Principal Gifts FORMER DIRECTORS OF THE CIA AND I S R A E L I M O S S A D P R O V I D E T W O S T I M U L AT I N G ‘ E V E N I N G S O F VA L O R ’ The deep-rooted and enduring connection between local Jews and the State of Israel was accentuated during the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s major gifts week that generated $4,837,684 and included an appearance by two internationally-known experts who offered timely input on global security issues. Former CIA Director George Tenet and former Israeli Mossad Director Danny Yatom provided the stimulating backdrop for the Evenings of Valor at St. Andrews Country Club on Dec. 13 and 14 that kicked off the Federation’s 2007 Annual Campaign. With Israel’s painful summer war in Lebanon still fresh in the minds of donors in attendance, Tenet and Yatom shared their observations on the turbulent Middle East and analyzed current world events. On Dec. 11, car dealership magnate and Jewish philanthropist Norman Braman spoke about the importance of supporting Israel at the Prime Minister’s Council dinner at the Boca Raton home of Phyllis and Harvey Sandler. The first night of the Evenings of Valor was for Leadership Gifts and the King David Society, which required a $55,000 minimum family contribution
George Tenet (foreground) and Danny Yatom
or a $25,000 minimum individual contribution. The Joshua Society and Crown of Judah Celebration the following evening required a minimum individual contribution of $10,000. On both evenings, donors were touched and inspired by a poignant Federation video and an emotional speech from Vice Chair of Campaign Steve Bedowitz. Tenet, who transfixed the audience with his encyclopedic knowledge, was then joined on stage by Yatom for a question and answer period that focused on Iran, Israel and the U.S. Bedowitz spoke immediately following a showing of the Federation’s campaign video that addressed Israel’s suffering over the summer. Bedowitz explained how a health problem earlier this year nearly forced him to resign his position, but he reconsidered when Ketushya rockets began slamming into northern Israel and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called for the extermination of the Jewish State. “I felt such anger that it made me think that my problems weren’t so bad,” said Bedowitz, who implored donors to increase their commitments. “Every day in our lives is a precious day and I’ve learned to give more than I get.”
Matthew Zucker, Sponsor FMSBonds; William S. Bernstein, President & CEO; Helene Schwedelson, Co-chair; George Tenet, Former CIA Director and Guest Speaker; Roy Schwedelson, Co-chair; Martin and Marlene Silver, Co-chairs; Danny Yatom, Former Mossad Director and Guest Speaker; Steve Bedowitz, Vice Chair Campaign
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