AMIT Spring 2015 Magazine

B U I L D I N G I S R A E L . O N E C H I L D AT A T I M E .

DOR L’DOR AMIT Framework for Giving.

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RE

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ANNIVERSARY

CELEBRATION IN ISRAEL

M AY 1 4 - 1 9 , 2 0 1 5

EXPERIENCE THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME WITH AMIT! DURING 6 EXCITING DAYS, YOU WILL...

Join us for an exclusive reception at the home of Israel’s distinguished President, Reuven Rivlin.

Join AMIT’s Amazing Race:: Segway, zipline & bike your way through the streets of Jerusalem.

Experience an inspiring Yom Yerushalayim celebration in the heart of Jerusalem with renowned author and journalist, Yossi Klein Halevi.

Join AMIT students and teachers to celebrate AMIT’s 90 years of commitment at a special birthday party you won’t want to miss!

Join a thought-provoking panel discussion with renowned author, Daniel Gordis.

Still haven’t registered yet? What are you waiting for?!

A trip like this happens only once every 90 years!

For more information please contact Sara Cherny at 212.792.5690 or SaraC@amitchildren.org or visit our website at www.amitchildren.org/90thMissiontoIsrael.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

spring2015

By Debbie Isaac

WHEN SOMEONE REACHES THE RIPE AGE of 90, family members and friends often suggest that one should “take it easy” or ”relax.” By contrast, as we celebrate the 90th year of AMIT, we are constantly planning and exploring how to further grow, expand and help more children in Israel. Our ranks are growing, with our youthful NewGen and AFLI members continuing the legacy of previous generations of dedicated AMIT members.

Multiple generations who are contributing to molding the future of Israel are involved at AMIT (see article on page 22). It is incredible to see how the vitality and drive of those who were engaged in 1925 continues to hum in 2015 with vibrant events and activities like our Broadway-themed Gala this past fall, our recent live radio interview on the Nachum Segal radio show (see article on page 34), and much more.

Since the founding of AMIT, our efforts have focused on educating and nurturing students in Israel in order that they may lead successful and prosperous lives.

Vocations and trades have been taught for years, but thanks to the Wohl Foundation’s dedication of the Wohl Autotech Training Laboratories at AMIT State Technological High School in Jerusalem (see article on page 26), we can expand our mechanics program, which provides hands-on training for students who wish to learn how to diagnose and fix the advanced technology systems in today’s automobiles. The AMIT spirit of academic excellence, volunteering, and promoting a culture of contribution toward Israel also continues at AMIT Lehava Ulpana High School in Kidumim (see article on page 8) where students of all backgrounds learn together and from each other.

Innovative and effective programs such as these help distinguish AMIT from other organizations. It is

a fact that AMIT has one of the strongest track records of success in helping children succeed even while facing a host of challenging circumstances: obstacles that come with immigration to Israel, not speaking Hebrew, straining to make ends meet, or living far from amenities within the central region of the State.

Our students and their families often struggle to achieve a life of happiness and prosperity that many of us take for granted. But the fact that we also attract a segment of financially stable and academically strong students, who choose to attend AMIT schools instead of others available to them, is a testament to the success of our approach. With Bagrut (matriculation) pass rates that are over 20% higher than the national average, our students form a melting pot of socioeconomic diversity; they learn to respect each other as they graduate with top grades and live successful lives.

I hope that through reading the various editions of this magazine, as well as through visiting our facilities and programs, you, our generous supporters, share in the pride of our successes and will communicate the value of our efforts to your friends and relatives. I also encourage you to read the updates on our Facebook page (www.facebook. com/amit.children) and our email newsletters, and to please click “Like”, “Share” and forward them to others so we can spread the word on-line about how we are building a stronger Israel.

During this Passover season, we express thanks for the Children of Israel’s freedom from slavery and oppression in ancient Egypt millennia ago. Consider giving the children in today’s Israel the opportunity to be free from their obstacles so they can soar high and live the best life they can with an education from AMIT.  Chag kasher sameach!

Spring 2015 :: AMIT MAGAZINE :: 3

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spring 2015 – aviv 5775 Vol. LXXXVII No. 2

BUILDING ISRAEL. ONE CHILD AT A TIME.

8

8

AMIT LEHAVA ULPANA

Bringing an exceptional school to new heights in Kedumim.

By Michele Chabin

12

12

ENGLAND AND ANTI-SEMITISM

The first documented Blood Libel occurred in 12th Century England. In 2014, nearly fifty percent of all Britons held an anti-Semitic view.

By Robert E. Sutton

16

AMIT CHEDVAT HA’TORAH

The quiet revolution is taking place in a haredi community in Jerusalem.

28

By Helga Abraham

22

DOR L’DOR

One family and their generational bonds to AMIT.

By Robert E. Sutton

16

26

THE WOHL AUTOTECH TRAINING LABORATORIES The Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Philanthropic Foundation dedication at the AMIT State Technological High School in Jerusalem.

By Robert E. Sutton About The Cover Dor L’ Dor

Each generation of AMIT is nurtured by its predecessor. See article on page 22.

B U I L D I N G I S R A E L . O N E C H I L D AT A T I M E .

DOR L’DOR AMIT Framework for Giving.

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AMIT NATIONAL COUNCIL OFFICES

COVER PHOTO: CURTIS DURHAM • CURTISDURHAM.COM • 303-279-6904

National Office 817 Broadway New York, NY 10003 1-800-989-AMIT (2648) 212-477-4720 Fax: 212-353-2312 email: info@amitchildren.org Baltimore/Boston/Washington DC 2800 Stone Cliff Drive, Unit #112 Baltimore, MD 21209 410-484-2223 410-370-9411 Call for Fax: 410-484-2223 email: robbiep@amitchildren.org Chicago 3856 B West Oakton Skokie, IL 60076 847-677-3800 847-372-8702 Fax: 847-982-0057 email: amitchicago@amitchildren.org

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Cleveland 23743 Greenlawn Avenue Beachwood, OH 44122 216-382-4441 email: amitcleveland@amitchildren.org Southeast Region 2700 North 29th Ave. Suite 203 Hollywood, FL 33020 954-922-5100 Fax: 954-922-5199 email: robini@amitchildren.org Los Angeles 1122 S. Robertson Blvd., #9 Los Angeles, CA 90035 310-859-4885 Fax: 310-859-4875 email: michalt@amitchildren.org

Philadelphia P.O. Box 342 Wynnewood, PA 19096 410-484-2223 410-370-9411 Call for Fax: 410-484-2223 email: robbiep@amitchildren.org AMIT UK Friends of AMIT Women UK 152/154 Coles Green Rd. London NW2 7HD Phone: +44-208-438-6353 email: Karen.Am@amit.org.il AMIT FRANCE c/o: Mrs. Carole Hannaux 20 Chemin des Brasseurs, 57500 Saint-Avold, France phone: +33-611-487-314 email: carol.hannaux@gmail.com

AMIT Switzerland c/o: Jennifer Osborn Unter Altstadt 10 6301 Zug, Switzerland Phone: + 41-41-729-0808 email: Jennifer.Osborn@ballag.ch AMIT Israel – Petach Tikva 28 HaMaccabim St. Petach Tikva 49220, Israel Phone: +972-3-912-3171 Fax: +972-3-912-3166 AMIT Israel – Jerusalem Migdal Ha’ir 34 Ben Yehuda St. 8th Fl. Jerusalem 9423001, Israel Phone: +972-2-673-8360 Fax: +972-2-673-8359

FIND AMIT ON

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COLUMNS

24

3

:: President’s Message

6

:: Giving From the Heart

7

:: Impressions

By Robin Isaacson, AMIT National Director of Planned Giving

24 :: Dvar Torah 36 :: Highlights

President Debbie Isaac Executive Vice President Andrew Goldsmith Vice President, Marketing and Communications Chana Shields

DEVELOPMENT NEWS 28 :: Philly Annual Gala

28

29 :: Emma Stonehill Dedication

31

30 :: 3,000 Sandwiches 30 :: Hachnasat Torah 31

:: Baltimore Tribute Brunch

31

:: AMIT Future Entrepreneurs

32

:: Meet Marley

32

:: The Magic of AMIT

33

:: Lights on Broadway

33

:: L.A. Murder Mystery Dinner

34 :: AMIT on the Radio

33

36 :: Spanning AMITworld

36 AMIT enables Israel’s youth to realize their potential and strengthens Israeli society by educating and nurturing children from diverse backgrounds within a framework of academic excellence, religious values and Zionist ideals. Some 70 percent of AMIT students live in development towns or other “peripheral” areas of the country. AMIT approaches each child as an individual, maximizing his or her potential, and enabling our students to become vital, productive members of Israeli society. The AMIT schools promote religious tolerance, service to the state and the recognition that every child is blessed with unique talents and abilities. Founded in 1925, AMIT operates 108 schools, youth villages, surrogate family residences and other programs, constituting Israel’s only government-recognized network of religious Jewish education incorporating academic and technological studies.

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Editor in Chief/Creative Director Robert Ephraim Sutton Director of Marketing and Communications Ethan M. Segal Design Game6Media Editor Emerita Micheline Ratzersdorfer Signed articles do not necessarily represent the opinion of the organization. Reproduction of any material requires permission and attribution.

To view us online visit www.amitchildren.org AMIT Magazine (ISSN 1085-2891) is published quarterly; Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer by AMIT. AMIT National Office: 817 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10003.

1-800-989-AMIT, 212-477-4720, Fax 212-353-2312 email: info@amitchildren.org Periodicals postage paid at New York, N.Y., and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to AMIT: 817 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10003.

AMIT, founded in 1925, has a proud history of service to Israel and the Jewish people.

Our name, in English, stands for “AMericans for

Israel and Torah.” In Hebrew, AMIT is an acronym for “Irgun Mitnadvot l’ma’an Yisrael v’Torata” (Organization of Volunteers for Israel and Her Torah).

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Karin McQuillan at the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming – two miles from her home.

Giving From the Heart AMIT supporter Karin McQuillan

F

rom our humble beginnings 90 years ago to our role today as a critical partner in Israel’s future, the commitment of

our supporters has kept AMIT moving forward.

The measured academic improvements and the higher

test scores impressed Karin and inspired her to consider

the “positive ripple effect” that unfolds when children are

In this milestone year, we’ve had the opportunity to look back

nurtured and instilled with confidence, knowledge, values and

respond to the demands of a growing population of children in

“It means a lot to me to help children launch a new life, and I

about the future of our society came along to offer support.

with such wide-reaching results as AMIT.” Karin stated.

at the many people who made a difference in helping AMIT

self-esteem.

need. At each stage of Israel’s history, people who cared deeply

can’t think of another group that does so much positive work

As we look to challenges facing Israel’s youth today, we are

Planned gifts can be game-changing for AMIT. Even relatively

secure our future.

edge educational programs, build new schools and facilities,

grateful for supporters who are making a promise now to

smaller planned gifts can be used to help create cutting-

Recently, AMIT supporter Karin McQuillan shared the

establish scholarships, and launch major new initiatives.

AMIT in her estate plans. Through an endowment in her will,

a difference for Israel’s children, please visit her website at:

wonderful news that she has included a gift of $1 million for

If you would like to join Karin and others like her in making

also referred to as a bequest, Karin will help thousands of

http://www.amitchildren.planmylegacy.org, or contact me

Israel’s children have an opportunity to succeed in living the best life they can.

I had the privilege to speak with Karin about her generous gift and learn why AMIT is so important to her. Karin is a

strong believer in AMIT’s mission to preserve Jewish values and Zionist ideals and help children find the path toward a successful and productive life.

“AMIT is special in that it accomplishes many of my personal

(see info below). I will be happy to answer any questions you

may have about gift planning as a partner in transforming the lives of Israel’s youth.

-Robin Isaacson For more information, or to let us know that you have already included AMIT in your estate plans, please contact Robin Isaacson, National Director of Planned Giving, at 954-922-5100 or robini@amitchildren.org. All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential and imply no obligation to make a gift.

giving goals in one gift—kindness, helping kids have

successful lives, strengthening Israel, commitment to Judaism, and assuring Zionist values,” Karin says.

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IMPRESSIONS

exploring what unites us

By Andrew Goldsmith, Executive Vice President

SOCIAL MEDIA’S ADVANTAGE IS ITS ABILITY TO send a message quickly (viral) and economically; its disadvantage is that, while it spreads miles wide, it often only resonates an inch deep or for the briefest of seconds— Instagram is aptly named. While we utilize social media at AMIT, our magazine is a vital tool in remaining connected with our supporters— it gives insight into what we are doing now and an in-depth look at what tomorrow may bring. In order to keep costs as low as possible, we go to press on our magazine almost six weeks before you have it in your mailbox, so we always run the risk of being “dated.”

So I write this when news outlets are in a feeding frenzy— there is an election around the corner, and every day brings a new reported betrayal, scandal or political maneuver. We hear only the extreme voices.

Some of this is the function of how media operates, but for lovers of Zion like us, it causes tangible heartache.

It’s like watching family members tear each other apart, and it is an issue of great concern to our AMIT educators. AMIT’s mission isn’t simply to educate the children of Israel; we are mandated for a far harder task: to inculcate our students with values. More than most countries, Israel is always facing difficult challenges ripe for heated debate. Very hard questions revolve around defining our national identity, freedom of religion or freedom of speech. Add in the factor that in Israel these questions often come with true life and death consequences, and our people’s seemingly propensity for machloket (being divided) and, well, you have a most unhealthy national diet.

So to mark Yitzhak Rabin Memorial Day, AMIT Eliraz Yeshiva in Petach Tikva invited secular students from the nearby Brenner High School to a day of discourse and exchange of ideas. At the opening session, former MK Dedi Zucker from the Meretz party spoke to students about the importance of openness and acceptance of others. After students had introduced themselves, they

were divided into discussion groups and moved from station to station to discuss and debate a variety of issues. Despite the controversial nature of some of the issues, each participant expressed his or her views in well-mannered fashion. After the sessions, one of the AMIT Eliraz students said, “We need to continue having these meetings with other sectors in Israel to find out what unifies us.” And in fact, the next meeting is with youth from the Haredi sector.

Rabbi Yair Chetboun, principal of Yeshivat AMIT Eliraz, summed up the encounter.

“Looking at pictures of immigrants and Holocaust survivors who made aliyah, we understand that although there were differences among Jews, after the horrors they had experienced they were focusing on their commonalities rather than their differences.

We have to do this too. This encounter shaped and strengthened the personal identity of students from two high schools. They all felt a sense of closeness, partnership and belonging to each other despite the differences in their world views.”

It is very hard to measure the long-term impact of programs like this—they don’t lend themselves to easily defined measurable outcomes. But the boys of AMIT Eliraz Yeshiva in Petach Tikva and Brenner High School started to learn that tolerance is the appreciation of diversity and the ability to live and let others live. It is the ability to exercise a fair and objective attitude towards those whose opinions, practices, ethnic background and even fashion differ from their own. Tolerance is not just agreeing with one another or remaining indifferent, but rather showing respect for the essential humanity in every person.  Chag kasher v’sameach!

Andrew Goldsmith can be reached at andrewg@amitchildren.org

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FEATURE

AMIT LEHAVA ULPANA

PHOTOGRAPH: REBECCA KOWALSKY

BRINGING AN EXCEPTIONAL S

8 :: Fall 2014 :: AMIT MAGAZINE

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By Michele Chabin

L SCHOOL TO NEW HEIGHTS. At AMIT Lehava Ulapana, diversity plays out everywhere on campus, where average students, academically gifted students, students with learning disabilities, and new immigrants, all receive an education tailored to their needs.

K

edumim – A couple of years ago, when Einat Vallach, principal of the

Lehava Ulpana, a regional religious girls’ middle school and high school

in this West Bank settlement, began searching for an educational partner that would help bring her school to an even higher level, she received a

call from the AMIT network.

Dr. Amnon Eldar, director general of AMIT stated, “We knew the Ulpana was look-

ing to join a network and we approached them because it is an excellent school, and

also because it is very important for us to be an inclusive network, and we realized we didn’t have any schools in Judea and Shomron.”

“We have public schools, modern Orthodox schools and two haredi schools in our

network, so this was another step toward inclusiveness,” Eldar said.

After a series of in-depth meetings, Vallach understood that she and AMIT’s leader-

ship had the same goal: to help students reach their potential and strengthen Israeli

society within a framework of academic excellence, Jewish values and Zionist ideals.

“Schools in Israel and elsewhere are becoming more professional, and it became

clear to us that in order to grow educationally we needed to forge a connection with other schools and people,” Vallach said in her office on AMIT Lehava’s sprawling campus, which serves 900 religious 7th to 12th graders from more than a dozen settlements.

Vallach said Lehava joined the network last summer because “AMIT is all about pro-

fessionalism and educational research and development and mentoring. The school is

already seeing the benefits, and I believe the network is benefiting as well because we have a lot to offer. We are a very good, strong school educationally and ideologically.”

The 30-year-old Ulpana has a strong history of academic achievement and innovation.

Many of its students receive high grades on matriculation exams, and its robotics

students compete in national competitions. The school’s beautiful library, with its

many computer stations and 20,000 books, including hundreds in English, would be

the envy of many schools in Israel. It’s science center is filled with gadgets that make

the study of science fun, and its boarding school is a home away from home for nearly 100 of its students.

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continued on page 10

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continued from page 9 Even so, Vallach, who herself attended AMIT Lehava, felt she and the school’s 150 teachers could do even better, pedagogically and administratively, and needed the kind of boost that only AMIT, with its vast expertise and resources, could offer.

Thanks to the network, every AMIT Lehava classroom now has a computerized overhead projector system that has transformed the way teachers deliver their lessons, and students now have access to their own photocopy machines, located in the hallway. Students who want to photocopy a text or share class notes can now do so within minutes.

Like other AMIT schools, AMIT Lehava now has a large-screen wall monitor near the school’s entrance where the staff post announcements and the school rabbi, Rav Yoni Lavi, posts questions posed by students. On a day when the municipality had to shutdown the water for repairs, the question on the message board asked: “If there is no water to wash our hands before eating bread, can we eat the bread and if so, should we say the regular motzei prayer?” The answer: “It’s possible to eat the bread, but hold it with a bag so it doesn’t touch your hands.”

Vallach is proud of the fact that the Ulpana is one of the 13 schools AMIT has included in a program for schools “identified as having very high potential for educational growth.”

Every week 15 to 20 of the Ulpana’s teachers meet on the campus with an educational consultant sent by Maritu Demile, who made aliyah 10 years ago, AMIT to examine is a top student at the school and identify the best pedagogical That diversity plays out everywhere innovations to serve the school’’s dion campus, where average students, verse student body. Once a month the academically gifted students, students teachers attend educational workshops, with learning disabilities (there are one along with instructors from other AMIT to two special classes per grade), and schools, at the Kfar Batya innovation new immigrants, most of them housed center for teachers in Ra’anana. in Lehava’s dormitory, all receive an eduBeing a regional school, Lehava must cation tailored to their needs. accept students from all socio-economic “This is no 9 to 5 operation – 24/7 is backgrounds and academic abilities. more like it,” Kampler said with a smile.

“We accept every child who wishes to Although most of the students go study here,” said Frimet Kampler, a 12th home at the end of the school day, grade teacher who has taught at the nearly 100 girls – most of them new or Ulpana for 25 years. “This diversity is one veteran immigrants from Ethiopia, but of the school’s biggest strengths.” also 15 Israeli-born girls not of Ethiopian

Einat Vallach, principal AMIT Lehava

descent – live in Ulpana’s dormitory.

While some of the boarding school students, who hail from all over Israel, come from dysfunctional families that cannot properly provide for their children, many others enroll in the program solely because their friends or siblings recommend it.

Eighteen of the boarders, new immigrants from Ethiopia, are in a special easy Hebrew class that is helping them master Hebrew quickly and integrate into Israeli society by living with and studying alongside native Israelis. Some of the newer immigrants, and all of the veteran immigrants, attend regular classes.

Marito Dalmi, an 18-year-old senior who hopes to become a doctor, is one of the Ulpana’s star students.

Dalmi, who made aliyah with her family a decade ago, decided to live in

10 :: Spring 2015 :: AMIT MAGAZINE

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the dorms because her older sister, who had done the same, “told me how good it is here. I love the activities, the girls, the evening classes. We get together for Shabbatot and do volunteer work.

Like the vast majority of other Lehava seniors, Dalmi, who will perform National Service when she graduates, recalled a recent lecture the school offered titled, Honing Interview Skills.

“We learned how to sit, how to dress and how to respond to questions, and how to interact during groups interviews with a lot of other applicants.

It was a good introduction to the real world.”

Dr. Eldar said the Ulpana’s diversity is in keeping with the network’s philosophy of inclusion.

“We very much like that the Ulpana has students coming from such a variety of different homes in Yehuda and

migrant students, “something that will foster not only integration but friendships,” said Racheli Molad, director of the boarding program Livnat Barel, an Israeli-born student who moved to the campus dorm this year, said she did so because she wanted to have “a more serious, more meaningful year and heard that the students who live on campus help the new olim learn Hebrew and create friendships. It’s been great getting to know the new girls.”

Talia Shira Weiss, an American who moved to Israel with her family in 2013 and commutes to AMIT Lehava every day, said the school’s students and teachers have been overwhelmingly supportive.

“I expected to be sort of an outcast, the only girl who speaks only English, but the atmosphere is so welcoming, and there are several girls whose parents are

Extra curricular activites chart Shomron, as well as 60 Ethiopian girls at the boarding school. They are doing a great job at integration and we are giving the teachers the tools to further this goal.”

One of the school’s goals is have 40 Israeli-born students living in the dorms next year along with the im-

English speakers. They have definitely helped me to adjust. The moment I arrived at the school everyone gave me a hug. I feel part of a community.”

Sad to say, though, members of the Ulpana community have suffered many tragic losses over the years due to wars and terror attacks.

Rav Yoni Lavi Standing before a memorial wall where the photos of 30 terror victims – all close relatives of teachers, students and support staff – are displayed, Vallach noted that “at least four of the teachers are widows. One of our students was in the middle of her matriculation exam when we got word that her brother had been killed.”

The principal emphasized that terror attacks and the pain they cause are not limited to the settlements.

“Unfortunately, there have been terror attacks all over the country. We are not alone or special. Not long ago there was a war in Gaza and now there is tension on the northern border. During the war in Gaza we didn’t hear a single air raid siren here in the Shomron.”

Vallach admitted that “it has been difficult at times, but not more difficult than elsewhere.” An optimist by nature, Vallach said she and AMIT Lehava’s teachers feel like gardeners. “We give our students love and in the end it is what is inside a student that emerges.”

The Ulpana’s partnership with AMIT, she said, is helping the garden grow.

“Since joining AMIT, I’ve received so much help and feedback. Now I have people to brainstorm with on how to improve our school. I’m not alone.”  Spring 2015 :: AMIT MAGAZINE :: 11

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FEATURE

A

nti-Semitism is menacing Britain. It is guilt-free and under no constraints by historical knowledge. Despite the Holocaust being a subject that pupils in the U.K. must be taught, over sixty three percent of

students did not know that the Holocaust claimed the lives of six million Jews and many thought that Auschwitz was a type of beer. Posters at demonstrations that show a swastika within a Star of David have become so commonplace, that people believe the two are equated. With all the obstacles to ignorance being erased, the future for the Jews of England, and Europe as a whole, seems to be bleak.

England 2014

- 1,168 recorded incidents of anti-Semitism in the U.K. – more than double the incidents recorded in 2013.

- Violent anti-Semitic assaults increased seventeen percent.

- Damage and desecration to Jewish property increased by sixty five percent.

- Nearly fifty percent of all Britons held an antiSemitic view.

- One in four believe that Jews chase money more than other people.

- One in six thought that Jews had too much power in the media.

Norwich, 1144 The first documented Blood Libel

The 12th Century was a time when many Christians were outraged that Jews refused to convert to Christianity. They saw the Jews’ refusal as a willful and obstinate denial of what they perceived as “God’s truth.” They expressed their anger in words and images that dehumanized and demonized Jews. It was in

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this charged atmosphere that some Christians began to accuse Jews of ritual murder. The accusation came at a time when life was precarious in Europe. And, as in other times of great fear and anxiety, many people found it all too easy to blame the Jews, the people who are not like “us”— for every tragedy, every hardship, every loss.

The Blood Libel grew out of an incident that took place in Norwich, England with the murder of a young boy named William.

The events surrounding William’s death are not entirely clear and are largely based on an account by Thomas of Monmouth, a local monk.

On March 26, 1144 the body of William was discovered in a heath in Norwich, bloodied and mutilated — seemingly tortured. Thomas of Monmouth, decided that the boy’s death was no ordinary murder. He declared that the Jews of Norwich ritually murdered William in the home of a Jew named Eleazar, just days before Passover.

As has become the pattern with tales of blood libel, William was ritually murdered to acquire his blood for the baking of matzot. continued on page 14

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By Robert E. Sutton

ENGLAND AND CLIFFORD’S TOWER On the night of March 16, 1190 – the night before Shabbat HaGadol – 150 Jews of York took refuge in Clifford’s Tower.

Rather than perish at the hands of the mob that awaited them outside, many of the Jews took their own lives, others died in the flames, and those who finally surrendered were murdered.

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continued from page 13 In 1168, the accusation of ritual child murder was made among the Gloucester Jews and many of that community were killed. The lie of the Blood Libel spread throughout England. Whenever a Christian child died accidently or in some uncertain manner, the Jews were accused; in Bury St. Edmond in 1181, in Bristol 1183, in Winchester 1192, in London 1244 and

in Lincoln in 1255 – resulting in the massacre of Jews each time.

In the centuries after its first appearance in England, the Blood Libel accusation provoked instances of torture, death and expulsion of thousands of Jews and the extermination of hundreds of communities. Although no charge of ritual murder has withstood historical scrutiny, the concept of the Blood Libel is so emotionally charged

“Heroes of the York Fortress” (Clifford’s Tower)

and deeply rooted in cultural memory that it endures even today.

YORK 1190 The Massacre

During the 35 years of Henry II’s reign (1154-1189), Jews were encouraged by the king to settle in England’s towns. They enjoyed Royal protection, but were legitimate and lucrative targets for Crown taxation. The Jews were in a precarious position, on the fringe of society and practitioners of the essential but unpopular trade of usury (money-lending). Their fragile existence was disturbed by the succession of Henry II by his son Richard and a surge in anti-Semitic feelings across the country.

The York Massacre was just one of a wave of anti-Jewish riots that began eight months earlier at the coronation banquet of King Richard I, when a group of Jews who arrived to pay their respects were forbidden entry. Two of York’s most prominent Jews, Jocenus and Benedict, did present themselves laden with gifts for the king. The bold statement was interpreted as an insult by the crowd at Westminster, who proceeded to riot and attack London’s Jews. Although Jocenus returned to York safely, Benedict died of his injuries at Northampton, after enduring forced baptism.

Despite being under the King’s protection, the Jews who had prospered for over a century as moneylenders became the target for attacks by local noblemen who were anxious to wipe out their large debts. Murderous attacks that began in London spread to other Jewish settlements throughout England.

Richard, who had initially humiliated the Jews at his coronation, was concerned that the attacks were a challenge to his own rule and had a number of the perpetrators executed, while issuing orders to protect the Jews.

In early 1190 the new king embarked on a crusade to the Holy Land while not taking measures to enforce his order.

Six months after his death, a mob ransacked Benedict’s house in York, murdering his widow and children.

14 :: Spring 2015 :: AMIT MAGAZINE

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NEW FROM

MAGGID BOOKS NEW VOLUME The Edict of Expulsion, 1290

Fearing for his family’s safety, Jocenus sought protection in Clifford’s Tower – the royal castle. The rest of the city’s Jewish inhabitants followed and for several days the group remained safe inside the castle walls. As days passed, the castle became a place of captivity rather than refuge.

But as there was no force defending the tower, and with the local knights and clergy leading the attack, the Jews realized their fate. Together with Jocenus, Rabbi Yomtob, a noted scholar who had come to York from Joigny in France, called upon the community to commit suicide rather than be murdered or baptized. Many followed their advice. The father of each family killed the women and children of his household. The Rabbi then took his own knife to those who remained before killing himself. Those who did not commit suicide were killed when the castle was set on fire. The massacre wiped out the city’s entire Jewish population, estimated at 150 men, women and children.

The rioters next burned all the records of the Jews financial affairs, thereby absolving them of their debts which would have been payable to the King following the death of the Jews.

The King’s representatives held an inquest and fined the city, but none of the murderers were ever brought to trial, many of them later joining Richard on his crusade. Archaeological digs have revealed burnt remnants of the original structure beneath the tower - a chilling memorial to those who perished.

Rabbi Sacks’ acclaimed parasha series “sheds light on every major religious, political and philosophical issue of our day.”

(Jewish Action)

1290 Expulsion

In 1290, Edward I banished the Jews outright. The signatory date coincided with the Jewish date of Tisha b’Av. England became the first European country to expel Jews, and they remained banned for 366 years. It wasn’t until the 17th century that Jews were allowed back to Britain. Robert E. Sutton is Editorial Director of AMIT Magazine

AMIT PREPARES… In 1943, Mizrachi Women of America (AMIT) established Motza Children’s Home near Jerusalem, precursor to Beit Hayeled, for children who escaped Europe. In 1944, MWOA dedicated Mosad Aliyah Children’s Village, the first AMIT youth village for Holocaust refugee children. During the 1980s, AMIT Kfar Batya and Kfar Blatt absorbed hundreds of Ethiopian children brought to Israel by Operation Moses. With the influx of Soviet Jews, AMIT was there for the children.

In 2014 over 7,000 French Jews made aliyah to Israel. That number is expected to double in 2015. Every week, two to three children of those who made aliyah, enroll in an AMIT school. AMIT is prepared! 

Parasha insights and historical social commentary from the onset of Rabbi Lamm’s rabbinical career.

A Division of Koren Publishers Jerusalem

MAGGID

www.korenpub.com

Spring 2015 :: AMIT MAGAZINE :: 15

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FEATURE

by helga abraham

t

revolu

16 :: Spring 2015 :: AMIT MAGAZINE

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the quiet

olution

at AMIT CHEDVAT HaTORAH in Jerusalem

A

quiet revolution is taking place in the Haredi community of Israel. The huge growth in the Haredi population (estimated at nearly one million today), cuts in government support

and pressure by centrist parties for Haredim to “share the burden” in terms of work and military service are creating fundamental changes in both the ethos and lifestyle of this community.

The culture of a life devoted entirely to Torah study is slowly giving way to a more pragmatic approach and acceptance of the need to “work.” Forced by the new reality, more and more young Haredi men are entering or seeking to enter the job market. But after a traditional yeshiva education, which excludes secular subjects, and lacking in basic skills, they find themselves illequipped and at a considerable disadvantage. As a result, many Haredi parents are seeking a framework that offers both yeshiva studies and a formal education in order to enable their children to enjoy the same job opportunities as others. AMIT Chedvat HaTorah in Jerusalem is one of the pioneering institutions that is helping to prepare Haredi youth for the demands of the 21st century.

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continued on page 18

3/10/15 4:33 PM

continued from page 17 On the first floor of an office building in a commercial area of Jerusalem, Haredi boys are busy studying Gemara, the younger grades delving into the intricacies of Seder Nezikin, and the older grades immersed in Seder Nashim.

For all intents and purposes, these students could belong to one of the countless yeshivas that have sprung up in Israel over the last decades. Their enthusiasm for Gemara and their commitment to the Haredi way of life are the same – but what makes these students different is that, once they finish their religious studies at 1:00 p.m., they will embark on a range of secular studies that includes math, computer science, English, and Jewish philosophy, studying until 7:00 p.m. at night.

Rav Aharon Brandwein, the dynamic principal of AMIT Chedvat HaTorah says that his institution is unique in Jerusalem in being the first Haredi yeshiva high school to offer boys a broad secular education alongside religious studies. Like all Haredi principals, Rav Brandwein wants his students to become Torah scholars, but he also wants to give them a choice: “We tell our students – first learn everything, then you can choose whether to become a rabbi or a scientist. We want you to be able to decide what is good for you, rather than have circumstance decide for you.”

Over and over again during my visit to the yeshiva, I heard the same refrain from teachers and parents: “the Haredi world is changing, it’s a different generation, it has different requirements.” Sheftel Weinberg, who grew up in the U.S. and has a son in the yeshiva, says that Chedvat HaTorah’s fusion of yeshiva and secular studies reflects a change in Haredi society as a whole: “The Haredim are much more involved today in every aspect of Israeli society than in the past, when they lived totally separate lives.” To support his view, he points out that no mass demonstrations accompanied the opening of the yeshiva.

SPRING15_Chedvat_p16-19_v5.indd 4

“ We tell our students first learn everything, then you can choose to become a rabbi or scientist. We want them to be able to decide what is good for them, rather than have circumstance decide.”

-Rav Aharon Brandwein Mass demonstrations no, but opposition, yes. With a smile, Rav Brandwein points to a Haredi newsletter on his desk in which Chedvat HaTorah is denounced as “evil” by a group of rabbis.

“The opposition,” he says, “comes from a fear that we will encourage Haredi children to leave their unique way of life.

But this is not so. I always assure parents that we are a totally Haredi school, with the same books, morals and high

level of Talmud study as all yeshivas... but we also teach other subjects.”

AMIT Chedvat HaTorah was established in 2013 by a group of educators and parents, many of whom, says Rav Brandwein, “were yeshiva graduates who regretted their own lack of education and wanted better opportunities for their children.” Motti Erenberg, who has two boys in the yeshiva, was one such parent: “I did not have any formal education and always felt I missed something,” he says, explaining that “It is very difficult for Haredim to catch up later in life, and that is why I want my children to acquire a broad education at a young age.”

After helping to coalesce a core group of parents, Rav Brandwein turned to AMIT to help get the yeshiva off the ground. “We were told that AMIT is an institution that is always open to new ideas, and right away we won its support.” Despite a total lack of experience in formal education, Rav Brandwein was chosen to serve as principal. His strict yeshiva education, combined with a successful career in business running his own bus company, made him an ideal candidate for the new venture. As did a

Computer Class

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Rav Aharon Bandwein, Principal AMIT Chedvat HaTorah

somewhat a-typical Haredi upbringing.

“My father, who was a teacher and rabbi, educated me and my siblings to work, while all around us the ethos was: rak Torah (only Torah). And he also taught us to be Zionists – indeed, we were the only family in Bayit Vegan to hang a flag on Independence Day,” he recalls with a twinkle in his eye. Going against the stream is clearly innate in this businessman-turned-school principal who is presently completing a BA in education and radiates an infectious love of youth and the teaching profession.

With Rav Brandwein at the helm, AMIT Chedvat HaTorah opened in an old Jerusalem building, with just seventeen students in one 9th grade class. Today, the yeshiva has 76 students and four grades. Next year it expects to receive 110, and its waiting list is constantly growing. In order to be accepted into the yeshiva, the students have to pass an entrance examination in Gemara, math and English. If a student comes from a Haredi school where math and English were not taught or taught minimally, he has to excel in Gemara. While the religious studies teachers at the yeshiva are all Haredi, those in charge of secular studies are chosen for their competency, with the proviso of being religiously observant. The combined yeshiva/secular program of studies

includes two hours of sport a week – soccer or basketball in an ad hoc playground-car park, plus table tennis during breaks and swimming once a week. To top it all, and rare for a yeshiva, the students are taken twice a year on a two-day trip to the south and north of the country.

The challenge of teaching high school students, many of whom lack basic knowledge of core subjects, means that the school has to organize many supplementary lessons, and the teachers often have to teach three levels in one class. “It’s like teaching three classes in one,” says English teacher Rav David Perlow. Whenever possible, Rav Perlow imparts to his classes material that is relevant to the religious world.

In his 9th grade class, he asked the students to write a project in English on how to enable youth to connect more to their Judaism. All the students I talked to concurred on the need to acquire a broad education. Seventh-grader Yossi Baider said it was important “in order to survive in life!” and 10th grader Matanel Gulevitz said he found it hard learning only Gemara in his previous school and wanted to acquire a range of knowledge, with the view to studying engineering.

Most popular of all is the two-hour-aweek computer class, when 25 laptops, recently donated by AMIT, are given out

to the joy of the students. Tenth grader Elia Baruch, who grew up in the U.S. and was used to combined programs, said his ambition was to work with computers or in industry, while 7th grader Shali Brandwein, exuding the same bubbly energy as his father, said he wanted to gain several degrees, in computer science and in business management, and then go on to do a doctorate!

Although the yeshiva is open to modernity, the Internet is forbidden , as are cell phones. “The students come here to learn,” says Rav Brandwein, “and if parents want to contact their child, they call the office.” In contrast, his attitude towards dress codes is more lenient, allowing younger grades to wear regular clothes and imposing the standard black-and-white yeshiva code of dress only on 9th graders and up. “I like colors,” he says “and do not see the need to force boys before Bar Mitzvah age to wear black.”

Looking to the future, Rav Brandwein acknowledges the need to find a more appealing location for the school. “We need our own building,” he says, “and an appropriate location.” But in spite of the changes which Haredi society is undergoing, finding such a location remains a thorny issue. “It would be difficult to locate the yeshiva in a Haredi neighborhood as we are still considered ‘threatening’, nor can we be based in a secular neighborhood because of fears of Haredization, so we have to remain on the seam.” Confident that these problems will eventually be surmounted, Rav Brandwein dreams of leading AMIT Chedvat HaTorah to great things: “My dream is that we will become a major institution – with a library, laboratories, gym room, music room, spacious classrooms – and that we will serve as model unto others. < Helga Abraham is a freelance journalist and translator based in Jerusalem. Before making “aliya” to Israel, she worked as a radio producer for CBC in London and Toronto.

Spring 2015 :: AMIT MAGAZINE :: 19

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$1,000,000 +

Ellen, z”l, and Meyer Koplow, NY Ellen and Stanley Wasserman, NY

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Laurie and Eli Bryk, NY

I

ING

A TIME • AT

$75,000 - $99,999 LD

A

M I T • BU

ISRA E

L

NE CHI LD •O

An Invitation To Join Me In

President’s Circle As a parent and a long time devoted AMIT donor, I know how important a good education is to the development of children.

Many of the 30,000 students at AMIT in Israel do not have the advantages that our own children enjoy and which we may easily take for granted.

President’s Circle gifts provide the foundation upon which our network of schools is built. These annual gifts are sustaining funds that we rely on to support our excellent programs. In order to guarantee the continuation of programs which nurture Israel’s children and instill within them strong values and academic excellence, we rely on our members whose annual donation ensure Israel’s future by providing these opportunities.

All successful endeavors require a strong foundation. Please join me. The circle will not be complete without you.

Chair - Brenda Kalter Honorary Chairs - Audrey and Rabbi Haskel Lookstein For further information regarding President’s Circle, please contact Robin Rothbort at 212-477-4725, 1-800-989-AMIT (2647), or email robinr@amitchildren.org.

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$50,000 - $74,999 Debbie and Michael Alpert, NY Hadassah and Marvin Bienenfeld, NY Suzanne and Jacob Doft, NY Debbie and David Isaac, NY Leon and Gloria, Edward, Sari and Howard Miller, NY Ingeborg Petranker, z”l, CA Harriet and Heshe Seif, NJ Adina Straus, NY

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3/10/15 4:20 PM

Jewel and Ted Edelman, NY Miriam and Felix Glaubach, NY Pnina and Jacob Graff, CA Mildred and Alvin Hellerstein, NY Russell Jay Hendel, MD Sarah Liron and Sheldon Kahn, CA Stacey and David Kanbar, NY Amy and Todd Kesselman, NY Gitta and Richard Koppel, Israel Sandra and Evan Roklen, CA

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Esther and Jack Goldman, NY Zelda and Sheldon Goldsmith, NY Anne and Sheldon Golombeck, NY Sara and Ronald Gottlieb, FL Paula Yudenfriend and Arlin Green, PA Sharon and Melvin Gross, NY Phyllis Hammer, MA Nicole and Jacques, z”l, Hanau, France Carole and Didier Hannaux, France Debbie and Robert Hartman, IL Debbie and Eddie Herbst, CA Bonnie and Herb Hirsch, FL Aviva and Fred, z”l, Hoschander, NY Peggy and Robert Insel, NY Elaine and Robert Jacobs, NY Barbara and Manfred Joseph, NY Connie and Alan Kadish, NJ Ilana and Mitchell Kahn, NY Robin and Simon Kahn, Israel Danna and Gilad Kalter, NY Ruth and Jerome Kamerman, NY Miriam and Shopsy Kanarek, NY Ruth and William Kantrowitz, NY Harriet and Joel Kaplan, NY Karen Kaplan, IL Elissa and Michael Katz, NJ Rona and Ira Kellman, NY Rochelle Stern Kevelson, NY Diane and Barry Kirschenbaum, FL Susan Alter Klaperman, NY The Klibanoff Family, NJ Jane Klitsner, Israel Mindy and Jonathan Kolatch and The Kolatch Family Foundation, NJ Laurie and Robert Koppel, NY Evelyn and Lawrence Kraut, NJ Rochelle and Seymour, z”l, Kraut, NJ Donna and Jeffrey Lawrence, MD Diane and David Lent, NY Ellyn and Alan Lerner, NJ Kari and Joshua Levine, NY Rose and Jacob Levine, z”l, CA Sylvia and Norman Levine, FL Dorothy and Robert Lewis, NY Ruth and Robert Lewis, NY Mindy and Seymour Liebman, NY Audrey and Haskel Lookstein, NY Naomi and Carl Lopkin, MA Rita Lourie-Galena, PA & NY Meira and Solomon Max, NY Benay and Ira Meisels, NY Susan and Jeffrey Meyers, NY Lois and Jonathan Mills, IL Judy and Albert Milstein, IL Leonard E. Minsky, ME Myra Mitzner, NY Gloria and Burton Nusbacher, NY Bea and Irwin, z”l, Peyser, NY Hedy and Paul Peyser, MD Suzy and Paul Peyser, NY Vicki and Jerry Platt, NY Pia and Stuart Pollack, PA

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president’s circle of honor

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3/10/15 4:20 PM

FEATURE

AMIT – DOR L’DOR

GENERATION TO GENERATION This year AMIT celebrates it’s 90th

Anniversary. Since its inception, AMIT – formerly Mizrachi Women’s Orga-

nization of America, has been carried forward through the years by each

new generation. And, it’s more likely today than ever before that three, or

four or even five generations of a family are in one way or another involved with AMIT.

Norma Holzer was inaugurated as the

School of Science and Technology in

the first time that a daughter of a presi-

specialized training program for Soviet

seventeenth president of AMIT. It was dent of a major Zionist organization

stepped into the same position. “My

mother’s involvement with AMIT made it natural for me to be part of the organization; AMIT was always part of our lives,” Norma said proudly.

At the age of 12, Norma joined the

One of those AMIT-devoted and ex-

Manhattan chapter of Mizrachi “Buds” –

Dyckman, z”l, past president of MWOA

rachi projects through their fundraising

tended families originated with Dina (AMIT) from 1957-1962. Dina first be-

came involved with the organization in 1942. Upon becoming the eighth

president of MWOA, Dina oversaw the

dedication of the laboratories at Mosad

Aliyah, the Wurzweiller School, the Mor-

a young girls’ group that promoted Mizactivities. As Newlyweds, Norma and her husband, Rabbi Emanuel Holzer, moved to Houston, Texas. There she

joined the Women’s Mizrachi Chapter.

A year later, and back in New York,

ris Bienenfeld Library at Kfar Batya, the

Norma became fully devoted to AMIT.

cational High School and she initiated

events, she was Queens Council Co-

groundbreaking for the Beersheva Vothe “Million Dollar Club.”

Dina was also actively involved

when AMIT stepped in to assume the

role of training a group of young Ethiopian men and women as teachers…the very first time Ethiopian Jews arrived in Israel.

Thirty years after Dina Dyckman’s

tenure as president, her daughter

She hosted many Mother-in-Israel

Chairwoman, Co-Chair of the National

Membership Committee, a member of the AMIT Board of Directors and eventually, President of AMIT.

The many highlights during her

tenure in the early 1990s included the

dedication of the AMIT Ginsburg Technological High School in Gush Dan,

the establishment of AMIT Religious

High School for Torah, AMIT Boys High

Haifa. Norma helped implement a

immigrants at AMIT Beersheva and in-

augurated the AMIT Hesder (pre-army) Yeshiva in Tzfat.

A story that Norma likes to tell was

the year when Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, z”l spoke at the Conference of

Presidents. During a break at the conference, Norma and Rabin started a

conversation. Norma asked Rabin if he

would like to attend the AMIT Conven-

tion in May. He promised he would try.

He, however, added the caveat, “but

this being Israel, an emergency could

arise and I may not be able to be there.

Why don’t we take a photo now and

you can use it at the AMIT convention in a few months?” Norma loved the

idea. However, there was no plaque to present to Rabin. The convention was months away. In an instant Norma

ran to the gift shop and bought the

only award available, an Eishet Chayil plaque. There is now a photo of AMIT President Norma Holtzer presenting

Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin the Eishet Chayil Award. “He more than de-

served it. The government at that time

was helping AMIT and was focused on education. That was very important to Rabin.” 

22 :: Spring 2015 :: AMIT MAGAZINE

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3/13/15 12:32 PM

By Robert E. Sutton

(l-r) Norma Holzer, Cheryl Greenfield and Dina Dyckman, z”l

Norma Holzer presenting Prime Minister Yithak Rabin with the Eishet Chayil Award.

AMIT DOR L’DOR A True Family Tie

Dina Dyckman, z”l, has left an indelible mark on AMIT. Her daughter Norma Holzer and grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews continue that generation-to-generation bond with AMIT. The following devoted women are part of the royal AMIT lineage.

Dina Dyckman, z”l – Joined MWOA in 1942. President of MWOA (AMIT) 1957-1962.

Presented Lifetime Achievement Award.

Rivka Holzer – Norma Holzer’s granddaughter. Spent the summer before attending Barnard as an intern at the AMIT offices in New York.

Norma Holzer – Dina Dyckman’s daughter. At the age of twelve became a member of Mizrachi “Buds.” President of AMIT 19911995. President’s Circle member.

Raffi Holzer- Norma Holzer’s grandson. Served on the Board of the AMIT Future Leadership Initiative. AMIT delegate at the Zionist Congress.

Trina Cleeman - Dina Dyckman’s daughter, Norma Holzer’s sister.

President’s Circle member.

Jewel Edelman – Dina Dyckman’s granddaughter and Norma Holzer’s niece. Board of Governors. Young Leadership Award. Annual Dinner Honoree.

President’s Circle member.

Selma Dyckman – Norma Holzer’s sister-in-law. Board of Directors.

President’s Circle member.

Cheryl Greenfield – Norma Holzer’s daughter. Spent the summer before attending Stern College as a volunteer at Beit Hayeled, home to 120 children.

Laurie Bryk – Norma Holzer’s niece. Founding member of the New Generation Board. Board of Directors. Annual Dinner Honoree. President’s Circle member.

Trudy Stern – Norma Holzer’s niece. Vice President, Leadership Development. Annual Dinner Honoree. President’s Circle member.

Shirley Halpern, z”l – Member MWOA (AMIT) chapter in Boro Park. Helped run the MWOA Thrift Store on the Lower East Side. The store benefited the children of MWOA. Marcia Holzer – Shirley Halpern’s daughter. Former President, Monsey Chapter. Served on National Board.

Chana Shields – Norma Holzer’s niece. Marcia Holzer’s daughter and Shirley Halpern’s granddaughter. Former Secretary, Board of Directors. Currently Vice President, Marketing. Annual Dinner Honoree. President’s Circle member.

Esther Beth Semmelman, z”l – Marcia Holzer’s daughter. Norma Holzer’s niece. Sister of Chana Shields. New Generation Board member. Board of Directors.

President’s Circle member.

Posthumously honored at the 2013 Annual Dinner.

Sarina Shields – Chana Shields’ daughter, Norma Holzer’s great niece, Marcia Holzer’s granddaughter and Shirley Halpern’s great granddaughter.

Bat Mitzvah project helped benefit the children of AMIT. Samantha Bryk – Daughter of Tammy and Hillel Bryk. Norma Holzer’s great niece. Currently studying at Midreshet AMIT. Rochel Holzer – Norma Holzer’s granddaughter. AMIT member.

Julie Holzer – Norma Holzer’s granddaughter. AMIT member.

Rivka Atara Holzer – Norma Holzer’s great granddaughter.

Future AMIT member.

The word generation is a central part of the Passover seder. Seder in Hebrew means ‘order,’ a key ingredient of all rituals. But the seder’s goal is not ritual for its own sake. The Haggadah explicitly states that: “In every generation each individual should feel as if he or she had personally come out of Egypt.” It’s hard to imagine a better vehicle than the rituals of the Passover seder for teaching the next generation to value our religion, our people, our traditions and our obligation to Jewish causes. This ritual creates an indelible impression on each new generation sitting around that table. That is AMIT.

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DVAR TORAH

identifying the haggadah’s w

W

e are all familiar with the memorable description of the four sons who find themselves at the Pesach seder. This famous paragraph appears at the beginning of the Haggadah narrative and in many ways highlights its central educational message. I believe that determining the identity of the enigmatic wayward son will offer a fundamental insight into one of the major challenges facing the Jewish people and State of Israel today.

The Haggadah states as follows: “The wayward son asks – What is this service to you?

(Exodus 12:26) By saying ‘you’ he excludes himself. And since he excludes himself from the people of Israel (KIal Yisrael), he has denied a fundamental principle of our faith (Kofer beIkar). You in turn should blunt his teeth (give a sharp and blunt answer) and say to him – because of what Hashem did for me when I left Egypt, I do this (Exodus 13:8) – implying for me but

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not for him. If he (the wayward son) had been there (in Egypt), he would not have been redeemed?”

The Haggadah describes the wayward son as the one who sets himself apart from Jewish people and places himself outside Jewish community life. His question, “What is this service to you” implies that the service does not obligate him in any way. Issues of Jewish identity – our collective fate, destiny and responsibilities – are seen as things that have no bearing on him. So much so that the Haggadah uses the sharp terminology that since he has excluded himself from the Jewish people, he has denied a fundamental tenet of Jewish faith.

Remarkably, what emanates so succinctly from the Haggadah is the supreme importance of Jewish peoplehood. The community ethic is a core component of our identity and crucial to the meaning of Jewish life.

3/10/15 4:41 PM

By Rabbi Doron Perez

’s wayward son Pesach is the story of our people. It is where we explain to ourselves and our children what it means to be part of the collective Jewish experience. It is about the history of our people whose birth was forged in the houses of bondage, in mutual pain and suffering in Egypt. It is about our fate as a historic community. The crux of the Pesach story is sharing that common fate as a community and participating in the destiny of our people. Failure to embrace this reality excludes one from the Jewish community and therefore from being part of that destiny. Faith is not independent of fate and Judaism is not independent of the Jewish people. One cannot claim to be either a religious Jew or a universalist Jew without being intrinsically connected to the particular fate and fortune of our people.

This is particularly relevant to one of the great contemporary challenges facing the Jewish people in general and the State of Israel specifically. Over the last fifteen years we have seen a dangerous and systematic delegitimization campaign of the State of Israel, her defenders and supporters. A global movement has been galvanized to single out Israel unfairly and unjustly and brand it as an Apartheid State with a clear aim of undermining the moral foundations of her right to exist. This is a Machiavellian attempt to uproot any ethical, historic and spiritual rights of the Jewish people to a sovereign presence in our promised land.

What is most concerning is that some Jews are stridently siding with those who wish to uproot us. Some of these Jews such as Neturei Karta are emanating from the extreme religious right while others emanate from the opposite extreme secular left. These groupings form an unlikely and unholy alliance dedicated to the destruction of modern day Israel. Incredibly, these Jews claim to be proudly Jewish either through their religious or universalistic interpretation of their Jewish identity. Their tragic mistake though, is that they are excluding themselves from the fundamental tenet of the Jewish community ethic and from our distinct and collective historic experience as a people. They are the wayward sons of our generation who want Judaism without Jewish peoplehood, faith without fate, universalism without bonds of unity with their people.

Having identified the wayward son, we now need to understand the bewildering reality of why it is that the wayward son who denies a sense of camaraderie with the Jewish community, is at the Pesach seder in the first place?

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After all, if he is so wayward, why does he want to be part of the Jewish experience? The answer is clear – he longs to have a connection to his Judaism – but he wants to do so without any commitment to or embracing of a collective Jewish fate and destiny. But the Haggadah teaches us that he cannot claim to be a good Jew, while at the same time separating himself from the pain and suffering of his own people. Of course, every good Jew must be sensitive to the suffering of all human beings. All are created in the image of G-d. This is without question a core Jewish value. But how can this possibly override the suffering of his own family, community and people? Kindness and charity must never end in the home, but they most certainly begin there.

The answer given to the wayward son in the Haggadah is most telling. We blunt his sharp criticism by highlighting the following important point: “Had you been in Egypt you would not have been redeemed.” The wayward son needs to decide which side of Jewish history he is on. If his worldview does not contain this deep sense of Jewish peoplehood, then he has missed the point of Jewish identity.

Our Sages tell us that many Jews chose not to leave Egypt, but rather lost themselves during the plague of darkness.

These individual Jews could not come to terms with Moses’ vision of redemption from Egyptian society: to journey to the homeland of their forefathers and to exercise their divine, religious, historical and moral right to self-determination in their G-d given land. Those who left Egypt committed to this narrative. Those who chose to stay behind rejected it.

Remaining behind in Egypt and perhaps even prioritizing the suffering of the Egyptians over the tears and pain of over 100 years of slavery and death of their own people at the hands of the Egyptians side-lined them from future Jewish destiny. Instead of becoming influential protagonists of Jewish history, they became a peripheral footnote.

We are encouraged by the fact that the wayward son is at the seder table. He does want to be part of Jewish history, but does not know how. He makes the fundamental mistake of not appreciating the inextricable link between our faith and our fate, between a Judaism of a religious or a universal nature and the Jewish people.

We, as his fellow Jews bear a responsibility to both embrace and educate him as to the salient and eternal importance of this link. < Rabbi Doron Perez is the newly elected Director of the World Mizrachi Movement. He previously served the South African Jewish community for 15 years as the Rabbi of the Mizrachi Movement, Senior Rabbi of the Mizrachi Shul and the Head of Yeshiva College schools. Rabbi Perez is the author of the book Leading the Way.

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FEATURE

T

Transforming Mechanics Transforming Lives mission to israel

By Robert E. Sutton

his past October saw the dedication of the Wohl Autotech Training Laboratories at the AMIT State Technological High School in Jerusalem. The program, entitled “Autotech Tools for Success,” will also be open to boys and girls from the adjacent AMIT Nordlicht Religious Technical High School. This state-of the-art facility and program places the AMIT State Technological High School in Jerusalem in the forefront of advanced automotive diagnostic and technological studies. Offering a three-year curriculum in theoretical studies as well as practical, hands-on learning, the Wohl Autotech Training Laboratory and its curriculum is the first of its kind in Jerusalem and only the fourth in the country. The program has been designated as a pedagogical model for high schools across the country to observe and emulate.

The technological hardware and software that is now standard in cars, trucks, construction machinery and military vehicles is being updated more rapidly than ever. Today in Israel there is a great need for automotive diagnosticians and mechanics who have extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in this hightech domain. This is what Wohl Autotech delivers.

Another advantage of the Autotech program is that students have an (almost) open door to the Israel Defense Forces Ordinance Corps. The program is carefully vetted

by IDF liaisons, and Autotech graduates continue on to the IDF where they receive advanced education and critical hands-on experience.

The primary goal of the program is to teach this much needed skill to underprivileged Israeli high school students with the ultimate goal of achieving gainful and profitable employment and becoming productive members of Israeli society. An additional benefit of the program is that students improve their day-today English as well as the technical terminology needed to the trade. This in turn makes them even more marketable in the workforce. 

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The dedication program included a tour of the lab with students and faculty, a musical performance by two students of the school’s music therapy program and, of course, a magnificent luncheon.

In attendance at the dedication were Wohl Foundation trustees David S. Latchman, Martin Paisner, Daniel Isaac Dover, Sir Ian Gainsford, Foundation CEO, Kate Goldberg, Joseph Houri, Charity Secretary and Correspondent, and Michal Herzog, the Foundation’s representative in Israel.

Representing AMIT were Debbie Isaac, Dr. Amnon Eldar, Ina Tropper, Judith Schwed-lion, Bibsi Zuckerbrot and Ellen Hellman.

Wohl Autotech Laboratory Michal Herzog, Kate Goldberg, Rachel Grunbaum

The Wohl Autotech Tools for Success Program and the Wohl Autotech Laboratories could not have been possible without a generous grant from the Maurice and Vivenne Wohl Philanthropic Foundation of the U.K. The Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Philanthropic Foundation Kate Goldberg and Debbie Isaac

Daniel Isaac Dover

Established in the UK in 2003, The Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Philanthropic Foundation seeks to continue the philanthropic tradition of its founder, the late Maurice Wohl, and to honor his memorandum of wishes.

Amnon Eldar, Debbie Isaac, David S. Latchman, Martin Paisner

Sir Ian Gainsford

The Foundation supports charitable organizations in the UK, Israel, and Central and Eastern Europe. A significant proportion of its funds are earmarked towards capital projects that provide vital infrastructure to Jewish communities.

The Foundation’s grantmaking is centered primarily on strengthening sustainable institutions and projects in the following areas: • Health, welfare and medical sciences in Israel, including science and technology education.

• Needy populations in Israel, with an emphasis on children and young adults, including the Haredi Community.

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3/10/15 4:40 PM

(l-r) Sharon Joshowitz, Debbie Mittman, Amy Fink

DEVELOPMENT NEWS philly annual gala

A

MIT Philadelphia Council/Shira Chapter celebrated its Annual Gala on November 23, 2014, for an evening of Inclusion and Unity honoring Pia and Stuart Pollack and Young Leadership Honorees, Sharon and Shimon Joshowitz.

Pia and Stu are proud to be supporting the children of AMIT who are being educated to serve our people and build a society of which we can be proud, and, in particular, to be honoring the memory of our three AMIT chayalim who were killed in the line of duty last summer.

Sharon and Shimon spoke about the excellence of an AMIT education and the wonderful things we can do for our students. Sharon spoke about her connection to AMIT and the legacies that have been passed down through their families.

Renee Rubin, and Marguerite Werrin

Ian and Rachel Scheinmann

The film â&#x20AC;&#x153;AMIT Saves the Childrenâ&#x20AC;? was shown, followed by the address of keynote speaker Andrew Goldsmith, AMIT Executive Vice President. <

(l-r) Judy Pressner, Jacob, Sharon, Abigail and Shimon Joshowitz, Jerry Pressner

(l-r) Ruth Krieger, Pia Pollack, Rochelle Nosenchuk, Gail Cantor (l-r) Joan Betesh, Pia Pollack, Stuart Pollack

(l-r) Abigail Joshowitz, Sharon Joshowitz, Jacob Joshowitz

Marguerite Werrin and Pia Pollack Danielle and Daniel Shaw

(l-r) Rita Lourie, Linda Garfield, Pia Pollack, Brenda Frank, Rochelle Nosenchuk

(l-r) Sara Bleier, Kayla Bleier, Josh Bleier

(l-r) Stuart Pollack, Pia Pollack, Daniel Pollack

28 :: Spring 2012 :: AMIT MAGAZINE

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3/10/15 4:16 PM

emma stonehill dedication

A

s New Yorker Emma Stonehill approached the age of twelve, she had no doubts how she wanted to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. Like her older sister Brooke, Emma decided to mark her Bat Mitzvah with a gift for children of AMIT. Emma’s parents, Robyn and David Stonehill are dedicating a newly renovated music room at AMIT Acco. Since Emma loves listening to and playing music, she is doing her part and dedicating all the proceeds from her Bat Mitzvah towards the new and fully equipped music room. The students at AMIT Acco will now be able to enjoy music lessons, choirs, and other musical activities in a beautiful setting.

This was the second time the Stonehill Family traveled to Israel to celebrate a Bat Mitzvah. With their older daughter Brooke, the family dedicated a basketball court for the children of AMIT in Sderot. In addition, the family also visited schools in AMIT Ra’anana, Shoham and the Machveh Alon IDF base, and did hands-on chesed opportunities like packing goodies and baking challah for the needy residents of Acco.

According to Emma, “I had a great time meeting the students at Acco. I know that they are very excited to have this new music room”.

Robyn and David Stonehill are active members of AMIT in the United States, helping to reach out to new leaders on behalf of AMIT. Robyn, a former chair of AMIT’s NewGen Board, said that “ being able to bring my family to see first hand the work of AMIT makes this celebration all the more meaningful. I am happy that my girls had the opportunity to meet with children and understand the value of supporting Israel and helping others.” David, who has chaired AMIT’s very successful Men’s Night Out event said, “For us, being involved in AMIT gives us and our children the opportunity to help direct Israel’s future by investing in its students.”

Along with her parents, grandparents, siblings and cousins, Emma arrived at the AMIT school in Acco for the inauguration of the music room and a day of fun activities with students at the school, which included a tour and a celebration with an AMIT student who was also celebrating her Bat Mitzvah.

Etti Zabary, AMIT Acco principal, thanked Emma and her family for their touching donation, “It is fascinating to see the light in the students’ eyes and their enthusiasm for learning. We wish to see our students experiment and flourish in various subjects, and having the new music room at the school gives our students an opportunity that they would not otherwise have.” We are so grateful to the Stonehill family and hope to host them again. <

ollack,

ck

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3,000 sandwiches and counting

Tami and Mitchell Barak

On January 22, 2015, more than 70 professionals from the Jerusalem area enjoyed an evening of live music, fine wine, and fun food at PICO, a modern work hub in Jerusalem’s Talpiyot neighborhood. The event was co-chaired by Tami and Mitchell Barak, together with Tamar and Tani Benovitz. Thanks to everyone who donated, sponsored, attended, and enjoyed, the evening raised enough funds to cover the cost of a daily sandwich for the remainder of the year for needy students at AMIT Kiryat Malachi. < (l-r) Tamar and Tani Benovitz, Yaacov and Chaya Katz (l-r) Yaffi and Yoseph Shmidman, Shlomo Rachmani, Jeremey Berkovitz

Sharonne Turren and Miriam Gold (l-r) Orit and Joe Straus, Sean Lewin

hachnasat torah

On January 29, 2015, the students and staff at AMIT Ramle Technological High School danced and sang in the streets of Ramle as they escorted a newly completed Sefer Torah to its new home in the school’s synagogue. The Torah was commissioned

by Dr. Herman and Mia Weiss and family in gratitude to Hashem for saving their family from a fire which completely destroyed their home in West Hempstead, NY. With no material possessions left, they decided to rebuild their lives in Beit Shemesh, Israel. Mia has continued her volunteer work with AMIT as New Leadership Co-Chair of the Israel Executive Committee. <

Mia and Herman Weiss

Herman Weiss with his sons, surrounded by the crowd chanting “Shema Yisrael” together

Herman Weiss

Dancing the Torah to its new home at AMIT Ramle

30 :: Spring 2012 :: AMIT MAGAZINE

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Mia Weiss (standing fourth from left) surrounded by friends and family

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(l-r) Zelda Schuman, Isabel Levinson, Ruth Leibowitz, Irma Pretsfelder, Elaine Lowen, Diane Hawk, Ruby Blitz, Sondra Willner, Ellen Lightman, Sonia Greenspon, Sybil Barer

baltimore tribute brunch Baltimore AMIT Sarah Ribakow/Tikvah Chapter’s Tribute Brunch, Commemorating Kristallnacht and the Resurgence of Anti-Semitism in the World Today, took place on an emotionally charged Sunday afternoon in November. Cantor Sam Stal led the candle-lighting ceremony and was followed by Irma Pretsfelder’s memories of Kristallnacht. Ellen Lightman spoke movingly about her family’s experience in Germany .

Rabbi Etan Mintz, Russell Hendel, Bruce Goldman

Rabbi Etan Mintz’s speech, “A Look at the State of Israel, European and World Jewry” was compelling. Rabbi Mintz spoke about his recent visit to Paris where he and a friend were invited to the Abravanel Synagogue in Paris’s 11th District, which had experienced a surge of anti-Semitism.

Joan Betesh, National Mid-Atlantic Vice President, wrapped up the afternoon as she spoke about the important work of AMIT throughout its 90-year history, stressing the importance of supporting AMIT’s children.< Diane Hawk and Ellen Lightman

(l-r) Evelyn Stal, Sam Stal, Ariana Aronhime, Sondra Willner, Zelda Schuman, Joan Betesh, Sybil Barer

Audience Q&A

AMIT future entrepreneurs This past December, AFLI held their Second Entrepreneurial Event, headed by co-president Ayelet Schabes.

David Kanbar, Co-Creator of Skinnygirl Cocktails and Bulldog Gin and former EVP of Skyy Spirits, skillfully moderated an impressive panel: Sophia Cohen - Creator of Urban Pops Jeremy Lyman - Co-Founder of Birch Coffee

(l-r) Annette, Ayelet and Victor Schabes

Adam Padilla - Founder/President of BrandFire Creative Agency Zara Terez Tisch - Founder/CEO of Zara Terez Ashley Zayat - Creator/Designer of Point Ashley Attendees left with fresh knowledge, advice and inspiration.<

Eliza and David Gibber, Sarah Mandelbaum, Julia Baum

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(l-r) David Kanbar, Sophia Cohen, Jeremy Lyman, Adam Padilla, Zara Terez Tisch, Ashley Zayat

3/10/15 4:17 PM

meet marley

(l-r) Harriet Sklar, Marley Brem, Rafael, Limor Mawardi

On November 16th and 17th the Southeast Region had the opportunity to meet AMIT student Marley Brem at Parlor meetings held at the homes of Limor and Rafael Mawardi, Ilona Grynsztein and Fancy and Jimmy Saka. Marley passionately shared her story with the attendees who were thrilled. No one wanted to go home!

Leon and Adrianne Brum

In addition to Marley, Arline Reinhard, Israeli Counsel General to Florida and Puerto Rico, was a guest speaker. All three events were wildly successful and well received. Everyone in Florida loved Marley and learned so much about AMIT!<

(l-r) Debbie Moed, Marley Brem, Ilona Grynsztein, Harriet Sklar

Marty and Pearl Perdeck (l-r) Arline Reinhard, Chaim Shacham, Marley Brem

the magic of AMIT

Jerry and Mati Deutsch

The magic of AMIT doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t only apply to our 30,000 children in Israel, but also to the Southeast Region.

This past December, the 155 guests that attended our Gala were treated to an enchanted evening, that featured delicious food, very deserving honorees and the magic and comedy of Avi Frier.

The outstanding honorees included Elaine Brief, Past President of the Southeast Region, who was honored for her six years of exceptional service.

Mati Deutsch, Rebecca Kinzbrunner and Hyla and Stuart Levine received the Southeast Region emerging leadership awards.

Seated (l-r) Aden Light, Elaine Brief, Noah Light Standing (l-r) Coby Light, Sy Brief, Ruth Light, Daniel Brief, Joseph Brief

The attendees were inspired by a video highlighting AMITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s valuable work in Israel and the new Beit Hayeled and Kfar Blatt renovation campaign.

Southeast Regional President Harriet Sklar opened the evening with her welcoming remarks. All present were thrilled and happy that their support is truly making magic happen! <

Arline Reinhard and Harriet Sklar

32 :: Spring 2012 :: AMIT MAGAZINE

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Lillian Weiss and Anna Ruth Hasten

Stuart and Hyla Levine

Shmuel, Seth and Rebecca Kinzbrunner

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Sandra Blank, Leon Moed, Sam Moed, Marilyn Moed, Anne Golombeck

the lights on broadway shined for AMIT On Sunday, January 11, in New York City, a group of AMIT donors young and old had a unique experience.

Arriving at a NYC Broadway rehearsal hall, they were entertained by two cast members from the Broadway show Beautiful. Through a dialogue of questions and answers, the actors explained and demystified the process of getting to be in a Broadway show, and provided a behind-the-scenes look at Beautiful, which dramatizes the life of singercomposer Carole King. The Assistant Musical Director of the show took us through the process of how a song becomes a hit and led the group in the song Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Got A Friend. Then it was off to see the award-winning musical. It was Beautiful.<

Event Chairs, Anne Golombeck, Esther Goldman

Joel and Kim Javitt

Lauren and Sharon Zisholtz

Jerry and Judy Pressner

Ria Levart and Harriet Burbank

L.A. murder mystery dinner

(l-r) Darrin and Karen Holender, Meital Cohen, Carolin Sherf, Michal Taviv-Margolese, Julia Levine, Dr. Eli Baron

Saturday night, November 15, over 100 people gathered at Ditmas Kitchen for a first-timeever Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner.

Evan and Sandra Roklen, Andy Goldsmith

(l-r) Carole Shnier, Michal TavivMargolese, Barak Raviv Sharon Silver and Mara Werber

Cocktails, appetizers and a gourmet dinner was enjoyed amidst much laughter! Live suspects, clues, twists and turns were the eveningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entertainment. The detective made sure to question all the suspects, and even a few innocent bystanders were roped into the fun.

It was truly an Evening to die for. Andy Goldsmith, Executive Vice President and Sandra Roklen shared inspiring words about AMIT, and the accomplishments during 2014.<

Roz and Joel Linderman Kendra Harkham and Janet Sasson

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Evan and Layla Green

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AMIT featured on the JM in the AM radio show with nachum segal in NYC On January 13, 2015, the “JM in the AM Radio Show,” with host Nachum Segal, featured live interviews with the senior leadership at AMIT. Broadcasting from AMIT headquarters in New York City, Nachum wished AMIT a hearty mazal tov in honor of reaching its 90th year anniversary and mentioned that “it’s obvious that AMIT is doing amazing things” as it celebrates its 90-year milestone.

Debbie Isaac, President of AMIT

During the broadcast, Barbara Rascoff, the Chairperson of the Board of Governors at AMIT, explained what makes the work of AMIT unique by saying that, “We teach each child according to their way and we bring out the talent in each child.” She added that the goal of education at AMIT schools is to have each and every child become a successful adult who “contributes to the State of Israel their entire lives.”

Debbie Isaac, President of AMIT, mentioned how AMIT alumni often “return to the schools to say thank you” for the nurturing education they received. She also commented that, “In addition to the traditional educational model we offer our students, “AMIT has many specialized programs throughout the school network.”

Barbara Rascoff, Chairperson of the Board of Governors

Dr. Francine Stein, past President of AMIT

The radio program was also video-recorded and can be viewed in its entirety on the AMIT website at: www.amitchildren.org/news-events/video-library <

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spanning AMIT world Israel - During the weeks leading up to Chanukah, AMIT New Leadership volunteers from communities throughout Israel collected hundreds of new toys, games, and school supplies for AMIT Netzah Yisrael’s “Mitzvah Store,” where students can purchase wanted - and often needed - items that they buy with ‘mitzvah money’ earned from good behavior and school attendance. < (l-r) Lori Gerson, Rachel Green, Avigayil Tzemach, Karen Americus, Mia Weiss, Vivian Greenwald, Tamara Sonnenshein, Chani Turk, Ammi Dorevitch, Ravit Gedanken, Yaffi Shmidman, two Netzach Yisrael students.

AMIT Vered Honors Ruth Gibber The Vered chapter of AMIT celebrated the 90th anniversary of AMIT and the 90th birthday of their own, Ruth Gibber. Ruth has been a devoted member of AMIT serving on the regional council as well as a Chai Society member. To celebrate these two momentous occasions, Ruth’s children arranged for a generous dedication to be made to Beit Hayeled in her honor. Elaine Brief, outgoing Southeast regional president, presented Ruth with a beautiful plaque and commented that Ruth is a woman who meets life with a positive attitude, wisdom, kindness and is a ba’alat chesed. < Standing (l-r) Elliot Gibber, David Victor, Allan Katz, Allan Gibber, Harvey Gibber Seated (l-r) Debbie Gibber, Phyllis Victor, Ruth Gibber, Esther Katz, Debbie Gibber

New York - Before Chanukah, AMIT Young Leadership members gathered for a charity ride and “pre-latke burn.” This event’s proceeds will help support psychological services, which have been increased in the wake of Operation Protective Edge. These programs are vital for AMIT’s children to help them cope with residual effects of the war. < (l-r) Event Chairs Elana Grauer and Maddy Ellberger

In memory of their parents, the children of Blanche, z”l and Fred Oppenheimer, z”l dedicated an AMIT classroom at Reishit Yerushalyim Elementary School in Kiryat Menachem, Jerusalem. Blanche’s mother, Mrs. Laura Saal, was a longtime AMIT member from the upper West Side of Manhattan. Through her legendary fundraising efforts, she reached the status of what was then called, “The Million Dollar Club.” Her daughter Blanche Oppenheimer continued the family tradition and was a lifetime member of the Naomi Chapter on the upper West Side. Her children and grandchildren, the Oppenheimer, Miller and Scher families, carry on as the third and fourth generations of this dedicated AMIT family. The new classroom was chosen as a fitting tribute to the Oppenheimer’s lifelong dedication to Jewish education and Jewish children in need. <

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By Cheryl Shaanan and Robert E. Sutton

AMIT HIGHLIGHTS AND SUCCESSES Because of your generous donations, more than 30,000 students are being educated and nurtured within a framework of academic excellence, traditional Jewish values and Zionist ideals. Here are a few ways your gifts made a difference.

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT AT AMIT MODI’IN Students from AMIT Modi’in School for Boys recently visited the Air Force base at Sde Dov in the context of its ongoing connection with the Israel Air Force.

During the study tour, aimed at getting to know the IAF and raising awareness about significant military service, students saw an exhibition of intelligence aircraft and related equipment. The base commander spoke to students about the important role of aircraft intelligence in Operation Protective Edge. 

AMIT POLAND DELEGATION CULMINATES AT WESTERN WALL

This year a record 32 students from AMIT Bet Ashdod joined the mission to Poland, which was part of a larger AMIT delegation led by AMIT Human Resources Deputy Director Yitzhak Friedman. During the trip, which lasted a week, students toured Krakow, the Lublin Ghetto, the Lodz ghetto, the Jewish cemeteries in Warsaw and Lodz, and Auschwitz, Majdanek, and Treblinka.

The closing ceremony of the mission to Poland was held at the Western Wall. The students had asked to pray and hold the ceremony at the Wall upon landing in Israel. Despite the early morning arrival before

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sunrise, the rainy weather, and lack of sleep, the students and teachers held a moving ceremony. Parents and other teachers from the school also joined the students at the Western Wall. 

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CELEBRATING DEMOCRACY AT AMIT ANNA TEICH ULPANA

Student Council elections were held recently at AMIT Anna Teich Ulpana, Haifa. These were not run-of-the-mill Student Council elections, though, because the entire campaign was preceded by a number of lessons and discussions about democracy, leadership, and making educated decisions about choosing good representatives.

Each student received an ID card and registered at the polls to prevent errors and double-voting, such as occur in real municipal and national elections. Polling stations were set up in the courtyard of the school, and all the students exercised their democratic right to secret-ballot voting. These are life lessons that will serve the girls well after their time in high school. 

TORAH DEDICATION AS TRIBUTE TO IDF SOLDIERS

A moving Hachnasat Sefer Torah and Beit Midrash dedication ceremony took place at AMIT Yaffe Nof Elementary School in Ma’ale Adumim. The Torah, ark, parochet and furniture were all donated by a local family in memory of their grandparents and in honor and recognition of the soldiers and security forces that took part in Operation Protective Edge this past summer. 

AMIT GIVAT SHMUEL WINS ATHLETICS CUP

The Ulpanat AMIT Givat Shmuel won the team cup at the National Athletics Championship for Ulpanim held at Givat Washington. The championship, which has taken place for more than two decades, brings together students from across the country to compete in a variety of sports: distance running, long jump, high jump, throwing and relay racing. The AMIT Givat Shmuel team also won three individual medals: a gold medal for handball throwing, a silver medal in the high jump and a bronze medal in the high jump. 

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AMIT NOGA BELLOWS STUDENTS WIN SHAZAR PRIZE

Every year the Zalman Shazar Center for Jewish History awards prizes to eleventh and twelfth grade students who have written outstanding final theses in the fields of Jewish history and general history. This year two students from AMIT Bellows Ulpanat Noga, Beit Shemesh, Adira Weiss and Miriam Shizgel, were awarded the prize. The award was presented at a ceremony held on the yahrzeit of Zalman Shazar, Israel’s third president. The students’ paper analyzed David Ben Gurion’s philosophy of statehood and addressed the Lavon Affair and the enactment of state education. The Shazar Prize is the most prestigious award in the field of historical research. 

AMIT SDEROT STUDENTS: THE CYBERWARRIORS OF THE NEXT GENERATION

Ninth-graders at AMIT Sderot Religious Junior and Senior High School have begun a cyber-warrior program to prepare them to serve in this capacity in the IDF. Students trained in cybersecurity systems are in high demand in the IDF and serve in top intelligence units. They can also continue on to careers in high-tech and cyber-security in Israel. As part of the program, which is supported by the City of Sderot, students will acquire academic knowledge in a variety of programming languages, computer technology, the internet and more advanced information security, while learning skills customized to each student. 

NEW CLASS OF CADETS AT AMIT RAMLE

There is a new class of cadets at AMIT Ramle Technological High School, and the swearing-in ceremony was held recently at the school. The Cadet Project has been implemented at the school for the last three years and is operated in cooperation with the IDF Logistics Corps. Students in tenth through twelfth grades become proficient in supply and control systems so that they can serve in this capacity after high school in the IDF Logistics Corps.

During the ceremony, the new cadets pledged their allegiance to the Logistics Corps and the State of Israel. They promised to devote all their energy, initiative and wisdom to the study of this technological track; to be good friends to their peers; to respect their teachers, principal and officers; to act fairly and courteously as expected of young men in uniform; and to honor and represent, with dignity, the Israel Defense Forces. 

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AMIT SHIRAT STUDENTS WIN HOLOCAUST RESEARCH AWARD

The Beit HaEdut Holocaust Museum (Testimony House) held it’s annual national competition for outstanding research projects on the Holocaust. As part of their five-unit study in history, Ophir Ohana and Hodaya Trabelsi ,two AMIT Ulpanat Shirat students (part of the AMIT Sderot Religious High School), studied the effect of the Eichmann trial on the Israeli public’s attitude toward the Holocaust. The students won third prize for their project.

The project focused on a comparison of two articles that were written after the trial, an article by the poet and author Haim Guri and an article by Holocaust scholar Hannah Arendt.

The students concluded that due to the trial, many Holocaust survivors began to talk about the events of the Holocaust and what they had experienced. This in turned caused many “Sabras,” native Israelis, to question and reject their concept of European Jews as people who were led “like sheep to the slaughter.” 

AMIT KFAR BLATT STUDENT WINS GOLD IN CROSS-COUNTRY RACE

Congratulations to Dego Birahno, an eighth grade student at AMIT Blatt Petach Tikva Youth Village, who won the gold medal in the cross-country race sponsored by the Ministry of Education. Dego completed the 2500 meter race (2.5 kilometers) in seven minutes and 28 seconds, just 16 seconds above the national record for this race in his age group. 

THREE AWARDS FOR YERUHAM ROBOTICS TEAM

Congratulations to the Y Team, comprised of Yeshivat AMIT Belevav Shalem Yeruham students and students from two other Yeruham schools who, together with US their partners from Highland Park, won first prize at the prestigious Robotics World FTC competition. In addition, they won the Rookies award and and the CAD design award. 

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FROM SLAVERY TO FREEDOM FROM EXILE TO NATIONHOOD ...‫אתי ֶא ְת ֶכם ֶאל ָה ָא ֶרץ‬ ִ ‫וְ ֵה ֵב‬ (Shemot 6:8)

PERFE PASSO C T VER GIFTS

THE KOREN YOM HA’ATZMAUT MAĤZOR

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Available online and at local Jewish bookstores everywhere.

3/10/15 5:03 PM