs.

Le Père is a dynamic portrait that signifies Chagall’s pivotal transition from art student in Saint Petersburg to one of the defining figures of European Modernism. During the winter of 1911-1912, Chagall moved into La Ruche, an artists’ commune on the outskirts of Montparnasse, France. The works he created over the next three years are among the most highly regarded of his career, with his portraits bearing particular significance. Le Père is an intimate portrait of the artist’s father Zahar, a quiet and shy man who spent his entire life working in the same manual labor job. Portraits of the artist’s father are rare within Chagall’s oeuvre. Far from the generalized symbols of lovers that dominated much of his later paintings, this early work is a remarkably personal and heartfelt depiction.

About the Jewish Museum The Jewish Museum is an art museum committed to illuminating the complexity and vibrancy of Jewish culture for a global audience. Located on New York City's Museum Mile, in the landmarked Warburg mansion, the Jewish Museum was the first institution of its kind in the United States and is one of the oldest Jewish museums in the world. The Museum offers diverse exhibitions and programs and maintains a unique collection of nearly 30,000 works of art, ceremonial objects, and media reflecting the global Jewish experience over more than 4,000 years. The public may call 212.423.3200 or visit TheJewishMuseum.org

Credit: Artwork (C) Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/ADGAP, Paris. Image provided by Phillips Auctioneers LLC.

Israeli Culinary Institute Announces Opening Date The Galilee Culinary Institute by JNF (GCI by JNF) will officially open its doors on May 7, 2024. Located in the Greater Kiryat Shmona Region - Israel's northernmost point -- the first-of-its-kind institution will enable a new generation of students to experience the region's rich melting pot of culinary traditions while providing a syllabus that sets it apart from other schools.

"Israel's Galilee region is home to over 80 unique cultures," explained Jewish National Fund-USA World Chairman's Council Ambassador, Steve Rosenfield. "Where else in the world can you learn about Ethiopian and Druze food in the morning, Lebanese cooking in the afternoon, and Jewish Sephardic cuisines from North Africa in the evening? GCI by JNF will mark a new era in culinary education, yet it will also bring transformational economic development to Israel's north thanks to the jobs and tourism it will attract."

Further emphasizing the Institute's positive economic impact, Rosenfield added: "The upper eastern Galilee has been out of the spotlight for too long because of the complicated economic and security situation. Through Jewish National Fund-USA's philanthropic investments in the region, we are adding new housing sites, a new medical center, a food technology center, and a food incubator in addition to GCI by JNF."

Rendering of GCI by JNF's campus (Credit Totem. Copyright Openmind Art)

GCI by JNF CEO, Nathan Hoffman, echoed Rosenfield's excitement. "The opening of the school means everything to me," he said. "I've been waiting for this day since I started in May 2019. To me, this solidifies everything and provides a timeline for executing our strategic plan."

Housed within GCI by JNF, the Rosenfield School of Culinary Arts will welcome students from around the world with plans underway to also offer shorter culinary programs for tourists and locals.

"It's always incredible to see a vision evolve into reality," said GCI by JNF Chief Culinary Officer and Co-founder, Lior Lev Sercarz. "The opening of our institution will be a watershed moment for Israel's north, yet it will also mark a new chapter in how our industry approaches culinary education as our impact is felt around the globe."

"I am so proud to see our game-changing initiative come to fruition," added GCI by JNF Chair and Co-chair of the Go North East Task Force, Sheryl Buchholtz. "In everything we do at Jewish National Fund-USA, we always ask, 'what's the Return on Investment (ROI) for the people of Israel?' Projects like GCI by JNF help change the narrative in previously underserved places like Kiryat Shmona. We are bringing jobs and tourism to the region, yet most importantly, we are creating hope and a reason for the next generation to stay and develop their communities."

Regarding the Institute's target demographic, Hoffman explained: "We are looking to attract the next generation of culinary leaders. Many places accept anyone who can pay. However, we will focus on engaging students with the most passion, promise, and potential."

GCI by JNF will differentiate itself from other institutions by focusing on transforming culinary education. While most institutes strictly focus on the kitchen, with students usually learning about their workstations and how to use the different kitchen supplies on 'day one,' GCI's students will first start on the farm. They will see where food comes from with the Institute's experiential approach to learning. "You learn about wine from the vineyard, bread from the wheatfields, and fruit from the orchards, not from a book or video," explained Hoffman.

For more information or to apply, visit galileeculinaryinstitute.org. For philanthropic opportunities, visit my.jnf.org/gci or contact Michael Feinman at mfeinman@jnf.org / +1.212.879.9305 x503.

IRONMAN Israel Middle East Championship 2023 Opens for Registration Following the success of last year's competition, the Ironman – Israel Middle East Championship triathlon competition will be held for the second year running in Israel, on 3 November 2023. The event will take place in the northern city of Tiberias, along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Registration is now open.

Ironman – Israel Middle East Championship is a regional competition that took place in Israel last year for the first of time, and is one of five IRONMAN championship events held around the world. Competitors from the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan and other neighboring countries are once again expected to take part in the competition.

A record number of professional participants are expected, all of whom are aiming to break Patrick Lange's record of 7:40:00 on this super-fast IRONMAN course.

The Ironman contest is seen as the most prestigious triathlon competition in the world. It includes three sections: swimming, cycling, and running. There are no breaks, and the participants have a time limit to finish each section of the competition, making it both a highly physical and mental challenge.

As part of the Ironman in Tiberias there will be two races: Full Ironman including 3.8 kilometers of swimming in the Kinneret, 180 kilometers of cycling and 42.2 kilometers of running.

Ironman 70.3 race including 1.8 kilometers of swimming in the Kinneret, 90 kilometers of cycling, and 21.1 kilometers of running.

The competition is organized by the Comtec Group and the Sylvan Adams Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Sport, the Ministry of Tourism, the World Triathlon and the Tiberias Municipality.

David Beckham is a retired English professional footballer who is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and accomplished footballers of his generation. Here are some of his notable accomplishments: Club Career: Beckham played for several top clubs during his career, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and others.

Manchester United: Beckham spent the majority of his club career at Manchester United, where he won numerous domestic and international titles.

He won six English Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and two UEFA Champions League titles with the club.

Real Madrid: Beckham joined Real Madrid in 2003 and played a key role in the team's success during his four-year stint.

He won the La Liga title in the 2006-2007 season with Real Madrid.

LA Galaxy: After leaving Real Madrid, Beckham moved to Major League Soccer (MLS) to play for the LA Galaxy in the United States.

He helped raise the profile of MLS and won two MLS Cups with the Galaxy.

Paris Saint-Germain: Beckham briefly played for Paris Saint-Germain towards the end of his career.

He won the Ligue 1 title with PSG in the 2012-2013 season.

England National Team: Beckham earned 115 caps for the English national team, making him one of the most capped players in the history of English football.

He represented England in three FIFA World Cup tournaments (1998, 2002, 2006) and two UEFA European Championships (2000, 2004).

Free Kick and Crossing Ability: Beckham was renowned for his exceptional free-kick taking and precise crossing ability. He scored numerous goals from set-pieces during his career.

Brand and Influence: Beyond the football field, Beckham became a global icon and a prominent figure in popular culture. He was known for his distinctive style and fashion sense.

He has been involved in various endorsements and business ventures, making him one of the wealthiest retired athletes in the world.

Philanthropy and UNICEF Ambassador: Beckham has been actively involved in philanthropic work and has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, advocating for children's rights and well-being.

Retirement and Legacy: David Beckham retired from professional football in 2013, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most recognizable and influential figures in the world of sports.

Beckham's impact on football, both on and off the field, continues to be felt long after his retirement, and he remains a beloved and respected figure in the world of sports.

Dr. Alan J. Bauman Receives "#1 Top Hair Restoration Surgeon" in the 2023 Aesthetic Everything® Awards Dr. Bauman was named "#1 Top Hair Restoration Surgeon" in the 2023 Aesthetic Everything® Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine Awards.

His win in the Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine Awards is the most recent accolade of many earned

by Dr. Bauman. A full-time hair restoration physician and hair transplant surgeon, he is one of only some 200 physicians worldwide to achieve certification from the American and International Board of Hair Restoration Surgery. He is the first-ever hair transplant surgeon to be formally accepted as an Intercoiffure America Industry Partner, and amongst the elite surgeons accepted by the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons.

"For almost 25 years, I have devoted my practice to pioneering hair restoration procedures that improve the lives of those struggling with hair loss. This is our mission, and the driving force of Bauman Medical. I'm honored and humbled to be recognized as a five time '#1 Top Hair Restoration Surgeon' & 'Top Hair Restoration Surgeon of the Decade,' in the Aesthetic Everything® Awards. I could not have achieved these goals without the devotion and support of my entire team at Bauman Medical. I wish to dedicate these awards to the 30,000 plus patients that have put their trust in me; they are the true inspiration for my work," stated Dr. Bauman.

Dr. Alan J. Bauman Receives “#1 Top Hair Restoration Surgeon” in the 2023 Aesthetic Everything® Awards

Dr. Bauman founded Bauman Medical in 1997, a 12,000 sq ft "Hair Hospital" in Boca Raton, Florida. He is known for pioneering numerous technologies in the field of hair restoration, including minimally-invasive FUE Follicular Unit Extraction, VIP|FUETM No-Shave Hair Transplant, Low-Level Laser Therapy, PRP Platelet Rich Plasma, PDOgro™, Eyelash Transplants and others.

Dr. Bauman's compassionate, patient-oriented philosophy and individualized artistic approach to protecting, enhancing, and restoring the health and appearance of the hair and scalp has provided life-changing solutions for thousands of patients. He has treated over 30,000 patients, performed over 10,000 hair transplant procedures, and administered over 8,000 PRP treatments.

To learn more about Dr. Bauman and Bauman Medical, visit https://www.baumanmedical.com Media Contact: Danna@CanPublicity.com 786-909-2873

Jewish National Fund-USA Donor Society Members in Boston Celebrate Philanthropic Impact in Israel

Emily Pfeffer, Risa Aronson, Alon Ben-Gurion, Sara Hefez, Rhonda Forman

The event, chaired by Risa & Steve Aronson and Rhonda & Eric Forman, featured keynote speaker Alon Ben-Gurion, the grandson of the State of Israel’s founder and its first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion.

Ben-Gurion shared how his grandfather’s vision is being brought to life through Jewish National Fund-USA’s work, and how as an acclaimed international hospitality consultant, he is using his extensive network and industry know-how to actively promote development in Israel’s Negev Desert.

Longtime partner (donor) and ambassador (lay leader) Jeffrey Woolf, and his late wife Mary Woolf of blessed memory, were presented with Jewish National Fund-USA’s Guardian of Israel Award in recognition of their leadership, creative achievements, generosity, and outstanding service.

“It is an honor to be involved, and I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve in various ways,” said Jeffrey, reflecting on his ongoing philanthropic support for Israel.

Eric Forman, Todd & Yadira Patkin, Charlie & Bari Popkin