SBH 50th Anniversary Journal

For fifty years, our mission has been to care for people with compassion, discretion and respect. Guided and inspired by the timeless principles of kindness and charity, SBH works hand-in-hand with a network of devoted volunteers and professionals to address social services needs with a strong commitment to excellence. SBH helps those in crisis, imbuing them with strength and self-esteem to cope effectively with challenges, achieve self-sufficiency and rise with dignity to their utmost potential.

President

David J. Beyda

Secretary

Alyssa Shweky

Nathan Krasnovsky

Charles J. Anteby

Board of Directors

Jack A. Aini

Ezra Antebi

Rena Ashear

Steve Balasiano

Brigitte Beyda

Morris Braha

Abe L . Dayan

Raymond Dayan

Charles Dweck

Lisa Elo

Joe A. Franco

Nemo Gindi

Lifetime Board Memb ers

Elliot Bibi

Fred Bijou*

*Past president

Barbara Matalon

Robert Matalon M.D.*

Michael Beyda

Michele Levy

Eddie Rishty Vice Presidents

Fortune Faham

Max B. Mizrachi

Treasurer

Harold Dweck

Janet Abed

Edmond Harary

Gladys Hazan

Mark Hazan

Rachel Hazan

Murray Maleh

Danielle Mandalawi

Laurie Mizrachi

Marshall Mizrahi

Isaac Mossery

Chaby Orfali

Seymour Sammell

Michelle Sasson

David Sitt

Abe Sorcher

Solly Spigel

Honorary Board Memb ers

Morris Benun

Victor Grazi MD

Ely Harary

Sol Sa sson

Sultan Ronnie Tawil

LETTERS FROM OUR PRESIDENTS

Dear Community Members,

I want to share with you the story of how all of this began. It may be challenging to grasp, given how large SBH has become today, but try to picture seven people: myself and my wife Gloria, Dr. Robert Matalon and his wife Barbara, Rabbi Zvulin Lieberman A”H, Mozelle Mahana and Izzy Husney A”H , gathered together in our living room discussing a simple yet powerful idea: visiting community members in the hospital, bringing them flowers, and lifting their spirits.

The beginning of SBH was quite literally an effort to fulfill the mitzvah of Bikur Holim. Along with my wife Gloria, Dr. Robert Matalon and Barbara, a weekly meeting place was established around my dining room table at my home on the corner of East 9th Street and Avenue J. At first we called on a few friends and family to join us and decided to start visiting the sick and elderly in hospitals. We knew there was a need, but as we continued, we quickly realized just how significant this need truly was.

Word spread primarily through volunteers coming back from their visits with remarkable stories of success. They often returned with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the individuals they visited. Later, with the support of Mickey Kairey, A”H, who shared names from his Maoz list, we began visiting people in their homes as well. This allowed us to identify even more ways we could make a difference.

Soon, we recognized that we were accomplishing two key things: not only were we providing vital emotional and physical support that these individuals might not have otherwise received, but we were doing so in a way that preserved their dignity. In April 1974 we officially formed a not-forprofit organization with the help of Abe Shalo A”H and Max Shemtob, and we drafted our first list of objectives to present to the community. What had begun just months earlier as a small group of young adults was now formally recognized as “Sephardic Bikur Holim,” and I was voted President. Our mission quickly resonated with community members of all ages. It was magical. Once their eyes were opened to the fact that some within our close-knit community were in need of such vital support, they couldn’t ignore it. Our house soon overflowed with volunteers eager to get involved. This was when I first came up with the idea of establishing “Captains” who were in charge of managing each case. Our Captain System still is used today, 50 years later. Inspired by this momentum, Richie Mishaan, A”H, and Jackie Schweky, A”H, stepped forward to organize our first fundraiser, which was a great success. By 1976, we left our initial meeting place at my home and we secured our first official office at 530 Avenue R, enabling us to hire a secretary and a social worker.

There is so much more to say; this story only scratches the surface. The decades that have followed these humble beginnings are a testament to the legacy and dedication of every volunteer and of each following President of SBH. I thank each and every one of you for embracing the vision and dream of those people around our dining room table 50 years ago. You have taken our modest beginnings and heartfelt mission, and with those always at the core, have built an incredible organization beyond words.

Thank you for your dedication.

Sincerely,

Fred R. Bijou

SBH: The Beginnings and Beyond

SBH had its humble beginnings in late 1973. It began at the urging of Ezra “Izzy” Husney, a community member who often made hospital visits on his own. Whenever he bumped into myself or Fred Bijou, he would make his plea on the need to visit people in our community who were languishing in hospitals. Finally, one day Freddy and I were talking, and although we were both very busy, we agreed that it would really be important to visit our sick community members in hospitals. We decided to make a meeting to think about forming an organization to visit the sick. We met in Fred and his wife Gloria’s home. My wife, Barbara and I and a few friends were at the meeting. We all agreed that forming an organization to visit the sick in hospitals would be very beneficial. Within short order, we attracted a strong, loyal group of community members, “volunteers”, who were dedicated to making the lives of the sick a little more bearable. In 1974, almost 50 years ago today, we incorporated ourselves under the name, Sephardic Bikur Holim with official by-laws and elected officers. Freddy became our first president. Freddy and Gloria’s home was our meeting place. Our weekly “motivation meetings,” attended by as much as 20 – 30 people and, eventually many more consisted of electrifying tales of emotional encounters with patients, the “miraculous” results that our visits were producing and all the blessings we were receiving from the patients. Freddy’s group of guys grew and were making visits at all hours, bringing cheer to so many in hospitals. We began to call them the “Sunshine Boys” In the meantime, Mickey Kairey, working with the Ma’oz L’ebyon organization of our community soon made us aware of existence of quite a few community members at home, some of whom were very ill and all of whom were extremely poor, often isolated without family, and who lacked basic necessities including adequate food, clothing and other needs who would benefit from our visits and our help. It also soon became clear that those who had been sick in hospitals who recovered and went home, still had important requirements, including financial assistance for buying medication and proper food and even for basic everyday needs. Of course, we were just volunteers. We had no budget, no employees, no money!

Visiting, cheering and encouraging the sick and the forlorn is very important and also very gratifying but we began to realize that really helping many of the community members whom we were visiting required dollars and we had none! Through a meeting arranged by Stephen Shalom, we tapped into all the branches of UJA Federation for financial aid for our clients. Unfortunately, it wasn’t nearly enough. We began to enlarge our vision. At first, the thought of a financial undertaking was frightening to us. We didn’t know where to start. But soon, Freddy made our first appeal for financial aid from the pulpit at Shaare Zion Congregation. It was very successful. So began our broader social services allowing us to help all those in our community who were in need, not just those who were sick or hospitalized. Richie Mishaan and Jakie Schweky personally agreed to pay for rent, and we moved into our first office at 530 Avenue R. Barbara, who was spearheading the home visitations, designed a formal structure of “Captains” each of whom would be responsible for in-depth oversight of the person they were visiting including their financial needs, if any. This structure of captain volunteers continues to this very day. I enlisted the services of our first social worker, Allison Mayer, to help obtain concrete social services for our “clients” from city agencies and Medicaid. We hired out first secretary/ receptionist, Adele Mizrahi, to interact with and coordinate captains with clients. Yes, we were on our way. We began a youth volunteer program to deliver food packages (usually cooked by Gloria Bijou) to the needy at holiday time and deliver challahs to senior citizens on Fridays. The youth were guided into making Big Brother/ Big Sister and Adopt a Jido and Sito programs to spread Hesed. Our budget swelled to approximately $90,000.

After Freddy’s brilliant 6 years as founding president, I took over as second president of SBH. We continued to grow rapidly and needed increasing funds to carry out our goals. We needed “P.R.” People thought we were just “delivering flowers” to patients at their hospital bedside. Many still never heard of SBH. We had to find ways to encourage the community to support us. We increased our shul drives to collect more funds and to spread the word of our vital work. Barbara began our SBH Bulletin as our editor-in-chief to inform the community of our services and the hidden needs of so many of our brethren.

In those days, much of our community’s charitable dollars were going to the Ma’oz L’ebyon which was the charitable organization begun in the early years of our community in America to help our poor. By the 1980’s it’s services were sharply reduced, but it was still receiving sizable charitable donations. We convinced it’s aging board members to relinquish their positions and to join together with us under an umbrella organization with a new name of “Sephardic Bikur Holim & Ma’oz L’ebyon.” (Still “SBH” to us.) This was a major victory for us. Now, all shul “ma’oz” charities and home charity boxes would come to us, helping us meet our financial needs.

We continued to expand our services to the community thanks to the creative ideas and hard work of our volunteers. We branched out and formed a “Job Corps” to find jobs for the unemployed and help make them self-sufficient. This was very successful and many years later it became the independent ANGEL FUND. A division, started and run by Carey Sutton was formed for people with drug and alcohol addiction. This, many years later, became SAFE. We introduced a large variety of support groups to help guide community members. These included support groups for battered wives, mothers of kids with special needs, and for girls with eating disorders, to name a few. We began to give seminars in our high schools focusing on the risks of eating disorders. The seminars were run by highly acclaimed professionals. We formalized our allotment of financial aid by establishing our all-important Allocation Committee which scrutinizes and analyzes in detail all the needs of our clients. We founded an Admission Committee to evaluate all applications according to the strict guidelines in order to service our own community members first and foremost. We greatly increased the professionalism of SBH by hiring additional social workers to work with our volunteer captains to service the growing needs of our enlarging client base. We engaged the services of a full-time executive director, Doug Balin, who helped us organize and coordinate all of our services. We bought a building on West Street to accommodate our growing volunteer and client members.

By the end of my eleven years as president, SBH had become a “household word” in our community and our budget had swelled to over one million dollars. By then, everyone knew that SBH is where our Hesed dollars should go and where a caring heart and professional help could be found.

Joseph Beyda A”H, who had joined SBH a few years prior, followed me as president. Through Joe’s vibrant personality, deep sensitivity and focused perseverance, knowledge of SBH and its services to the community grew with explosive force. Joseph was a born leader. His talks from the pulpit and his exciting annual meeting presentations to volunteers and elected officials opened up the inner workings of SBH to the entire community. More and more volunteers of all ages joined us to provide Hesed. Early on in his presidency, the large wave of immigrants from Syria hit our shores. Joseph skillfully and tirelessly, with the able help of Dr. Mayer Ballas, who was to follow Joseph as our next president, and others in SBH, arranged living accommodations, English lessons, and financial support for so many newcomers. He traveled around the globe to elicit help and support for this worthy cause. He led the way to our expansion services as we opened offices in Deal, New Jersey. Within short order under Joseph Beyda’s guidance, our budget doubled to two million dollars, as we bettered the lives of so many. We were soon in our new, larger SBH headquarters at 425 Kings Highway, which was able to accommodate our growing needs.

The above highlights of my presidency and the years immediately before and after, which make up the first 23 years of SBH are just the proverbial “tip of the iceberg” of the creation, humble beginnings and magnificent accomplishments of this volunteer-driven community Hesed organization called SBH. This admirable beginning foreshadowed the unbelievable all-inclusive community social service organization that SBH is today.

Robert Matalon, M.D.

It is now 11:45 PM, August 23, 1995, and I am l sitting at home reflecting on the last four years that l was president of SBH. It is difficult to describe what I feel inside.

The feelings are so diverse and multicolored that, at times, they overwhelm me. I often ask myself, ‘Will it ever be possible for me to put down on paper just how I feel?’ Writing in my journal is helping me so much in organizing my thoughts. Being the head of the most powerful, respected organization in the community was surely a position to be proud of. Look who elected me! What an honor!

Being president sometimes caused me a great deal of anguish. But compared to the sense of pleasure, fulfillment and accomplishment that I feel now and felt then, there is no comparison, if only the community was really familiar with, really intimate with, the inner workings of SBH, they would stand in awe of all that has been accomplished over the past twenty-one years. It’s incredible to think of how many families we have touched and helped and the impact that we have had on hundreds, maybe thousands, of young people in our community.

I feel that I have been changed irrevocably by the process of helping and sharing with the struggling families that come to us. I know that something inexplicable happens within us when we are involved in this process. Something touches our souls and leaves its mark, never to be erased. Slowly, as we do our work, as we come in contact with those in need, we come to face our own lives, our own vulnerability. We evaluate what we have, where we need to go and to grow. I know that is the way it is for me. As we touch humanity, we also reach inside ourselves and discover ourselves. We discover the small nooks and crannies and we discover our own limitations. We come in contact with the sheer power of God and the limitations of any one person. We become humbled by what we cannot do and revel in what can be accomplished with hard work, devotion and God’s help. Again, I know that is the way it is for me.

There were times at night that I often awoke to grapple with the challenges that faced our organization. I would lie there, still, staring at the ceiling trying to come to terms with how we would grapple with the arrival of thousands of Syrian Jewish Immigrants, the massive drug problems infecting our youth, the gambling addiction enslaving our young adults and so many other seemingly unsolvable problems.

Somehow, I overcame the feelings of desperation and drifted back to sleep but awakened in the morning with a feeling of great weight on my chest.

Some days I would struggle to just get out of bed. How I wished that I could share with our community how those depressing and overwhelming feelings disappeared, magically, within the first hours, if not the first minutes as I began my daily networking with other SBH committee members and staff. Just hearing their voices, feeling their positive energy, absorbing their “can do” attitude, their strength and courage was an inspiration. The wonderful spirit of love and understanding would take over and beat down and pulverize my despair. I wish that I could share with each and every member of our community the source of strength and inspiration and the power of our committee. How can one put a value on thirty people who daily show you they care, who believe in the power of the human spirit.

Who can gauge the impact that such wonderful people can have on one’s life? The impact they have had and are having on my life even today is wonderful. As I look at the letterhead of our organization and go over the names of our committee, l think of how each person touched my life, changed the inner fiber of my being by some act of kindness. If challenged I surely could relate an incident, many incidents, a story, many stories, that had so much effect on so many people, especially me. Truly they are the best of our community. They are the heroes doing the work each day, day in and day out, never complaining, always positive and with an unwavering faith in God and His miracles.

To reflect on my experiences over the past four years without thinking about our community at large, all the members of our community would be remiss. I wish that I could convince each and every one of them that they are terrific, that we are the most wonderful generous community in the world. Never have they ever turned their backs on anyone in need. The way they open their hearts to SBH, not only with financial support but also with words of inspiration and love — is a constant source of inspiration to me.

Wherever I go I am always besieged by admirers of SBH and our work. The words of encouragement and the special way the community speaks to us and about us is something very precious. They certainly are partners in our work. I only hope that they know that, and that they feel that in themselves. Because that is the way we at SBH feel about them.

Joseph D. Beyda A”H

Heartfelt Gratitude

There is no more difficult and sinking feeling than being a refugee in a new land and in a society alone after leaving everything from a previous life behind. That is how I felt arriving at JFK airport in January 1978 on a freezing snow day; no one waiting for me, completely alone and facing the unknown. I had only my deep faith in Hashem, my medical license and Tefilin, with aspirations for a better future. I was ready to live free in my community and excited to potentially improve the life of the family I had left behind.

I was raised in an extremely hostile environment. I recall going to shul and receiving endless insults and recall the violence by Arab locals who would yell at us and treat us like animals. School was not any better. College, and later medical school, were even worse. The persecution made me more resilient to stress. I had to be street smart to survive, I even had to hide my background and make my name sound closer to an Arab name rather than a Jewish one at times. It truly was a do or die environment.

There were restrictions on travel. Even getting a driver’s license was a feat. We lived in a closed Ghetto where I attended Hebrew School (Kittab) until the fifth grade, then I had a scholarship to attend Laique French school where I was the only Jewish student in attendance. I survived and excelled and went to medical school, mostly to please my Mother A”H, since I preferred to attend engineering school. I excelled in medical school and even received a stipend for my high marks and finished two extra years of specialty school not knowing what the future would bring. My conviction in Hashem was full and deep and I truly believe that everything in our life is preordained and guided by Hashem. I was in a state of despair and could not apply to American hospitals to specialize in since I could not take the qualifying examination (VQE), an exam which was given once a year in Beirut but never in Syria. Like everything else, events happened without any apparent reason, where after the Yom Kippur War the Syrian government allowed that test to be given once only in Damascus as a gesture of good will. There was no reason for me to take it since I could not leave the country but I took it anyway. I was one of 220 applicants and I took it one year after my graduation without any preparations. Baruch Hashem only eleven doctors passed and I was one of them.

During this time, many community men were imprisoned and tortured for trying to escape the country or for just knowing people who were involved in helping others escape. My father A”H was incarcerated and tortured viciously for ninety days. I too was incarcerated for three days after my younger brother managed to escape to Turkey. I suddenly knew of three individuals from the Brooklyn community who came to visit Damascus and Aleppo. I met Stephen Shalom A”H who introduced me to US Congressman Solarz who came to visit Syria. He helped me get a contract to specialize in an NY hospital. I saw the light at the end of the tunnel and it felt like the Redemption was near. The hardest part was getting me a passport. Somehow, they were able to help me get one. This was six months after Stephen Shalom brokered a deal with President Carter to let ten Syrian girls (brides) to emigrate to NY.

After almost three years of hard and tedious work I was able to get to NY. Another great thing happened where Stephen Shalom arranged for me to be interviewed at a better hospital where I then passed and was accepted to be into the internship program. I was alone but I was happy with the progressions. My contract was to start in six months and in the interim I was given one meal ticket a day and able to sleep in a dorm for free until I started working as an intern. Steve also arranged to get me a $2,000 grant from UJA which I declined and instead opted to get a loan from Hebrew Free Loan Society for no apparent reason at the time. Later on after finishing my training I was able to start a private practice. All along I was in touch with the worsening events back home although few Syrian girls were allowed to emigrate to NY. I then met Sol Sasson who asked me to get some medical care for a few of those girls. Sol then asked me to join SBH. At the same time, I founded an organization called the Council of the Rescue of the Syrian Jew (CRSJ) to advocate for the release of the remaining few thousand jews in Syria. It took us almost four years to see their release.

During this time, one day I got a call from Joe Beyda A”H whom I never met. He asked me to help a Jewish boy from Israel to get a heart operation and told me he raised $10,000 for that. I said yes, despite my lack of specialty in pediatric cardiac patients. I got a call from a cardiologist with a Jewish name telling me about my patient that he is taking care of at his hospital and I had the guts to ask him to help get that boy the necessary surgery. I asked for a discount, reminding him that the high holidays were coming and sure enough said he would do the whole thing for free.

The big news arrived. Assad agreed to release the Jews of Syria under tremendous pressure and Joe asked me to form The Resettlement Committee. It was a daunting task and we did not know how tremendous it would be. We would go to UJA headquarters every week or two and give them the number of people arriving given by Albert Ayal who also directed taking care of logistics such as arriving from the airport to providing food and to getting them temporary housing close to the community. Joe delegated me to negotiate the amount of funding needed to resettle the newcomers as we called them. I was able to double the allocation after explaining the need for special housing, Kosher food, and schooling. We turned SBH into a hub for newcomers to meet representatives of NYANA and HIAS to get funding and paperwork to get them refugee statuses. Joe was in it in all aspects and he would tell me “do what is necessary, money won’t be an issue, just take care of the people.” That statement stayed with me for many years to come. We were even able to get emergency Medicaid for the pregnant and for the elderly. One of the major challenges was the three months of UJA grants ended and many people at the committee wanted SBH to take over and continue the funding with SBH funds. I was against turning SBH to a welfare agency and the newcomers to welfare recipients. I was the only voice against it although I knew the population well and the name of Hebrew Free Loan Society came to me since I used it myself when I first came in. That solution was great and many millions were distributed and returned later. The major daunting task was providing schooling for about nine hundred kids. We set up intense English class at Ahi Ezer Torah Center run by volunteers and teachers for Ahi Ezer Yeshivah. We also had summer camps set up by the Sephardic Center and we provided English teachers and kosher food from the City.

We ran out of space in our Yeshivot and my friend and advisor Sam Sutton came to the rescue and made appointments to meet the directors at Ashkenazi yeshivot. For many girls it was a lifesaver, a great gesture from our Ashkenazi brothers. At the end of the day we placed 900 kids in 14 different Yeshivot. I don’t know how we did it but SBH recruited David Hidary who created the Sephardic Education Fund, where we would go every shabbat to Shuls to raise funds. We were also able to get grants from the Gruss Foundation. All in all, we raised about two million dollars for two years.

It was a tremendous coordinated act of Hesed which will affect the future of our community. I should also mention that the SBH rose like one entity to help placing about four thousand newcomers among our midst and it’s amazing to notice that the unknown immigrant who was alone got the opportunity to help resettle the whole community of newcomers with Hashem’s help. We felt like we achieved our objective. One Monday morning while busy in the office I get a phone call from Joe A”H with Sam Sutton on the other line and he said in his authoritative voice: “Mayer, You are the next president.” I was shocked and told him just I’m not the right person and my English is not good enough. He answered me “I don’t care, we will all learn Arabic for you.” He then sent a letter to all board members encouraging them to vote for me and he called me “the man with few words and lot of action.”

He had another year to finish but for some reason did not want to continue as if he knew about the upcoming tragedy. He told me clearly: “Mayer, never worry about money if sending a rocket to space is good for the community, just do it and I will get you the money.” He told me he wanted me to work on three things: Prepare SBH for the 21st Century, create a mental health division, and lastly, get SBH a mission statement. I believe we were able to achieve them and Marlene Ben Dayan, got the mission statement: “Nothing stands in way of the human will” and I got the Logo “The world is built on kindness.” (Psalms 89).

I was determined to succeed. I was presented in a major SBH fundraiser as “the first banana boat

president”. I accepted it and corrected them that I was rather a banana air immigrant since I came by plane! I had the conviction that I have a holy mission since SBH work is sacred and all board members and volunteers to me were angels leaving their families to help others. I always listen to the problem and try to tackle it no matter how difficult it is. Think BIG and never worry about money like Joe taught me.

The first challenge was presented at the first SBH meeting in Lawrence Avenue Shul in the Summer and it was mentioned that week that a community young man had a heart attack while playing basketball and could not be saved. Nobody added anything besides words of sympathy but I asked why we don’t have a defibrillator at that site the answer was that it was too expensive and impractical to have so many of them. On the spot I formed a committee headed by board member Allan Esses who also volunteered at Hatzalah to collect the funds to purchase defibrillators. Sure enough a few months later they were able to provide 160 defibrillators to community Shuls in Deal and Brooklyn.

A few years later on a Shabbat at the same Lawrence Avenue Shul after an SBH drive, one congregant, my friend Neil Tobias, who was a major SBH fundraiser and was one of the first donors for defibrillators, collapsed. I rushed using the defibrillator to save his life. It worked. Baruch Hashem he was saved and from that day he would pay for any Shul that needs a defibrillator. It is heartwarming to know that many lives were saved later due to that decision that SBH made. My goal was to transform SBH to be the first organization a community person calls at a time of crisis or need. Many programs were conceived. These included the medical referral service Medstar headed by Nancy Sutton, a mental health division headed by Rochelle Mansour and Eva Tawil, another program headed by Rachel Shammah to assist families who had learning challenges families so SEARCH was created then assisted hundreds of community families.

Then came SAFE during one of the heart touching presentation about kids with substance abuse presented by board member Carey Sutton. Many other programs like the Food pantry which would use excess food during weddings along with community ladies that cook extra at home for SBH to distribute it to needy families before shabbat. Another project was a Sephardic employment program and another Sephardic food funds that was created by David Sitt and shared by SBH in the beginning. Countless others were created, these are just several that come to mind. Joe’s vision was realized and then some. And one major achievement to upgrade the Deal division from subdivision to a full autonomous branch connected to the mother organization.

I hope you can see that SBH was the first responder for any crisis and if we didn’t have the answer we would work on it and create something. With all this I had to make difficult decisions to make SBH totally transparent. Every dollar got deposited and reported abiding by our Torah values. Subsequently SBH got the best rating of any other social service and charity organizations in the NY region. I respectfully end my long letter with tremendous gratitude to Hashem who granted me the ability to turn from a penniless unknown immigrant to the highest honor: to head of the most respected community organization. I will always be grateful to my wife and children who supported me along the way, and greatly thankful to our board members who supported me. I did it all out of caring and out of love for our people and out of love for the organization that remains an incubator of Hesed in all formats. Baruch Hashem.

Mayer Ballas, M.D.

Dear Friends,

This June, I will complete my fifth year as president of Sephardic Bikur Holim. I want to thank you for entrusting me with this responsibility. It has been the most ennobling period of my life. I have grown immeasurably through this experience and feel privileged to have served in this capacity.

Six years ago, my wife Nancy and I were approached by Ohel to host a foster child named Chava. We had volunteered to be foster parents because we knew that there were many Jewish children in need of a safe place to call home. Chava was a nine year old with special needs. Her inappropriate behavior which included biting, kicking, crying herself to sleep and stuffing salad and noodles into her pockets turned out to be more than we were prepared to handle.

When the weekend was over, we were grateful to have had an opportunity to help, but we were also quite sure that this calling was not for us. We asked Ohel to place Chava in another home, which they did. A few weeks later, Ohel called and asked if we could take Chava again, but only for a four day weekend until her new foster mother was released from the hospital. Somehow, we responded “Sure! No problem! We could manage four days!”

That weekend turned out to be 19 months long. During her stay, I learned much from Chava. The term “comfort zone” refers to an artificial mental boundary within which an individual feels a sense of security. Chava helped me to expand my comfort zone. She changed my life, and I will always be grateful to her for this.

There are many reasons for us to get involved with charitable causes. But ultimately, the most compelling reason for any one of us to volunteer is because we are Jewish. My fellow man’s physical and emotional needs are my spiritual obligation in the same way as putting on tefillin and praying to G-d, possibly more.

Judaism is a complex faith, yet its ethical imperatives are quite simple. We are here to make a difference, one day at a time, one act at a time, for as long as it takes to make our world a place of justice and compassion. We are here to create a community where the lonely are not alone, the poor are not without hope; where the cry of the vulnerable is heard and those who are wronged get help setting things right.

The truths of our religion are exalted, yet its duties are practical and close at hand. If someone is in need, give. If someone is lonely, invite them in. If someone has recently been bereaved, visit and comfort them. If someone has lost their job, do all you can to help them find another. In short, the Jewish choice is not between “faith” and “deeds.” It is only by our deeds that we can we express our faith.

But in order to fulfill our spiritual obligation, we often have to push ourselves past our comfort zone. This brings me back to Chava. I never imagined that I could handle being a foster parent for a special needs child. It was simply outside my comfort zone. At first, I could only see how needy she was, then I learned how much I could give her. Initially, I had no hope for this child’s future. I later saw she had a world of opportunities. Originally I had to learn just to accept Chava. In the end, I found love for her. I had to change because Chava needed me and my family. Caring for Chava was a major turning point in my spiritual life.

I share this experience with you not to encourage you to become a foster parent, but rather to encourage you to challenge yourself in the world of Hesed.

SBH is a laboratory for the above mentioned concepts. It’s a place where you can make a difference, lift someone’s spirit, help relieve someone’s pain or bring about a small moment of justice. On a daily basis scores of community members give to others as a matter of routine caring -not heroic virtue. The SBH mission helps its volunteers live a more meaningful life.

These volunteers are my heroes. They rarely make the news and their work often goes unrecognized. They prefer anonymity- yet their efforts make all the difference, by humanizing an increasingly indifferent world. From them, I have learned that to give is to live. Precisely because they so humbly accept responsibility, they offer silent testimony to the most glorious aspects of our religious traditions. I am proud to be identified with them.

I would like to pay tribute to the people who helped instill these most important Jewish values in me. My grandfather, Sam A. Sutton, spent much of his time learning and teaching Torah while serving tirelessly on most of the communal committees that existed at that time. My father, Abe Sutton, earned a reputation that survives to this day. He was well known for helping others, including direct competitors. Hardly a month goes by without my being stopped by friends and strangers alike, asking me if I know the story of how my father saved his business or helped him start a partnership 20, 30 or 40 years ago.

Both these men lived lives that reflected a simple idea – The purpose of life is to leave this world a better place than you found it. They imbued me with the understanding that we are all created in the image of G-d. We must all strive to help others, be it in Brooklyn or across the globe. This is our religious tradition. I miss them dearly.

My mother Yvette and my grandmother Caroline Sutton created loving and supportive environments in their homes. They built strong family and religious bonds while teaching their children to adopt their husbands’ life lessons. They taught us to view possessions not as things we own but rather as things we hold in trust- to share with those in need. Goodness and virtue are second nature to them.

While working at Bikur Holim, I became close friends with Joseph D. Beyda. His character traits and attitude towards life had a profound affect on me. Joseph lived life with an intensity that was contagious and addictive. He served total strangers in the same way one would be there for their own family. He applied the same drive to Hesed as most people would to business. I think about Joseph often and continue to be inspired by him.

My wife Nancy completes me as a person. I have learned from her that you can enjoy the richness that life has to offer, attentively raise a family, and still find the time to reach out and assist others in need, every single day. Nancy shuns the limelight, and reminds me to avoid the excesses of materialism. Her grounded personality keeps me focused on what’s important and holy. More than anyone else, she reinforces in me the notion that no matter what you have accomplished, it is dwarfed by what still needs to be done. She has raised our five beautiful children to share these values. I am truly blessed to be married to her.

I would like to give a special thanks to my partners Abe Dweck and my brother Jack Sutton, who have participated in any good I may have accomplished by allowing me remarkable freedom from my daily working commitments. They are full partners in all my communal endeavors.

I owe a great debt of gratitude to all those who’s inspiration and dedication has made SBH the remarkable jewel in the crown of Jewish communal organizations that it is. For the last 22 years it has been my home away from home. I have learned much about happiness at SBH. Happiness, as opposed to pleasure, is the product of a life lived with meaning and purpose. This happiness will enrich your life. I urge you to look and find strengths and talents within yourself that can be used to make a difference. Break out of your comfort zone. It may be the most important exercise in your physical as well as spiritual life.

Sam Sutton

This is the farewell speech Sam presented at the end of his term as President of SBH and appeared in the SBH Source Magazine

As we celebrate this remarkable 50-year milestone, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and humility. Serving as president of Sephardic Bikur Holim has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an organization that has given so much to our community.

At this anniversary, we pay tribute not only to the legacy of our organization but to the countless individuals who have made it all possible. At every step of the way, it has been the compassion, dedication, and unyielding efforts of our volunteers that have enabled SBH to fulfill its mission. Thousands of volunteers have given their time, energy, and hearts to the many facets that make up this beautiful organization, reaching out to those in need and showing the true power of our community.

I am deeply honored to stand among my fellow past presidents, each of whom has shaped SBH in their own unique way, steering it with commitment and vision. Our shared achievements are a testament to what we can accomplish together, united in purpose and compassion.

May Sephardic Bikur Holim continue to serve as a beacon of hope, courage and kindness for many years to come.

With deepest gratitude, Jeffrey R. Gindi

Sitting on my desk for the past several decades is a lucite paperweight gifted to me by my Uncle Joseph Beyda A’H upon my graduation from medical school. It serves as a constant reminder of his continued presence in my thoughts and aspirations.

It simply reads: “Medicine is the most distinguished of all the arts” and is attributed to Hippocrates. I have both witnessed and experienced much in my career as a physician providing health care to women. It has been an indescribably fulfilling career, permitting me to look back with a humbling sense of hopefully having made a small difference in the lives of some.

And yet, practicing medicine was at once both my profession as well as the means of providing for my family. It could not and did not fulfill within me the innate human drive towards a truer form of altruism and community service.

Serving as president of SBH undoubtedly helped me to fill that void.

It allowed me to see firsthand the ability to compassionately provide with others for others. I learned the exponentially positive impact of a community banding together with a truly greater purpose.

Along the way I met countless numbers of selfless volunteers, board members and SBH staff members with a seemingly inhuman ability to humanely care for those in need. The generosity of donors of both time and funding, coupled with the vision laid down by the founding generation of SBH, has entrenched SBH as the preeminent social service organization not only in the New York/New Jersey Sephardic community but arguably worldwide as well.

It has been said that a leader without any followers is just another guy out taking a walk. Without this veritable army of volunteers, board members and staff, no president can successfully carry out his agenda. I thank each and every one of you for your creativity, ingenuity, and work in the trenches provided during my term. I thank my wife Joanne and my children for their encouragement, patience, and ability to look the other way as yet another dinner was disrupted by an emergency SBH call or meeting.

I remain forever grateful to SBH. Despite seeing both the miraculous beginning of life on a daily basis, as well as (fortunately far less frequently) the trauma of loss, SBH has deeply imprinted within me a more diverse and resolute ability to both recognize and internalize the recognition of the bountiful blessings bestowed upon me by Hashem.

“There is a magic in the change that happens to all of us that contribute and work with SBH; There is a change, a profound change deep within the very core of our being when we help other people. A transformation occurs within our hearts”. Joseph D. Beyda, circa 1985

Thank you SBH for the transformation within my heart.

Victor Grazi, M.D.

Dear SBH,

It’s difficult to put into words how SBH has shaped my life, my family, and my business.

Yet, I feel compelled to try because the impact is immeasurable.

From my first experience as a captain, where I was humbled by the responsibility and challenges, the employees and volunteers at SBH guided me every step of the way. You’ve helped me grow not just as a professional but as a person. The confidence I’ve gained as a business owner is directly tied to the skills I learned at SBH – from public speaking to decision-making, to navigating complex situations. These lessons weren’t just academic; they were life-changing.

You’ve been there during pivotal moments for me and my family, offering support when we needed it most. Over the years, we’ve turned to your services several times, and each time, the services of SBH has made all the difference. You don’t just offer assistance; you extend a lifeline with compassion, understanding, and dedication.

What truly amazes me is not just what you’ve done for me personally, but the way you’ve impacted countless others. I’ve seen so many lives transformed through your work. You’ve provided financial support to those in need, but beyond that you’ve been a source of mental and emotional strength for people facing some of their hardest days. During the holidays, families have received not only food and clothes but also the dignity and joy that comes from knowing they are cared for. You offer hope, not just help.

The values of community, service, and giving back that SBH embodies have shaped me profoundly. These values have become integral to my personal ethos and have permeated the culture of my business. At my firm, giving back is not just something we do; it’s who we are. We’ve embraced these values in every facet of our work, and our employees have had the privilege of witnessing, firsthand, the tremendous work SBH does in the community.

Your influence reaches far beyond your direct services. You’ve inspired a ripple effect of kindness and generosity, where everyone you touch becomes a part of something greater. It’s impossible to quantify the full scope of your impact on our community because it reaches into so many lives, so many hearts, in ways that go beyond explanation.

I am profoundly grateful for everything you’ve done for me, for my family, and for our community. The lessons I’ve learned, the support I’ve received, and the inspiration you’ve provided will remain with me forever.

SBH, you’ve shaped not just my journey, but the journey of so many others, and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

With deepest gratitude, Lee M. Cohen, C.P.A.

As I reflect on my time as president of SBH, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride for what we were able to achieve, and gratitude for the many individuals who made our work possible. It’s been a few years since my term ended, but the impact of the incredible team I had the honor of working with continues to resonate in my heart, and I want to take a moment to acknowledge the people and the community that made all of our successes possible.

First, to the board of directors—thank you. You are the backbone of our organization. Your commitment to the mission, your strategic thinking, and your unwavering dedication made all the difference. We navigated both challenges and triumphs together, and I’m proud both of what we built, as well as how we worked seamlessly together to do so. You were always there with wisdom and support, and I am deeply grateful for your leadership and your partnership. The organization owes much of its success to your guidance.

To our volunteers—your impact is immeasurable. When our community talks about the heart and soul of SBH, they are talking about you. You give so much of yourselves – your time, your energy and your love –to make a real difference in the lives of others. Whether you were on the front lines helping those in need, organizing events, or working behind the scenes, you were the engine that powered us. Without you, we would not have been able to achieve what we did. Thank you for your compassion, your commitment, and most of all, for being you.

To the incredible staff—I cannot express enough how much your expertise, dedication, and passion meant to the success of our beloved organization. Each one of you brought something invaluable to the table, and together, you made us stronger. Your professionalism, your tireless work ethic, and your unwavering commitment to our community were the driving forces behind everything we accomplished. You were not just staff members; you were partners, problem-solvers, and leaders in your own right. Your ability to bring both heart and skill to every challenge was nothing short of inspiring, and I am forever grateful for the ways in which you elevated this organization and enriched the lives of everyone we served.

And to the community we serve—thank you for the trust you placed in us. It was an honor to be a part of this journey alongside you. Your resilience, your strength, and your support are what keep us moving forward. Together, we tackled challenges and built a stronger, more connected community. The work we did was always driven by your imaginations and aspirations for bettering the lives of others, and I remain humbled by the opportunity to have worked alongside you in that effort.

Looking back, I am deeply proud of the many things we accomplished, but even more so, I am grateful for the shared purpose that bound us together. The journey was not always easy, but it was always meaningful. We demonstrated that a group of dedicated individuals with a shared vision can change the world for the people around us.

As I reflect on those years, I can still feel the power of a united community. By working together, we didn’t miss a beat even through the challenges of Covid. We purchased our current building at 1963 McDonald Avenue and developed it to house our administrative offices, our Senior Division, Career Services Division and Mental Health Resources divisions. We doubled our capacity and census at the Counseling Center. We launched our Fertility Division. We restructured our organization and expanded all of our programs in a responsible manner that allowed us to increase our grant revenue by over 500% and solidify our position as the community’s safety net.

Although I’m no longer in the president’s seat, I remain just as involved and invested in the future of this organization. Our work is far from done, and I am confident that SBH will continue to grow and thrive with the same passion and dedication that fueled its early successes.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. My life was forever changed the day I walked into SBH, and I hope that you - whether you are a board member, a volunteer, a staff member, donor, or a community member – continue to support SBH so that together we can forever change the world around us for the better.

I am forever grateful.

Jack A. Aini

Dear Friends,

As we celebrate SBH’s 50th anniversary, we reflect on the unwavering dedication that has made us a pillar of hesed for half a century. For fifty years, SBH has been the backbone of support, compassion, and strength for countless families, individuals, and communities. Together, we have woven a legacy of kindness, resilience, and care that stands as a testament to our shared values.

Growing up around SBH, I witnessed firsthand the small and large miracles that, with Hashem’s help, we bring about every day. Watching my father and other highly respected presidents serve with dedication and integrity instilled in me a deep respect and love for this organization. Serving now as president, I am privileged to see up close the beauty of our community—the commitment of our volunteers and staff, the unwavering support from our Rabbis, donors, and friends. This role has been a blessing, giving me both balance and perspective in my life, and it has deepened my connection to Hashem. I hope that by leading by example, my own children will also be inspired to take on leadership roles and serve our community with the same passion and commitment.

Our leaders before us showed us the way, paving a path of service, integrity, and compassion that continues to inspire us. From the beginning, our mission has remained steadfast: to treat every client as family, caring for them with love, respect, and a deep sense of responsibility. This commitment has been the heart of SBH and is what makes us more than just a support network—we are a family.

SBH has impacted everyone’s lives and every family, touching us all in ways that strengthen our bonds and foster unity. Personally, I am honored to have the opportunity to serve our board, our community, and our clients. With Hashem’s help, we truly have the ability to make the world a better place, creating lasting change that will benefit generations to come.

As we look to the future, we are filled with hope and excitement for the possibilities that lie ahead. With your continued partnership, SBH will keep thriving as a symbol of hesed, inspiring action, and creating a brighter, more compassionate world for all.

Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey. We invite you to join us in celebrating this golden anniversary and all that we have achieved together.

With heartfelt gratitude and anticipation, David J. Beyda President, SBH

SBH has an exemplary history of amazing leaders that have served as president. As CEO, I have the unique privilege of serving the community side by side with the presidents.

In my tenure, I have had the pleasure of working closely with four of SBH’s incredible presidents. I have witnessed firsthand the tremendous sacrifice, vision, and love for hesed and this community that each one of them possesses.

When Hashem chose וניבר השמ as our leader, it was because he embodied one major attribute: love/ care for his fellow people.

Like וניבר השמ, each of our presidents have shown their complete love and dedication to this community. Since joining the SBH family in 2017, I have had the great pleasure of working alongside four presidents who have made a tremendous impact:

Sam Sutton: A visionary like no other. Many of our community organizations and initiatives are the brainchild of this innovator. While I never had the opportunity of working under Sam as my president, I still have benefited in working very closely with him. He often calls me with new ideas and reminds me of my obligation to not only serve SBH, but to ensure that I’m accountable to the entire community; the decisions and impact we can make will be felt for generations. Sam’s vigor is infectious and drives others to believe in themselves and their abilities to create everlasting change.

Lee Cohen: I was hired at the end of Lee’s presidency. We frequently lament that we wish we had more time together as we would have accomplished a great deal as a team. Lee is someone that cares so deeply about every person that walks into SBH. I recall waking up at 6 AM and finding my inbox full with the next great idea or something we had to accomplish. As only a CPA could, Lee set us up for financial stability and laid a clear vision for a path forward for many years to come. I’m forever grateful to Lee for believing in me and entrusting me with the opportunity of leading the greatest hesed organization in the world.

Jack Aini: Jack was president-elect when I was hired. He is the main reason why I came to SBH; I was immediately drawn to him, his smile, his aspirations for SBH and mostly importantly his character. Jack has the heart of a social worker and the keen intellect of an accomplished attorney. He revolutionized the way SBH was run and lead the organization into the 21st century. With his infectious demeanor, Jack helped recruit the most talented volunteers and staff members to ensure we provided top notch services to the community. Jack’s mentorship and friendship is something I will always cherish.

David Beyda: David’s leadership over the last 3 years have been trailblazing. He helped pioneer new programming like Courage to Heal that have been a lifeline to those in need. David’s commitment to excellence and unique way of treating our clients like customers is a constant driving force behind SBH’s success. David’s love for this organization, community and our clients know no limits. He feels the pain and success of every client that turns to SBH. For David, SBH is not a volunteer opportunity or just an organization, but a family, a lifelong mission and his true calling. I’m constantly in awe of his love for everyone in this community, and am super excited to see what else he will accomplish in his tenure.

I’ve been taught that SBH has been built on the backs of giants. There are no greater giants than the ten presidents that we are honoring tonight. Mabrouk on all that you have accomplished and I cannot wait to see the future that we will build over the next 50 years!

Warmly,

Nathan Krasnovsky Chief Executive Officer of SBH

I have had the privilege of working on the SBH 50th anniversary celebration for almost 2 full years. During this process we interviewed the past presidents and founders of SBH. We spent time speaking to those who have volunteered for SBH over the years. We heard from countless people and families that have been helped by SBH. We went back into the SBH archives and looked at countless newsletters, meeting notes, budgets, and tons and tons of photos. We videoed over 100 community leaders, rabbis and people who have been involved in different parts of SBH over its 50-year journey. It has truly been an incredible privilege and honor to be part of this amazing process.

During this time, I learned so much about the history of SBH and the people that have made this organization what it is: THE SAFETY NET of our incredible community. But more than that I have been able to see firsthand what the makes SBH the organization that it is. As much as it is the skills and talents of the people who have led the organization and the commitment of the volunteers who make the hesed magic happen, and the dedication of the staff who give of themselves in so many ways, it really comes down to one overriding thing: heart.

It is that heart that guides everything that SBH does; it is that heart that motivates people to give of themselves in ways even they did not think possible; it is that heart that makes SBH, SBH.

I believe that our community is truly blessed to have an organization like SBH, but even more I believe that our community is blessed to have so many people with hearts bursting with love and care for those around them. Hearts that drive them to make certain that whatever the need, there is someone willing to step up and help their fellow community member in any and every way that they can.

I believe that heart is what makes SBH the amazing organization that it is. And that heart is the cause of so much of the beracha and blessing that Hashem has bestowed upon this organization and the people who are part of it.

May that heart continue to beat with strength and vibrancy. May the next generation inherit the values of hesed and kindness that fuel that heart. Most importantly, may Hashem continue to bless those that use their hearts to care for others.

Looking forward to the next 50 years.

Charles J. Anteby Chief Advancement Officer, SBH

THANK YOU TO OUR VENDORS

Norma Cohen Productions

Ricky Esses

Rafi Akiva

Gary Abramov

Jeff Grazi

Faks Productions

Journal Chair

Rena Ashear

Eddie Rishty

Journal Committee

Abraham Dayan

Jeffrey Gindi

Marshall Mizrahi

Ralph R. Tawil

Director of Development

Charles J. Anteby

Graphic Designer

Vicky Salame

DIAMOND LEVEL SPONSORSHIPS

In honor of the presidents and volunteers of SBH – our community is blessed to have you!

The Shamie Family

Thank you to the leaders who have built this incredible institution, and thanks to all the people who do good on its behalf.

Adele & Louis J. Shamie

Congratulations to the past and present presidents of SBH for your hard work and dedication to our community.

Jimmy & Berta Khezrie

In honor of the presidents and volunteers of SBH – our community is blessed to have you!

Alberto Sutton and Elliot Sutton

Congratulations on SBH’s 50th Anniversary and Hazak U’baruch to all the SBH Presidents that have served our community with love & dedication.

Michelle & Jack Maleh

Dear David, Wow. We always knew you were going to follow in your father’s footsteps, but we did not know how deeply you would invest yourself, and how far you would take it. Bikur Holim is blessed to have you at their helm, as we are blessed to have you as a friend. Your dedication is endless and your dad, A”H, would be so proud to watch you in action. The legacy that both of you have created is awe inspiring. May your efforts continue to bring help and hope to those who need it, and to motivate others to do as you do.

We love you, Victor Azrak David Franco Gabe Zeitouni

Dedicated in honor of the presidents of SBH, for making our community a better place and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Congratulations on this incredible honor.

Raymond & Vivian Dayan

In honor of all the presidents and volunteers of SBH. For your hard work and dedication to our community. Each of you brought the organization to a different level in your own unique way.

In honor of my husband Joseph A”H and my son David. I couldn’t be more proud of you both.

Love always, Barbara

Beyda

In honor of my wonderful husband

Dr. Bob Matalon

An amazing person whose dedication to SBH and whose widsom and love for the community has made lives better for so many.

Barbara Matalon

Congratulations to all the SBH past presidents on this special and well deserved honor for your dedication and commitment to SBH and our community.

David,

You are always available to help us and others in your calm and wise manner. You are a dynamic, committed, and caring leader. We are so fortunate to have you as a family role model. We are all so proud of you- and so is Dad!

With all our love, Nava & Jeffrey Beyda Shirley & Sam Catton and Families

Our father, Joseph D. Beyda A”H left us with a profound and enduring legacy— one that lives within our hearts and within the soul of Sephardic Bikur Holim.

For over fifty years, SBH has remained an integral part of our community. It has been our privilege to witness its growth, and to see our father’s vision continue to uplift and support those in need. His legacy shines brightly within our family and throughout the organization.

Dad, we miss you every day and you continue to inspire us always.

With all our love, David & Rochelle

Jeffrey & Nava

Shirley & Sam and Families

Hazak U’Baruch to all of the honorees for this well-deserved honor.

The Aizer Family

Congratulations SBH and all of the presidents on this great honor!

Michelle & Victor Hakim

In honor of the presidents and volunteers of SBH – our community is blessed to have you!

Frieda Sitt

Sammy & Viviane Sitt

Eli & Sari Sitt

Drs David & Ayla Sitt

David Ashkenazi

To Jack Aini,

A man who embodies what SBH does, whose core values of selflessness, compassion and responsibility have never faltered. With your heart of gold, you have shown the value of giving to each other with empathy, discretion, and respect, while asking for nothing in return. Thank you for your dedication and all you have done for the community within and outside of SBH. Your Family at TrueStone

Congratulations to the past and present presidents of SBH for your hard work and dedication to our community. We can’t thank you all enough for the kindness and dedication that SBH brings to the community.

Albert & Rachel Pardo and Family

Congratulations SBH!

Rena & Alen Mamrout

In honor of my good friend David Beyda and in memory of his father Joe BeydaA”H

I have grown up together with David and had the great privilege to be around his father Joseph…

Their selfless dedication and efforts through Bikur Holim have and continue to leave an indelible mark on our community…

I wish David continued success as President, with his vision and leadership, and may his family be blessed and rewarded for all his efforts…

Admiringly, Ray Haber

PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSORSHIPS

In honor of our current president and good friend David J. Beyda, and all of the esteemed leaders who came before him. We recognize your inspiring leadership, tireless dedication and compassion for our community.

The Chera Family

Congratulations and Hazak U’Baruch to the past and present presidents of SBH and thank you for all your hard work and dedication to our community.

Lisa & Steven Kattan

As we celebrate this 50th anniversary, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of SBH’s past and present Presidents. I would like to dedicate this page to three extraordinary leaders who have guided us through much of the past two decades: Lee Cohen

Jack Aini

David Beyda

I had the privilege of working alongside each of them throughout my time at SBH, and it has truly been an honor. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment have left a lasting impact on me, on our organization, and on the entire community. I have witnessed firsthand the countless hours, thoughtfulness, and careful planning that Lee, Jack, and David have devoted to our mission.

To Lee, Jack, and David—thank you for your leadership, your generosity, your friendship, and the enduring legacy you have built. May your work inspire us all to continue serving with the same devotion and care.

Lori & Harold Dweck

In honor of David J. Beyda, who has learned the true meaning of caring & kindness, from his father Joseph A”H , one of the founders of SBH. A tribute to both of you, along with all of the past presidents. Our community shines brighter because of your vision & dedication. Congratulations!

Mark Shalam & Sons

I have had the privilege and honor to work with ALL our SBH Presidents!

Each of you selflessly giving your time and wisdom to create the extraordinary organization that exists today!!

A well-deserved Congratulations!!

Happy 50th Anniversary SBH ❤️

Jamie Shweky Jemal

In honor of our brother-in-law Lee Cohen

For his dedication and commitment to SBH and the community.

Albert & Cynthia Setton

Jack & Deborah Setton

In honor of Dr. Mayer Ballas

Congratulations on this well-deserved honor. The impact you have had on this community will be felt for decades to come.

Isaac & Frieda Yedid

To David, husband, father, and grandfather, There are no words to describe our true appreciation for everything you have done for all of us and the entire community. You told us the importance of Tzedaka and consideration and humility. You taught us to distinguish between was really important and what’s insignificant. We are so grateful for all the lessons you have imparted on us. You’ve always sacrifice yourself for the benefit of your family and that is the greatest lesson of all. We are blessed to have you as a role model. May Hashem always protect you and send you to and you always have success and many years of good health and happiness. We are so proud of you and we love you.

Love, Rochelle, Barbara & Jesse, Joyce & Abe, Joseph and Jason and all of your adoring grandchildren.

Dear Dad,

We are so honored and feel lucky to be able to call you that. Throughout the years we have learned and continue to learn so much from you. It is difficult to put into words how thankful we are to have you as a role model, not just as a father but as a leader who shows us the importance of staying true to family values and giving to the community. The humble and quiet way you have touched the lives of so many is inspirational. You really exemplify the values of generosity and empathy that you have instilled in us. Your ability to balance your effort and time to both family and community is truly admirable. May Hashem continue to give you the strength to continue the amazing work you do.

Love, Barbara & Jesse Joyce & Abe Joseph and Jason

In honor of our glorious presidents of SBH. Thank you for your stellar leadership, care and sensitivity for the needs of our community.

With the help of Hashem, your statesmanship navigated us through the periods of expansion, fiscal challenges, and new opportunities for growth in helping others. Your trust in the volunteers and staff to partner up with you throughout the years resulted in helping those in need, to have hope for a brighter future. We are “one for all and all for one.”

With much appreciation, Carey & Nancy Sutton and Families

To our dear friend David, You are a true visionary who followed your father’s great legacy. The impact you have on the organization will be felt for decades to come.

Cheryl & Victor Azrak and Family

In honor of Lee, Your commitment to both your clients and our community is truly inspiring. You continue to go above and beyond to help others whether as a professional or a volunteer.

Cheryl & Victor Azrak and Family

Lisa Elo

An incredible board member, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend

You truly are the matriarch of our family. Your dedication to those you care about has no bounds; we are so proud of you and everything you have accomplished, improving the lives of so many community members every single day. We love you.

Elliot and Family

Congratulations to SBH and all of the presidents on this great honor.

Linda & Morris Beyda

In honor of our current president David J. Beyda and all of the esteemed leaders who came before him as past presidents and distinguished board members of our cherished SBH. We stand on your shoulders, and thanks to each of you, our community will always have an organization to care for each other like no other in the world.

Linda & Eddie Rishty

Congratulations to the past and present presidents of SBH for your hard work and dedication to our community.

Special recognition to our dear friends, Jeffrey & Sheri Gindi, who humbly, selflessly, and brilliantly serve our community and lead by example.

Richard & Gladys Haddad and Family

In honor of the presidents and volunteers of SBH – our community is blessed to have you!

Michelle & Jack Haddad

Monique & David Haddad

Gladys & Richard Haddad

Millo & Sam Haddad

Isadora & Abe Haddad

Norma & Michael Cohen

To our dear Lee, Today we are honored to celebrate you and the exclusive group of people with whom you share this title. Your dedication to this community has surpassed our wildest dreams. Your hesed has no bounds. You have taught us to never falter when someone is in need, be it at SBH or in any hour of any day. You have taught us so much and we are blessed to have been part of this journey. It has enriched our lives beyond measure and has shaped who we’ve become. Your forward thinking has taken this organization to new heights and is one of your greatest accomplishments. May Hashem bless you always to be in a position to help and serve this community. We love you. Lisa, Stanley, Pam and Rosette Pam & Ness, Solomon and Sandy

Congratulations to all the men who helped create, shape and grow SBH to the amazing hesed organization it is today. Your impact on our community will last for generations to come. We are honored to learn from all of you and be a small part in this journey.

Rena & Steven Ashear

Our Community is Blessed to have such an illustrious group of SBH Presidents.

Each President brought his extraordinary commitment and talent to improve the lives of our Community members.

Rochelle & Ronnie Tawil

To the past and current leaders of SBH, Our deepest gratitude for your hard work, dedication, and leadership. Your vision and tireless efforts have shaped SBH into the thriving organization it is today. Your collective legacy will continue to inspire and guide us for years to come.

With heartfelt appreciation, Murray & Roxanne Maleh and Family

Victor Grazi’s leadership at SBH embodied dedication, compassion, and vision—leaving a lasting impact on the community for future generations.

Alan & Helene Shamah

Joey & Sally Shamah

Congratulations to the past and present presidents of SBH for your hard work and dedication to our community.

Michael & Sharon Haddad

Sonny & Gail Haddad

Alberto & Freda Smeke

Joseph & Jade Haddad

In honor of the past and current presidents of SBH, and all the volunteers, for their dedication and commitment to our community. We are blessed to have you all!

Melissa & Albert Sutton and Family

Congratulations to all past presidents of SBH! Your dedication and leadership have been the foundation of our success, and we are immensely grateful for the positive impact you’ve created. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and hard work.

The Saayed Family

In honor of Jeffrey Gindi for his commitment to SBH and the entire community. You have lead by example, dedicated your life to community service, and left a long lasting impact on all those around you. You have taught us humility, compassion, leadership, and of course do to things L’Shem Shamayim.

On behalf of the community, thank you! Congratulations to all the presidents and volunteers of SBH. Sincerely, Jeannie, Marshall, Zac and Marc Mizrahi

In honor of our dear friend Lee Cohen for his dedication and commitment to SBH and the community. We are blessed to have you!

Love, Edmond & Margo Guindi

Congratulations to the past and present presidents of SBH for your hard work and dedication to our community.

Julie & Michael Betesh

Elizabeth & Steven Betesh

Dedicated in honor of the presidents of SBH. Elyse & Ike S. Franco

Congratulations to all the honorees.

Marlene & Moses Tawil

In honor of all of our amazing past presidents. Barbara & Haim Dabah and Family

Dedicated in honor of

Marlene Ben-Dayan

In thanks for decades of inspiring us with your devotion and courage in giving hope to countless souls in the depths of hopelessness. You were often the Mazal for those who had little of it to spare.

The admiration you expressed for your fellow SBH board members and volunteers gave us role models to look up to, and your stories of their heroism laid before us values to emulate.

Having you in our lives is a privilege that we are forever grateful for.

With love, Your husband Avi and children Emily, Sheri, Marty, Michelle, Jill

Congratulations to SBH and past presidents on 50 years of dedication to the community!

In recognition of Rena Ashear, who is an anchor to the incredible Sephardic Bikur Holim mission and work.

From, Sara Setton and the Ashear, Goldman, Setton, and Palacci Families.

In honor of Rena Ashear

For all her dedication to SBH over the years as a board member and volunteer. Our community is blessed to have you! Love, Her Family

In honor of the presidents, board, staff and volunteers of SBH who continue to improve the lives of others.

The community is lucky to have you. Anonymous

In honor of Norma Cohen

For her selfless dedication and creativity. For her unwavering support of SBH, we thank you and appreciate you! With gratitude, your SBH Family

In Honor of Sam Sutton.

A real Hero to the community and the Jewish people.

May Hashem bless you and Nancy with long, healthy, and happy years together and the strength to continue with your holy work on behalf of the Jewish people.

All our love, Ronny and Toby Hersh

With sincere gratitude to all the esteemed honorees and their myriad accomplishments. May your good name always be synonymous with hesed and righteousness for generations to come. And to our matriarch

Linda Benun

As a pioneer at SBH from its inception in 1974, you have shown our family what it means to be an Eshet Hayil in the truest sense. You exemplify a woman of unending dedication towards the needy, the family and the community at large. You have given 50 years of your life towards this cause and towards Am Yisrael and it has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. We look forward to 50 more!

All our love, Ronnie Benun

Sara & Abie Mizrachi and Family

Orlee & Morris Benun and Family

Esther & Rabbi Ricky Hidary and Family

Shaun & Ezra Benun and Family

Rosana & Jonathan Benun and Family

Rachel & Eddie Hazan and Family

Dear Fred,

It’s hard to believe that fifty years have passed since you first opened our home to establish Sephardic Bikur Holim.

From those early days, when you recognized a need to help others in our community, you dedicated yourself wholeheartedly to building something truly lasting. Dr. Bobby and Barbara Matalon were with us from the very beginning as partners in this journey, and together we laid a strong foundation for what has become a transformative organization.

I am incredibly grateful for the legacy you have built—not only for the community but for our children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren. SBH is so much more than an organization that helps the sick and poor; it’s a community where people unite to do good, and we’ve seen how the spirit of kindness spreads from one person to another.

Through your example, you’ve shown that charity is about more than giving funds—it’s about lifting others up and being there when they need you most. Your actions have inspired many to join us, and your true stories of visiting the sick and comforting those in need continue to motivate others to follow your path of hesed. I’m so proud that our children and grandchildren have learned your valuable lessons. Your dedication has set a powerful example for all of us.

They have seen firsthand what it means to devote oneself to a cause greater than oneself, listened to your inspiring words, and watched as you motivated others to join this important mission. G-d willing, they will continue the lessons of kindness and generosity you have instilled in them, passing them down to future generations. As your wife, I am amazed at how far this organization has come. What started as a simple idea has turned into something beyond what we ever dreamed. The lives you’ve touched and the community that’s grown from your hard work are a true reflection of your dedication. It’s a legacy that will continue to inspire for years to come. I’m so proud to have walked this journey with you, and I will always carry the love and pride for everything we have built together.

With all my love, Your wife, Gloria

Congratulations to SBH on this incredible milestone. For five decades, SBH has stood as a pillar of support, compassion, and dedication in our community. To each past president who has led with commitment and vision, thank you for your tireless efforts. Your leadership has made a lasting impact, and our community is stronger because of it. Here’s to 50 years of accomplishments, and to many more years of growth and service. With heartfelt gratitude, Elliot & Rochelle Franco Joe & Frieda Franco

To our grandchildren, You have been blessed with generations of your ancestors who lived with community service as their core value. We pray that you too will have the opportunity to live your lives built upon Chesed, as there is no more fulfilling avocation.

Grandma Joanne & Grandpa Victor

To my best brother, Jack!

(Nice when you don’t have competition… lol) It’s often said that Chesed starts at home, and I’ve seen firsthand how you’ve expanded that circle throughout your life, positively impacting so many around you. You’re not just an inspiration to your younger brother—you’re a role model for the entire community. That said, don’t get too confident—I may look up to you in life, but I’m definitely not going to take it easy on you in ping pong!

PS – A big shout-out to your amazing wife, Victoria, and your wonderful kids, who are always by your side supporting you—that’s the true source of your strength and power! Love, Joey

Congratulations to the past, present, and future presidents of SBH for your hard work and dedication to our community.

Robyn & Seymour Sammell and Family

To our Top Gun Queen, You surrounded our lives with so much Hesed! We love you and continue to learn from you everyday! We are so grateful to be yours! Keep doing you Mom!! Love, Gaby, Eddie, Marcy, Michael and Jojo and Everyone!!

GOLD LEVEL SPONSORSHIPS

A huge thank you to all the Presidents of SBH – Past and Present.

Your selfless dedication to community inspires us all!

Eli & Cynthia Haddad

James & Ricci Haddad

Congratulations on a well deserved honor to all of the past presidents of Sephardic Bikur Holim.

The dedication of the presidents and all of the volunteers have created a better world for so many of our community members.

May they go from strength to strength to continue the most important work that needs to be done for those less fortunate in our community.

Morris & Paulette Bailey

Joseph & Ester Jerome and Family

In

honor of the past presidents of SBH.

Michael & Marie Tawil

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the current and past presidents of SBH. This organization and its members exemplify the core values of our community and serve as a fundamental pillar in fostering our collective culture, centered on altruistic care for one another.

The deep sense of compassion, love, and support for each member of our community is truly commendable. Hazan U’Baruch, may you and your families be abundantly blessed, along with all of Am Yisrael!

Sarah & Avi Akiva

In honor of all of the leaders and visionaries who have built SBH into the treasure is it today for our Community!

Margie & Sammy Saka and Family

In honor of Lee Cohen, and all the past and current presidents and volunteers of SBH – Our Community is blessed to have you!

Gregory & Lillian Jemal and Family

To the incredible presidents of SBH: Thank you for your tireless dedication and for always leading with compassion. You’ve each shaped SBH into the lifeline it is for so many, creating a legacy of kindness and support that runs deep in our community. May Hashem shower blessing upon you and your families always.

Hazak Ubaruch

Danielle & Ikey Mandalawi

To our dear friends Victor and David, Two pillars of our the community we are so proud and thankful of all you have accomplished at SBH.

Joy & Dr. Mark Sultan

Lee Cohen

World’s best accountant, humanitarian and friend.

With love, Harry Tawil

In honor of Dr. Mayer Ballas for his dedication and commitment to SBH and the community.

Sabrina & Joey Edery and Family

In honor of the SBH past presidents. Your contribution to our community is enormous and we great appreciated

The Sutton Family/LT Apparel Group

Congratulations to the past and present presidents of SBH for your hard work and dedication to our community.

Aileen & Ralph Nasar

Congratulations to the past presidents and David Beyda, the current president of SBH.

For your hard work and dedication to the community. We are all very proud of you.

Harry & Alice Adjmi and Family

In honor of our father, Fred Bijou, founder of SBH, whose dedication to helping those in need has transformed countless lives. We, as children, remember the meetings around the dining room table where it all started—your vision and caring shaping the foundation of this incredible organization. Through your selflessness—visiting the sick, lifting spirits, and building a community rooted in compassion—you have laid the groundwork for our children and future generations to continue in your ways of Chesed and Mitzvot. Together with Mommy, you’ve taught us by example the meaningful values of life, which we will cherish and uphold forever. We are proud and deeply grateful for the legacy you’ve created.

With all our love, Albert & Rachel Bijou

Isaac & Denice Bijou

Vera & Harold Shamah

Jacob & Sarah Bijou

Moses & Gloria Bijou

Vicky & Adam Sultan

In

honor of the presidents and volunteers of SBH – our community is blessed to have you!

Helen & Henry Guindi

Congratulations to the past and present presidents of SBH for your hard work and dedication to our community.

Hazak U’Baruch for this well-deserved honor.

The Hidary Family

Congratulations to the past and present presidents of SBH for your hard work and dedication to our community.

Benzaken Family

In honor of all those who have dedicated their time to making our community stronger together.

A special thank you, to Jack Aini and David Beyda, the two presidents that I have had the honor of working with and the privilege to learn from their brilliance and tireless dedication. With love, Morris & Gitta Braha

To Victor & Joanne,

Our congratulations on this wonderful & welldeserved honor. You always put all your heart and soul into your work at SBH. You led your presidency with grace and compassion to all those that needed help and the resources of SBH.

Victor – You of course know that you could not have accomplished all that you have without your trusted and loving partner.

Joanne – We salute you & all that you have done and continue to do for SBH as well the other great chesed organizations that you are both involved in.

The two of you together as a team are role models for others in the community to emulate.

We are the lucky ones to have the both of you as our close friends & family.

Keep riding on this great journey.

Love, Sabrina & Abie Maleh P.S.

see you on Hockhockson Road

In honor of all the presidents of SBH For your dedication to our community The Mamiye Family

Congratulations to the past and present presidents of SBH for your hard work and dedication to our community.

In honor of all the past presidents Thank You for your selfless dedication to our community and all its needs.

Jack & Nancy Beyda

Alan & Robin Sassoon

Joey & Marilyn Harary

Dedicated in honor of all the illustrious past and present Presidents who helped Transform SBH as an organization. Your hard work and dedication to our community is inspirational to us all and we are forever grateful for your Commitment. May you always go from strength to strength.

With great respect, Abe & Barbara Franco Joey & Raquel franco Marc & Yvonne Franco and their Families

Hazak U’Baruch to our esteemed honorees on this befitting recognition. Your unparalleled devotion, guidance, and unwavering support of our community has impacted the lives of so many. May you be blessed to always lead, succeed, and inspire.

Michele & Allan Levy

In honor of the presidents and volunteers of SBH – our community is blessed to have you.

Marlene & Hymie Mamiye

In honor of Lee Cohen for his unwavering dedication and focus to his family and our community.

Alan & Edna Cohen

In honor of the visionary leaders who have served as Presidents of SBH. Their unwavering commitment, dedication, and passion for our mission have shaped the foundation of our success and continue to inspire all who follow.

Through their leadership, we have built a community of compassion, service, and progress—one that will endure for generations to come.

Thank you for your invaluable service and for leaving an indelible mark on our community.

Sari & Eddie Dana

Congratulations to David Beyda and all the esteemed past Presidents .

Your selfless devotion and dedication to the community is an inspiration to us. May Hashem continue to bless each of you with the gift of giving.

Simmy & Steven Balasiano

Congratulations to the presidents of SBH!

Marav & Ezra Dweck

Congratulations to the past and present presidents & all the volunteers of SBH for your hard work and dedication to our community.

Saul & Brenda Hazan

Ikie & Sharon Hazan

Hakarat Hatov to all the presidents of SBH, whose visions of a thriving community have bettered the lives of countless of its members. Thank you for your hard work, everlasting commitment, and selfless devotion.

May our community continue to be graced with all life’s blessings.

By the family members of Joseph D. Beyda A”H, Dr Victor M. Grazi and David J. Beyda, Paulette Beyda Grazi

Karyn Levana

David & Tally Grazi

Steven & Shirlee Franco

Alyssa,

We are so proud of everything you have accomplished and done for our community over the last few decades. Your commitment and dedication to helping others inspires us every day.

Love, Moselle & Neil Tobias

Congratulations to the presidents and volunteers of SBH!

Rachel & Jeff Sutton

In honor of our past and current presidents & volunteers of SBH – our community is blessed to have you leading at the forefront!

Solly Spigel

To my SBH Family, Congratulations to the past and present presidents of SBH as well as all the volunteers and staff for their hard work and dedication to our community.

Edmond & Terri Harary

For 50 years SBH has been at the forefront of Hesed in our community. To the dedicated volunteers who have made this organization what it is today Hazak U Baruch! May Hashem continue to give you the strength to always help those in need and always be on the giving end.

Nicole & Chaby Orfali

In honor of all of the presidents, leaders and visionaries who have built SBH and the foundation that our community stands on today.

Laurie & Marc Mizrachi

Congratulations to the all the presidents who have inspired our community and for creating, maintaining and growing an organization whose purpose and mission is to help those in any level of need or crisis. And to all the volunteers who give so much of themselves to help in any way they can. They find a way to comfort our people sensitively, respectfully and honorably.

It’s an honor and privilege to be able to participate.

Hazak U Baruch and Tzkeh leMitzvot!!!

Rochelle & Ely Harary

Congratulations to the past and present presidents of SBH for your hard work and dedication to our community.

Nemo & Sharon Gindi

Dedicated in honor of all our presidents who work 24/7 dedicating their lives to make sure our community is in a better place. With love and respect, Abie & Linda Dayan

In honor of the presidents and volunteers of SBH – our community is blessed to have you!

Michelle & Joey Arakanchi

Many thanks to our presidents and devoted volunteers of SBH. Our community is blessed to have you! Mazalbrouk!!

Ayla & David Sitt

Congratulations to the past and present presidents of SBH for your hard work and dedication to our community.

Hazak U’Baruch to all of the honorees for this well-deserved honor! It has been a privilege serving under you!

Brigitte & Gary Beyda

In honor of the presidents and volunteers of SBH – your caring, passion and efforts for our community are beyond words, but here goes: THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!

Lauren & Max Mizrachi

Congratulations to the past and present presidents of SBH for your hard work and dedication to our community.

The Entire Mamiye Family

Congratulations to the past and present presidents of SBH. Your hard work, dedication, and vision is something that will forever impact our community.

Tami & Ezra Antebi

Warmest congratulations to my dear friends David Beyda and Jack Aini.

It has been the honor of my life to work alongside you both, and to learn from your humble, passionate, and compassionate way.

My deepest respect & admiration Michael Beyda

In honor of the tireless dedication of our presidents of SBH – our community is blessed to have you!

Charles & Marlene Dweck

Congratulations to the presidents of SBH for this incredible honor. It has been a privilege to be part of the amazing organization that you have built and grown over the years!

Gladys & Jack Hazan

Congratulations to all the honorees and thank you for all your dedication and hard work over the years.

From your friends at Triangle Capital Group

IN HONOR OF ALL THE PRESIDENTS OF SBH

FRED BIJOU

DR. BOBBY MATALON

JOSEPH BEYDA A"H

DR. MAYER BALLAS

SAM SUTTON

JEFFREY GINDI

DR. VICTOR GRAZI

LEE COHEN

JACK A. AINI

DAVID BEYDA

THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL YOUR DEDICATION

RAYMOND & VANESSA CHALMÉ

Congratulations to all the past and present Presidents of Bikur Holim.

You have all made a tremendous impact on the lives of so many people in our community. Hashem should bless you and your families with all that is good.

Elaine & Nathan Shalom and Family

Jodi & Zvi Benhaim

In honor of our beloved husband and father, Jeffrey Gindi, for his unwavering dedication to leadership and community. Your commitment to service and your compassionate guidance have profoundly shaped our lives. You are our role model—an example of integrity, kindness, and wisdom. Your passion for helping others inspires us every day, teaching us the importance of giving back and leading with heart.

We are incredibly lucky to learn from you and carry forward the values you instill in us. Thank you for being a constant source of strength and inspiration. Your legacy of leadership continues to light our way.

Love, Sheri, Ruth, Ezra, Ralph, Esther, Sol, and Norma

A heartfelt debt of gratitude to all of our SBH Presidents!

You and the entire SBH team have made a significant & meaningful positive impact on all members of our community in so many ways.

Excited to see our next generation of SBH leadership, team and volunteers bring us into the future!

Abe & Adele Sorcher

Congratulations to the past and present presidents of SBH for your hard work and dedication to our community.

Morris, Abe and Joey Hanan

In honor of the past and present presidents of SBH for your hard work and dedication to our community. You are a true inspiration to all.

Lisa & Elliot Elo

In honor of our dear friend Lee, Who is truly an inspiration for all of us – we are so proud of everything you have accomplished! And in honor of all the past and current presidents of SBH.

Thank you for your dedication to our community.

Sherene & Isaac Mossery and Family

To our dear friend Lee Cohen, Congratulations on this well-deserved honor! Your dedication as president of SBH has been nothing short of inspiring. We all admire how you balanced this leadership role with your remarkable career—demonstrating unwavering commitment, vision, and resilience.

Thank you for the countless hours and the heart you put into making a difference for our community.

Stephanie & Jack Mosseri and Family

In Honor of Freddy Bijou, Dr. Bobby Matalon, Sam Sutton and all past presidents of SBH. Heros of our community! Marcy & Chuck Sultan and Family

In honor of past and present presidents of SBH for your hard work and dedication to our community.

Mark & Nicole Hazan

Hazak U’Baruch to all the past presidents of SBH.

With Pride and Admiration we wish to honor

Dr. Robert (Bobby) Matalon

Morris & Sharon Matalon and their Children Barbara, Eli, Sammy and Michael, and their Families

In honor of the past and present presidents of SBH for all your hard work, dedication, and commitment to our community.

Tizku Le’Misvot and Hazakim U’Baruchim for this well-deserved honor.

Jack & Jamie Doueck

Richard & June Rudy

In honor of Dr Mayer Ballas for his dedication and commitment to SBH and the community.

Neil & Moselle Tobias

In honor of all the SBH Presidents, the true leaders of Hesed in our community.

Marc & Fortune Faham

In honor of the presidents, Charles Anteby and all the volunteers of SBH –our community is blessed to have you!

Florence & Abe Labaton and Family

To our esteemed honorees, We admire and respect your dedication to ensuring the success of SBH.

May your family, friends and the entire community follow in your footsteps to help perpetuate the great work that you along with the help of all of the volunteers put into SBH. You are an inspiration to us all.

Congratulations and best wishes, Agnes & Jeffrey Shemia

In honor of Harold Dweck’s dedication and hard work.

Love, Mom & Dad

In Honor of our Parents, Dr. Robert and Barbara Matalon, We are so fortunate to be your children. We grew up in a home surrounded by Hesed, where the Shabbat table discussions revolved around those in need and how to help them. We were brought to SBH meetings as babies and toddlers, and our earliest memories consisted of visiting the elderly and the homebound. To us, Hesed was an essential part of life, and we couldn’t have imagined it any other way. Little did we know that you were pioneers, and that Hesed in our community was in its infancy.

As the founders of SBH, you worked tirelessly together for over 35 years to help the ill, the poor and the lonely. You sought out the deprived, the neglected and the underprivileged long before they were detected by others; you lightened their burden, healed their pain and gave them new life and new hope. Wherever there was a need, you were there to fill it. No difficulty was insurmountable; you placed your faith in Hashem and you believed that if you would do your part to help those in need, Hashem would do his. And He did, time and time again.

Together you touched countless lives, and turned pain and despair into laughter and success. You created SBH, the original Hesed organization in the community, which rapidly grew in scope and prominence to become the icon of the Syrian community. And by doing so, you started a Hesed revolution, inspiring hundreds and thousands of others to seek out those in need and heal their wounds. Over the past 50 years, hundreds of families have been saved, thousands of broken lives have been repaired, and an infinite number of smiles have supplanted tears. All as a result of your endless determination and overflowing hearts.

We are always so proud and honored to be your children. Not only as the offspring of the pioneers and the giants of our community, but as the primary recipients of your acts of kindness. For as much as you extend yourselves to all others, your Hesed always starts at home.

With love, admiration and gratitude, From all your Children, Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren

In honor of the esteemed presidents, officers, board members, volunteers and staff who have served SBH for more than 50 years, your dedication and commitment has made a profound impact on those you serve.

May you continue to go from strength to strength

Douglas & Debra Balin

To our one and only Abba/Grandpa

Abba,

Where do we even begin? To start, with a huge congratulations for this incredible honor that you have been so rightfully given. We can’t put into words how proud we all are of you. Growing up, whenever anyone found out that our father was Dr. Ballas, we knew to expect the immediate reaction, “Oh my goodness, your father is Dr. Ballas?? He is the most incredible man. The most special person. A man with a heart of gold.” We always smiled and said thank you and of course we thought the same, but honestly we didn’t fully grasp your accomplishments and impact during your SBH presidency until we were older. This in large part has to do with your incredible humility. Not only did we never hear you brag about any of the many accomplishments you have done over the years, but you barely even talked about them. You quietly helped countless people in numerous ways; for many, you literally gave them a new life. Set them up with in schools and helped them find homes, you made sure they had everything they needed to succeed. You did all of this with Mom’s unwavering support while raising a family, working as a cardiologist and devoting yourself to Torah and misvot. Not many could have handled all of that, let alone with your grace and seeming effortlessness. You are a true pillar of this family and of the Syrian community. As our family grows, seeing our children learn from your actions and past experiences is priceless. We are so proud of you and we hope you enjoy this night and feel the love and appreciation from us, from the SBH community and the Syrian community as a whole. And as for us, now we get to bask and glow in the pride when people as our children, “Dr. Ballas is your grandfather??”

We love you so much!

Love, Etty, Raymond, Jojo, Sylvia, Moey, Rachel, Juliette, Sarine, and Baby Jacob, Daniella, Isaac, Betty, Sonny, Meyer and Benjamin Elie, Adina and Baby Mayer

To my dear husband, It has been my privilege and a blessing to have you as my lifelong partner. We raised a beautiful family together and it is so special to see our children and grandchildren emulate the qualities that you worked so hard to instill in them and live by the values that you exemplified in your daily actions. We have all learned so much from you about how to treat others, how to show kindness and care, and how to always act with humility. You have been a role model to so many and we are fortunate to have you as a husband, father and grandfather. We are sure to see many more examples of chesed, selflessness and devotion to Torah and misvot in the years to come. We are so proud of you.

With love, Rachel

In honor of our parents

Victor and Joanne Grazi

Dad, you are patient and thoughtful parent, a devoted community doctor, and former president of Sephardic Bikur Holim. Mom, in addition to raising us with middot and values, you have spent so much of your career working and volunteering at community organizations.

Together, you have profoundly shaped our lives and the lives of so many people around us. You exemplify the teachings of our Torah “to do justice, love goodness, and walk humbly with God” and have modeled these values on a daily basis. You serve as an inspiration to our family and remind us of the importance of serving our community with love and dedication.

Love, Your Children

Paulette & Joseph

Simone & Abie

Rita & Maurice

With much thanks to all the honorees, without whom this community could not have achieved its greatness, and especially to Victor Grazi, M.D. who I am proud to call my colleague and friend as well as my cousin.

Richard V. Grazi, M.D.

In honor of Jack Aini for his dedication and commitment to SBH and the community.

You are an inspiration to us all. Your wonderful midot and thoughtfulness have made you the leader we are so proud to know and love.

“May G-d bless your efforts and give you the strength to continue on the path.”

With much love and admiration,

Eliane & Albert Aini

Vicki & Harry Tawil and Family Joey Aini and Family

Celia & Abe Tawil

Shelly & Allen Franco and Family

Grace & Joey Tawil and Family

Congratulations to all the honorees for this well deserved honor.

In honor of Uncle Fred Bijou a pioneer & a founder of Bikur Holim. He has only shown his commitment & dedication to this community for the past 50 years.

Joe and Albert Bijou and Families

JACK

We are so proud to be Members of your family

We watch you and ask How can you do it all

There is no task too small

From parenting to mentoring

To leading and guiding

You listen quietly

And support humbly and wisely

We are blessed to have you for us

And we share you with SBH as a plus

You are the best role model and guide

Knowing you gives us so much pride

Love, Vicky, Eliane & Sam, Albert, Jojo & Nancy, David, Celia, Ninette and Norman

In honor and appreciation of all of our presidents

Your dedication and commitment to hesed and kindness is an inspiration to us all.

May we all merit to continue to stand on your shoulders of greatness in helping our community.

Robyn

& Charles J. Anteby

Congratulations to all the Presidents of SBH on reaching this incredible milestone of 50 years.

Thank you for always being there for our community and for being the backbone and foundation that holds us all together. May you continue to do your holy work with Hashem as your partner. Here’s to 50 more.

Judy & Toby D. Shacalo

To our dear Grandpa, Fred Bijou, a true hero in our eyes. Through your creation of SBH and your countless stories of how a simple visit can change someone’s life, you’ve shown us the power of compassion and how to make a real difference. The way you uplift those in need inspires us and others every day, and the proof is the amazing organization that all started with you. Your generosity has touched so many, and the legacy of giving that you’ve built is something we are proud to carry on.

We love you dearly and are honored to be your grandchildren.

From all your grandchildren and great grandchildren

In honor of our uncle, Dr. Victor Grazi, and all the amazing SBH Presidents. We’re forever grateful for all you’ve done for the community. Love, Sylvia, Maurice, Karen, Richard, and Gail

In honor of the presidents and volunteers of SBH – our community is blessed to have you!

Jack & Joyce Kassin and Family

In honor of the amazing staff of SBH - your dedication to our community has changed the lives of so many!

We are so proud to have each and every one of you on our team.

SILVER LEVEL SPONSORSHIPS

To the past presidents and visionary leaders, Thank you for dedicating yourself, giving your heart, your passion, your emotions, your family, and your endless time. Because of you SBH is a priceless foundation-stone in our community. With endless gratitude, Myriam & Jack Ezon and Family

In honor of Sam A. Sutton for his dedication and commitment to Sephardic Bikur Holim, to our family, and to the entire community. Carol & Alan Haber

Jolene & Dr. Jack A. Sutton Pearl & Isaac Saff

Hazak U’Baruch to all of the honorees for this well-deserved honor.

The Fallas Family

Congratulations to the past and present presidents of SBH for your hard work and dedication to our community.

Gail & Maurice Setton and Family

Our best wishes along with our deepest gratitude to Freddy & Gloria, Dr. Matalon & Barbara - the angels that walk this earth who prepared with true goodness and purity of heart the footsteps for our entire community to follow. They changed for the better not only the lives of those in need, but for allof us who were given the opportunity and privilege to grow, contribute and be a part of their holy vision and endeavor.

Profound additional thanks to our past presidents who dedicated with heart and soul the best of themselves-their time, talents, and resources to grow, expand upon and meet the ever changing challenges with devotion, grace and exceptional leadership qualities. We have and continue to learn from each and every one of them, impressed and inspired by their unique abilities so nobly fulfilling their role as Presidents of SBH.

We remember with love and reverence Joe BeydaA”H, Mickey KaireyA”H, Margaret MishaanA”H, Richard MishaanA”H, Abdo SultanA”H, and so many of the early members no longer with us who were teachers, friends and whose memories will always be a blessing.

Your and their (bala tashbi) holy deeds are and will be forever inscribed within the history of our community as well as in the eternal records of the higher realms.

Marlene & Avi Ben Dayan

In honor of Dr. Mayer Ballas for his extraordinary service as president of SBH and for his decades – long dedication to our community. Best wishes always, Mr. & Mrs. Maurice Abadi

In honor of Lee Cohen for his continued dedication to SBH and the community.

Jade & Joseph Haddad

Gail & Sonny Haddad

Congratulations to all the Presidents of SBH.

We can only imagine how hard you work for the betterment of our community. You are all inspirations for all of us to follow. Keep up the great work!

Renee & David Braha and Family

In Recognition of the Past, Present, and Future Presidents and Volunteers of SBH

This letter honors the dedicated parents and volunteers of the Reach for the Stars and Traveling Teens Sunday Groups, which ran from 2002 to 2018. These programs provided recreation for children and teens with autism and other special needs, while offering much-needed respite for their parents.

Dear Parents,

Thank you for entrusting your precious children to us. You will always be our heroes. The love, hard work, and unwavering devotion you poured into your children during their time in our program inspired us all. Your tireless efforts have left a lasting impact on our volunteers, motivating so many to pursue careers in special education, child behavioral psychology, and related fields, continuing the legacy of love, care, and support you exemplified. Together, you and this program at SBH have taught us to look beyond limitations and see the unique gifts in all children. For that, we are forever grateful.

To Our Incredible Volunteers,

We can never fully express our gratitude for the love, dedication, and countless hours you devoted to our program. Your efforts brought joy, care, and growth to every child you worked with, and your compassion made a lasting difference in their lives. Whether creating projects in the building or singing songs on the bus after a trip, your enthusiasm and excitement were always evident. You faced challenges with courage, learning as you went, while caring deeply for the children you shadowed every other Sunday. The skills and empathy you developed will stay with you forever. The next time you see a parent struggling with a child in a public space—perhaps in a supermarket or at the airport—you’ll recognize that the child might have special needs, possibly on the autism spectrum. You’ll understand that he or she is not defined by their disability, not “an autistic,” but a whole person with unique strengths and a place in this world. And you’ll teach others not to stare but to see the child with compassion and respect.

While it isn’t possible to name every volunteer who contributed to Reach for the Stars and Traveling Teens, each of you should know how deeply appreciated and valued you are. Your work has left an indelible mark on the children, their families, and the broader community. We would especially like to thank those who led and gave their all to this program, including:

Barbara Matalon and Gloria Bijou – Directors

Leah Mizrahi Orfalii – Assistant Director

Claire Rahmey Shamah – Super Secretary

Nancy Levy – Volunteer and Assistant to Directors

Shelly Berman – Volunteer, Physical Therapist, and later Assistant Director

Michelle Wahba – Volunteer and later Assistant Director

Carol Menashe – Volunteer and later Assistant Director

Your leadership, dedication, and vision helped make these programs the success they were, and your contributions will always be remembered with heartfelt gratitude.

With love, Gloria S. Bijou

To our role model and hero

Sam Sutton

All our lives we have had the honor of watching you dedicate your life to our community and the Jewish community at large. You’ve made it your life’s mission to make the world a better place and you have truly done it. Your passion and unwavering commitment to helping others is outstanding. With all the tireless work you’ve done and continue to do, you somehow find the time to be the greatest husband, father and grandfather we’ve ever known. We love you!

Love, Nancy, Your Children and Grandchildren

Congratulations to Lee Cohen and all the past and present presidents of SBH for your hard work and dedication to our community.

Hazak U’Baruch to all of the honorees for this well-deserved honor.

Claudie & Avi Houllou and Family

In honor of David Beyda

Mary & Abie Sutton

In honor of Dr. Victor Grazi

Thank you for your immeasurable commitment to both the community and to your patients. We are immensely grateful.

Liza & Hymie, Raquel & Steven, Stephanie & Sammy, Claudine & Mikey, Joyce & Elliot

In honor of the presidents and volunteers of SBH.

Your efforts redefine hesed while uplifting our community. Hazzak Ubaruch to you all.

Liza & Hymie Shamah and Families

Congratulations to my colleagues and friends, the Presidents of SBH! It has been a honor to work alongside many of you. May Hashem give you the strength to continue your success and many more achievements ahead!

Albert Ayal and Family

BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORSHIPS

Dear Lee , Your willingness, ability, intellect and strength are a guiding light to the members of the community that need it the most. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to all.

Eli Yedid

Congratulations to the past and present presidents of SBH for your hard work and dedication to our community.

Joyce & Abraham J. Kassin

Congratulations to all of the devoted and selfless leaders and volunteers of SBH for 50 years of non-stop building. We are proud to call you our friends. Your dedication has helped build a stronger, better and united community. You are all exemplary role models and an inspiration to our family. Thank you for all that you do.

Renee & Jeffrey Dweck and Family

In Honor of our dear friend David J. Beyda and all the past Presidents we thank you for your service especially Joseph D. Beyda A”H who’s vision and unconditional Acts of Chesed had a direct impact on our lives and we’re very grateful that his Son David is following in his footsteps.

Sammy J. Sutton

Norman D. Levy

In honor of Fred Bijou first president and founder of SBH

Fred Bijou’s and others started out visiting the sick. Their caring and compassion is what SBH represents and why it grew to what it is today 50 years of helping countless families. We are so proud of you.

Love always, Sallie Mishaan

Saul & Flora Mishaan

Charles & Ellen Mizrahi

Zaky A”H & Sophia Mishaan

Danny & Lauren Mishaan

Hazak U’baruch to our past presidents for their visionary leadership and dedication that have paved the way for our community to thrive.

Ariella & Al Falack

In Honor of Fred Bijou

The founding pillar of SBH whose humility and unwavering dedication to helping others have shaped and strengthened our community.

Danielle & Jackie Bijou

In honor of our incredible grandfather, Fred Bijou: Dear Grandpa,

We are deeply grateful and proud to have you as our role model. Your kindness, generosity, and dedication to others have left a profound impact on our community, and your selfless example has shown us that one act of kindness can change a life. As the founder of Sephardic Bikur Holim, you laid the foundation for SBH’s remarkable growth, which continues to transform lives. We cherish the lessons you’ve taught us by example, setting a standard for your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, B’H. Thank you, Grandpa, for your inspiration and lasting legacy. With love, Gloria & Steven Beyda

Congratulations to SBH on 50 amazing years!

Rachel & Eddie Betesh

Congratulations to Dr. Victor Grazi on this well-deserved honor and thank you to all of the present and past presidents of SBH for their tireless efforts on behalf of our community.

Jacqueline & Jeffrey Marcus

To our brother Fred

We are so incredibly proud of you and the organization that you helped build. You are an inspiration to all of us. May your work have an impact for generations to come. Love, Gina & Mark Levy and Family

To our brother Lee,

You are a true role model in the truest sense. You have inspired our entire family to get involved with SBH and we couldn’t thank you enough for that. May you always continue to be an inspiration for Hesed and giving.

Love Elissa & Nathan, Leslie, Pamela and Abie Menaged

Lee,

I can’t thank you enough for showing us how to give back to the community. As a son, father, grandfather, brother, and former president of SBH, you have always gone above and beyond for those you care about. You continue to make us proud every single day. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor.

We love you!

Mom and Vic

Dedicated to Jack Aini, Morris Braha and Laurie Mizrachi

Three role models to be admired by all. We couldn’t be more proud to of you.

Love, Kim & Jay Cohen

In recognition of all the past presidents of SBH for their dedication and commitment to our community and in honor of the current president, our good friend, David Beyda, May Hashem continue to bless him and his family!

Marcelle & Charles Sued

In honor of the presidents of SBH for their dedication and commitment to the organization and the community.

Douglas Jemal

In memory of my friend & mentor Joseph Beyda A”H, the man that taught me that fundraising is cool.

Eric Adjmi

In honor of all of the presidents and all of the amazing volunteers who work so tirelessly on behalf of our community, with our deepest gratitude and admiration. Drs. Gayle & Brian Krost and Family

We celebrate with our family the 50th anniversary of SBH and in honor of Fred Bijou. A Pioneer and inspiration and selfless worker for our community.

Love, Jack and Bobbie Beyda and Family

Congratulations to the past and present presidents of SBH on your remarkable achievements!! Your hard work and unwavering dedication have significantly enriched our community. Thank you for your leadership, vision, and the countless hours you’ve devoted to making SBH a beacon of hope and progress. Your leadership inspires us all and drives our mission forward. Thank you for your commitment to making a difference.

Michelle & Michael Wahba

In honor of the presidents and volunteers of SBH, our community is truly blessed to have your dedication and service. Your commitment makes a profound difference and we are grateful for all you do to strengthen and uplift us.

Amy & Ronnie Shalom

It has been my honor to work with SBH. Putting together the “Source” has been an educational experience. Every article tells of the amazing work being done. The photos show the joy in the process. The people being helped. The problems being solved. The wonderful volunteers that give their time and support. The caring and brilliant staff. The growth over the years (there always seems to be a new Division to answer a new need). Since that first meeting, in Gloria and Freddy Bijou’s living room, SBH has not stopped, and will never stop being there for our community.

Trina & Ezra Sultan

In honor of Lee Cohen for his unwavering Dedication to SBH and helping others.

Michael & Rosette Setton

Congratulations to Sammy Sutton and all the SBH presidents.

For decades, Sam has spent all his energy working for the betterment of our community, who as a whole is a beneficiary of all your hard work. Thank you for all that you do!

Ricky & Rachel Novick

Congratulations SBH and all of the presidents on this amazing honor.

Doris & David Mosseri

Dear SBH leaders and volunteers, Your vision and sacrifice have built our community values and our future.

Rabbi Ricky & Jamie Cohen

In honor of Lee Cohen for his dedication and commitment to SBH and the community.

Belly & Toby Souleiman

To our amazing grandfather, Sam Sutton. Grandpa Sam, we are so lucky to have you as our grandfather and role model. Your dedication to the community and love for community service inspire us daily. It is a wonder that between all of the time that you give to SBH, SCF, Teach NYS and the Cancer Center, you still have time to play ball with us, take us everywhere on outings, get bagels every morning and have sleepovers with us in the treehouse!

We love you!

Love,

Your Grandchildren

With gratitude to SBH and the honorees, and with full confidence in the next generation of SBH leaders: You prove true that our “world is built on kindness” (Tehillim 89:3). You inspire us to do more. Anonymous

In honor of Lee Cohen for his service to our community. Kim & Jimmy Tawil

In honor of all the presidents that have served our community through their work with SBH.

Alan & Carla Ades

In honor of Harold Dweck for all the hard work he does for SBH.

Sophia & Morris Dweck and Family

Honoring all the great presidents that have worked tirelessly, with great dedication to make the community what it is today.

With admiration, Helen & Jimmy Haber

In honor of Lee Cohen and the presidents of SBH who have helped countless community members over the last 50 years.

Elizabeth and Marjorie Gindi

Thank you to all our Presidents for all you do and hove done for our community.

Thank you for inspiring us to give from our hearts while enriching our souls.

Cindy & Albert Antebi and Family

Thank you to Ricky Esses For your continued support of SBH!

SBH

Together we are strong

See a brighter future

With compassion, resilience and care

Visiting, feeding, nurturing, healing

We are there

Count on us to bring relief

When you’re in need

CHORUS

SBH

Together we are strong

Hand in hand to help you along

Any challenge you face

You’ll never be alone

With every hand that we hold and every smile we share

We’re always there

Take a walk inside

We’ll help you thrive

CHORUS

SBH

Together we are strong

Hand in hand to help you along

We’re here for you, to guide you, don’t ever think twice

Sharing, Building, Healing, SBH is by your side

By your side

From home to home, we bring relief

One community

From home to home, we bring relief

One community

From home to home, we bring relief

One community

From home to home, we bring relief

One community

CHORUS

SBH

Together we are strong

Hand in hand to help you along

We’re here for you, to guide you, don’t ever think twice

Sharing, Building, Healing, SBH is by your side

Created by: Abe Heaney and Marshall Mizrahi

Written by: Abe Heaney, Irv Safdieh, Ralph Hanan

Lead Vocal: Irv Safdieh

Guitars: Abe Heaney, Irv Safdieh

Drums: Ralph Hanan

Bass: Isaac Silvera

Piano: Sam Tawil

Vocals: Albert Ashkenazi

String Section:

Garry Ianco - Violin

Patty Gonsky - Cello

Tina Wagner - Viola

Nicole Scorsone - Violin/Arranger

Executive Producer: Marshall Mizrahi

Produced by: Ralph Hanan

Mixed by: Nick Semanchik

Recorded at Lakehouse Music

Thank you to our talented volunteers for this beautifully written song!