Yeshivah of Flatbush Winter 2024 Bulletin

BULLETIN Y E S H I V A H

O F

F L A T B U S H

Sh'vat 5784 • Winter 2024

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Letter from the

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Dear Flatbush Family,

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hen we started off the school year in September, we set out for a typical year, celebrating the Yomim Noraim, Sukkot, and looking forward to a Fall semester filled with the warmth of our many traditions, at home and at school. But we all know that on October 7th, we experienced a new and unwelcome reality. Nevertheless, our loyalty to Am Yisrael has brought us together in the most beautiful of ways throughout this trying time.

As a Yeshivah and a community, we immediately started to figure out how to help Israel. We planned two Achdut Missions filled with dedicated Joel Braverman High School students, parents and faculty members who, without much prior notice, embarked on a different type of chesed mission than the one that our school usually plans. Trip participants brought over emergency supplies and toys for displaced children, and spent time speaking with some of the victims who were directly affected. There is a third trip in the works for the Spring semester, and our annual JBHS Chesed Mission is getting set to leave at press time.

As we head to print on this Bulletin, we are proud to announce the new naming of our Houllou Elementary School. This historic naming comes following a generous donation by Claudie and Avi Houllou, marking the largest

CLAUDIE (HABER) HOULLOU (ES '95, HS '99)

contribution ever received by the institution since its founding in 1927.

Our Elementary School Ve’ahavta Program has been running strong. Every grade has participated in fundraisers that are having a positive impact on multiple organizations helping Israel, and hundreds of our students have sent letters to IDF soldiers and to children in orphanages.

On a different note, our Early Childhood students started off the year by receiving an important gift–the Lev Tahor Audio Siddur, illustrated and recorded by YOF students. We hope this compilation inspires your child to pray every day.

The high school students have been enjoying playing basketball and participating in physical education classes in the new Triangle Capital Gymnasium. The East classrooms, designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, bright lighting, and a new heating and cooling system, are now complete, as well as the new Administrative Wing. Two beautiful new studios — one for graphic design and one for art — will be ready for students to use this month.

As we plunge into what we hope will be a season of renewal and strength, our students and staff will be thinking of our family in Israel, working for them, and praying for them. May Hashem bring peace to Israel and watch over our IDF soldiers as they defend our Holy Land and all of the Jewish people

Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Rothman Executive Vice President

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Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School

Yeshivah of Flatbush Bulletin Staff

JBHS Head of School Rabbi Joseph Beyda

Editor-in-Chief Ms. Michelle Olveira

Associate Principal, Director of Teaching and Learning Ms. Esther Hidary (HS ’94) Associate Principal, Director of Student Advancement Rabbi Yigal Sklarin Associate Principal, Director of Student Life Dr. Michael Atlas Assistant Principal, Director of Student Experience Rabbi David Galpert (ES ’05, HS ’09) Dean of Students Rabbi Naftali Besser Rosh Bet Midrash Rabbi Avi Harari (ES ’99, HS ’03) President Mr. Abe Hanan (ES ’90, HS ’94)

Yeshivah of Flatbush Houllou Elementary School Head of Houllou Elementary School Rabbi Yahel Tsaidi Principal, Middle School, Director of Academic Development Rabbi Alan Berkowitz Co-Principal, Middle School Rabbi Ronn Yaish (HS ’92) Head of Student Life Mr. Robert Berkman Associate Principal, Judaic Studies, Lower School Mrs. Chani Gratzman Associate Principal of General Studies, Lower School/Director of Teaching and Learning Rabbi Dr. David Saltzman Assistant Principal of General Studies, Lower School Ms. Marie Angel Director, Student Services Dr. Nicole Yossef Director, Early Childhood Ms. Debbie Levine Greenbaum

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Director of Admissions Ms. Sally Hamway Director of Guidance Dr. Etty Mizrahi (ES ’97, HS ’01) Director of College Guidance Ms. Emily Mottahedeh

Editorial Assistants Ms. Faith Edeson (ES ’04, HS ’08) Mrs. Michelle Kopylov (ES ’97, HS ‘01) Photographers Mrs. Florence Levy (ES '04) Mrs. Roslyn Solomon Design Bottom Line Marketing Group

Yeshivah of Flatbush Houllou Elementary School 919 East 10th Street Brooklyn NY 11230 718-377-4466

Principal Emeritus Rabbi Dr. David Eliach, Z”L

Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School

Yeshivah of Flatbush Executive Office

Al and Sonny Gindi Campus 1609 Avenue J Brooklyn, NY 11230 718-377-1100

Executive Vice President Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Rothman Chief Financial Officer Ms. Aliyah Kozirovsky-Ratsen Director of Development Mrs. Vicky Amzalag

Yeshivah of Flatbush Executive Office 975 East 13th Street Brooklyn, NY 11230 718-377-4040

Director of Information Technology Mr. Joe Cruz Director of Finance Mrs. Faigie Gelbstein Director, William S. Levine Family Shoah Institute Rabbi Dr. David Hertzberg Director of Operations Ms. Esther Kizelnik Director of Marketing and Communications Ms. Ilana Lax Director of Admissions Ms. Sonia Shacalo Director of Capital Campaign Mrs. Norma Shamah

@yofhs @yoflatbush @yofladiesauxiliary Facebook.com/YeshivahOfFlatbush Facebook.com/YOFHS Facebook.com/YOFALUMNI

Leap

of Faith

6 Achdut Mission

17 StSTAR udents

8 Numbers Names, Not

Students are hopeful to spend their gap year in Israel.

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9 Tragedy & Strength

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Israel Relations class prepares students for college conversations.

Sophomores Help inHouston

TABLE of CONTENTS

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Letter from the Executive Vice President

Mother of hostage Ori Danino shares her story at JBHS. The Naomi Houllou A"H Ladies Auxiliary

Spreads

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Speaking Up Student Emily Tarrab leads the way for other students to show their support for Israel.

10 Light Around Town 11 Ve’ah vta 20-23 the

The Houllou Elementary School

Chesed Program

i a Am m h C 12 Yisrael

YOF shows its support at the March for Israel in D.C.

Early Childhood Students Receive

"Lev Tahor"

14 Audio

Siddur

Flatbush Highlights

Alumni lights High

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Sports

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26 Reunions 28 Annual 29 Donors 30 Capital Campaign 31 Corporate Sponsors Donors Annually Named Programs

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Together As ONE

l e a r s I d YOF an

YOF

led two Achdut Missions to Israel this past fall, comprising students, parents, faculty members and board members. JBHS Head of School Rabbi Joseph Beyda, Head of Houllou Elementary School Rabbi Yahel Tsaidi, JBHS Associate Principal Rabbi Yigal Sklarin, and William S. Levine Family Shoah Institute Director Rabbi Dr. David Hertzberg helped deliver hundreds of bags of essential supplies and gifts packed by our students. Over each five-day trip, they visited hospitals and IDF bases, donated backpacks and other necessities to children, and met with locals whose lives were severely impacted by the attacks on October 7, 2023. Here are some memorable moments from these meaningful trips.

To read Rabbi Sklarin's personal account of the first Achdut Mission, please visit tinyurl.com/2023yofachdut.

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1. Visiting with Shlomit families at the Cramim Hotel

4. Painting the children’s bomb shelter at Migdal Or

2. Ms. Donna Cohen, a Yishuv Shlomit widow, speaks to our students and parents

5. Visiting recovering wounded soldiers at Tel Hashomer

3. The first Achdut Mission gets ready to board at Newark

7. The second Achdut Mission prays together at The Kotel

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6. The group has lunch with the mayor of Ra’anana

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" Every person we met, and every place we went, inspired us by allowing us to be part of something bigger than ourselves: the Jewish people, Am Yisrael ... Through the tears shed on our trip we all realized not just how connected we have become, but also how connected we always were."

— Rabbi Yigal Sklarin

8. View of The Kotel from the Kotel Border Patrol Headquarters

14. Tree planting at Gush army base

9. Visiting Har Herzl Military Cemetery

15. At the Military Rabbinate headquarters, Sifrei Torah wait to be fixed before being distributed to army units

10. Helping out at Yad Leah Children’s Clothing Distribution 11. Working the land at Gush army base 12. View from the top of the Aish Building 13. Menorah at the Knesset

16. Attending the 30-day memorial service in the center of Jerusalem 17. Kotel Border Patrol Headquarters 18. Enjoying a barbecue at a tank base WINTER 2024 |

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Safeguarding

History Names, Not Numbers© program students work towards creating their final documentary.

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ifty-eight 8th grade Names, Not Numbers© (NNN) program participants and their proud parents gathered last September for the official rollout of this unique, interactive, multi-media Holocaust project. Created by educator Tova Rosenberg, the program engages students in an experiential journey to become documentary filmmakers, preserving the testimony of Holocaust survivors for future generations.

The NNN program began by giving student participants a firm understanding of the history of the period, which started with sessions conducted by Rabbi Dr. David Hertzberg, Director of the William S. Levine Family Shoah Institute. Students studied biographies of seven Holocaust survivors and created interview questions after learning interviewing tips from professional journalist Jeff Salgo. They also had a film technique session with professional filmmaker Garrett Geary to learn how to hold the camera and edit their videos. In December, students were broken into groups of eight as they took turns running the camera themselves and asking survivors questions about their lives before, during, and after the Holocaust. In meaningful and moving dialogue, students learned of each survivor’s harrowing story — partisans hiding in the forest, Jewish children hiding as Christians, as well as the ghastly lives spent in ghettos and concentration camps. The week of interviews culminated in a thought-provoking session on emunah, led

by Rabbi Hertzberg, followed by the students’ shared reflections.

Liberal Arts chairperson and NNN coordinator, Ms. Barbara Zelenetz, explained how proud she is of the commitment these students have made.

Her goal is to teach the students “to ask, to listen, to empathize, to record, and to connect … and to always remember.”

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EVELYN (MERMELSTEIN) ORKABY (HS '66)

For a more visual understanding of their Holocaust studies, students also visited the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Manhattan, where they were welcomed by the museum’s Director of Education, Dr. Paul Radensky. Students were led through the new exhibition, "The Holocaust: What Hate Can Do," by trained docents (one of whom is Flatbush alumna and parent, Ms. Evelyn Orkaby). They examined artifacts and heard stories from around the world, illuminating the global impact of the Holocaust. As a culminating activity, Dr. Radensky conducted a workshop on the way historians research and analyze artifacts to learn what they teach us about history. As student Marcelle Tawil shared, “I learned many things today, but one that stood out was that even in such difficult, terrible times the Jews managed to keep their religion and not lose hope.”

Over the next two months, students will be editing and crafting their two-hour interviews into a powerful documentary film that will premiere on May 16th at YOF, when everyone will get a chance to meet these heroic survivors in person. The documentary will then be archived for future generations in Israel’s Yad Vashem, the Hebrew University Library in Jerusalem, and Yeshiva University’s Gottesman Library.

Names, Not Numbers© is generously supported by a prominent foundation.

Names, Not Numbers © is part of the William S. Levine Family Shoah Institute.

Tragedy & Strength

Mother of hostage Ori Danino shares her story and gains inspiration from the warmth of YOF.

JBHS

welcomed guest speaker Ms. Einav Danino, along with her young daughter, to the Khezrie Auditorium the first week of January. Ms. Danino shared the tragic story of her son, Ori, who was at the music festival the day of the attack.

He was in his car, but went back to the festival to save more people and is currently being held hostage in Gaza. (A brother and sister who Ori went back to save but were taken as hostages were recently released.) As Ori’s mother poured her heart into each agonizing word she shared with the 11th and 12th grade students, her voice sounded as if she had been crying for 89 days.

She said it is hard to go to sleep every day and not be able to hug her son, or hear his voice in the morning.

However, she thanks Hashem for this difficult test and does not ask why this happened to her son.

In the audience was Ms. Sally Muschel, a Holocaust survivor who had been part of a recent Witness Theater program here at YOF. Ms. Muschel shared, “I really feel with you.” She continued, “I know what you’re going through…I also had a time where I was fighting a lot with Hashem.”

Ms. Danino came to JBHS with the help of Ms. Jenine Shwekey and the Special Children’s Center, which sponsored her visit to New York City. Ms. Shwekey reached out to board member Ms. Ami Sasson, to have Ms. Danino speak at YOF to gain inspiration and strength from the students. After speaking with Ms. Sasson, Head of School Rabbi Joseph Beyda felt it was imperative that the students hear Ms. Danino speak.

Rabbi Naftali Besser, Dean of Students, led the students in saying tehillim, as well as singing "Acheinu," "Vehi She’amda," and "Hatikvah." Every student sang with kavanah. The female students made a circle of unity as they sang and prayed.

A special hafrashat challah prayer was said on challah dough prepared by Ms. Sasson. “She came here for inspiration and strength, but that is what I found in her,” shared Ms. Sasson.

The entire Flatbush Family and all of Am Yisrael pray for Ori’s safe return.

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Spreading

t h g i L Together the

Ladies Auxiliary events illuminate family time.

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he Naomi Houllou A"H Ladies Auxiliary is always finding ways to bring students and parents together. Houllou Elementary School Co-Presidents Ms. Sarah Chalouh and Ms. Beatrice Sutton, and JBHS Co-Presidents Ms. Limor Madeb and Ms. Nicole Oved, led Flatbush Family members during two uplifting events this fall.

In November, the JBHS Laniado Gym was the backdrop for the Annual Challah Bake. The evening was dedicated to Israel, and included an Israeli-style shuk, dinner, music and blue and white decor. More than 200 female students attended with their mothers, grandmothers and aunts. Attendees heard from JBHS Jewish History Department Chair Ms. Miriam Wielgus, and Middle School Judaic Studies faculty member Ms. Rachelle Tawil, who shared inspiring words of Divrei Torah and led participants through the process of hafrashat challah. A portion of the proceeds from the event went to Israel relief efforts.

they played Chanukah games, got their faces painted, navigated a climbing apparatus, decorated t-shirts, and danced to a silent disco in the dark. The children were happy to meet the night’s robotic special guest.

Thank you to all who came and danced in the spirit of Chanukah, to the committee for planning the event, for the parents who joined in on the fun, and to The Akiva Group for making it all possible.

In December, the Ladies Auxiliary hosted its annual Chanukah Extravaganza, “Light Up the Night”, for Early Childhood and Lower School students. The evening was kicked off by a beautiful candle lighting led by Head of Houllou Elementary School Rabbi Yahel Tsaidi.

Students enjoyed pizza and sufganiyot as

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SARAH (SHAMAH) CHALOUH (ES ‘01, HS ‘05)

At the Heart of

a t v h a ’ e V I

Students from A2s to 8th grade get involved to help Israel.

n the immediate aftermath of the horrific attack on Israel on October 7th, the Houllou Elementary School, under the guidance of Head of School Rabbi Yahel Tsaidi, wasted no time jumping in to engage the entire student body from Early Childhood through 8th grade in an overwhelming effort to immerse themselves in chesed programs and opportunities.

In a continued partnership under the Ve'ahavta umbrella, which includes the Ve’ahavta chesed committee along with the Naomi Houllou A”H Ladies Auxiliary’s Heart of Gold chesed committee, YOF embarked on a campaign to adopt the Yeshuv of Shlomit, located on the border of Gaza and Egypt, from where four members of the community lost their lives while saving hundreds of families in the region.

Early Childhood’s contributions involved a Touch-a-toe-athon from A2s, a Jump-a-thon from Atideinu, a JumpingJack-a-thon from Nursery, and a Bounce-a-thon from Kindergarten.

First graders brought in games and toys that would eventually be sent to orphanages in Israel, along with cards they designed for each child. Second graders participated in a YOF march for Israel to show their solidarity. Classes made Israeli flags, wore bracelets, and decorated t-shirts and banners that they waved proudly as they marched throughout the school. Third grade students wrote letters of hope and encouragement to IDF soldiers on illustrated letterhead, donated by alumna Elizabeth Sutton. Students wrote heartwarming messages, many in Hebrew, with the help of their teachers, parent volunteers and this year’s Bnot Sherut, Noa and Hallel. The letters were sent to last year's Bnot Sherut, Ruth and Talia, who personally delivered them to army bases around Israel.

Fourth graders gathered for “Berachot for Israel,” a special seder in honor of the IDF. Students took turns reciting berachot for specific soldiers whose names were on a list because of their connection to YOF. Fifth graders participated in a special Oneg Shabbat Challah Bake.

Middle School students held two major programs to support our homeland. In one event, they transformed the auditorium into a shuk to raise money for Israel.

Each grade was in charge of setting up a shop and selling a particular item to fellow Middle School students, fifth graders, and YOF's guests from Gesher Yehuda. To prepare for the shuk, students spent the week buying and packaging items, brainstorming raffle ideas and creating posters. Once the doors opened, students scoured the auditorium exchanging their tickets for Israeli souvenirs, beanies, candy, snacks, sweatshirts, kippot and raffle tickets. Students also wrote letters to be sent directly to the Kotel and recited a Perek of Tehilim.

Additionally, Middle School participated in a “for kids, by kids” fundraiser auction, led by Associate Director of Student Engagement Mrs. Dovrat Levi, which raised money towards the rebuilding of Yishuv Shlomit. Middle School boys made tzitzit for IDF soldiers. The tzitzit, along with touching notes from our students, were delivered to IDF soldiers during the YOF Israel Achdut Mission. The tzitzit were donated in memory of Ralph J. Harary.

A special thank you to the Heart of Gold Committee and all of the parent volunteers for making many of the above programs possible. If you would like to donate, please visit www.yofveahavta.org.

The Elementary School Ve'ahavta Chesed Program is Dedicated by The Douek Family Foundation.

ELIZABETH (INGBER) SUTTON (ES ‘03, HS ‘07)

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i a Am m h C Yisrael YOF joins nearly 300,000 supporters at the March for Israel Rally.

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n November 14th, JBHS students, 8th grade students, faculty, staff and parents joined almost 300,000 fellow Jews at the historic March for Israel Rally in Washington, D.C. Although the logistics of the day were challenging, the overwhelming feeling amongst participants was our yearning to showcase our unwavering support for Eretz Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael as well as our commitment to fighting antisemitism.

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t s r i F d n i K THE

OF ITS

YOF gifts Early Childhood students with “Lev Tahor” Audio Siddur.

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o start off the school year, Nursery and Kindergarten students participated in a special morning in honor of the first of its kind Early Childhood “Lev Tahor” Audio Siddur. The Multi-Purpose Room was decorated with large posters of enlarged drawings that Nursery through 8th grade students submitted to be featured in the audio book—but the main focal point of the space was a mysterious giant box decorated like a present.

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SALLY (VARON) GROSS (ES '01, HS '05)

Before they could unwrap the mystery, the students participated in a grade-wide tefillah led by their chazzanim. Head of Houllou Elementary School Rabbi Yahel Tsaidi posed questions hinting at what might be inside the oversized box. Early Childhood Director Debbie Levine Greenbaum asked students to guess what they thought could be inside. Once the box was opened, the students’ precious gift was revealed: their own audio siddur, dedicated in loving memory of Mosen Ben Leah A”H. “The siddur in its purest form provides the opportunity for true and organic expression of the neshama reaching out to Hashem,” shared Rabbi Tsaidi.

The Elementary School tefillah program is led by Mr. Morris Varon and his daughter, Ms. Sally Varon Gross.

The siddur represents the daily tefillot in which YOF’s youngest students engage every day in school. Mr. Varon, YOF Board Member Eric Stern, who was both a tefillah and musical advisor on the project, and

faculty member Yoav Fleischman chose Lower and Middle School students to sing either the Sephardi or Ashkenazi versions of each prayer. Two dozen student artists from Nursery through 8th grade created images that were used to illustrate each prayer. Houllou Elementary School art faculty members Ms. Naomi Hamui and parent volunteer Ms. Jenifer Oved helped organize and arrange the student artwork included in the siddur. Each artist was invited to the program and also received a copy of the siddur.

“This siddur, the first of its kind, represents the synthesis of our unique YOF community. It melds the tunes and nusach of both our ‫ ספרדי‬and ‫ אשכנזי‬families,” explained Rabbi Tsaidi.

After receiving their siddur, students gathered under tallitot for Birkat Kohanim. They were each given a cookie and recited a beracha together to sweeten the day.

To watch the audio siddur celebration video, please visit tinyurl.com/flatbushecsiddur. The Elementary School Tefillah Program is dedicated in memory of Ralph J. Harary A”H.

ALUMNI NAOMI (AZAR) NAMEHAMUI AND YEAR (HS '94)

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Leap

of Faith

In a time of uncertainty, many students are still looking forward to learning in Israel next year.

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any of our seniors are holding steadfast to their hopes that they can make spending a gap year in Israel for the 2024–2025 school year work. At this time, Israel Guidance Coordinators Rabbi Avi Harari and Ms. Miriam Wielgus are planning for approximately 60 students to make the leap.

“Our support of Israel is particularly important during times of difficulty and crisis,” shared Rabbi Harari.

“There is no greater way to support our country than showing up and becoming a part of it.”

Twelfth grader Ralph Braha expressed how learning in Israel before college gives students an opportunity to push themselves, “while growing as a Ben-Torah.” He added, “Living in Israel will give me a better sense of the current circumstances, and will allow me to directly show my support.”

Senior Esther Lazerowitz explained why she feels the pull to study in Israel next year. “We need to learn to truly appreciate our Jewish identities and lifestyle in an immersive environment like Israel in order to combat antisemitism from every part of our being.”

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“Now, more than ever, Israel needs us to show our support by putting skin in the game. Living and learning Torah in Israel is a privilege and a z’chut that strengthens the Jewish people and our spiritual connection to Hashem, as well as the land He gave us,” explained Ms. Wielgus. “Students who are studying there this year are not only learning but volunteering, doing chesed and feeling incredibly connected to the people and the land.”

Above and below: Rabbi Avi Harari and Ms. Miriam Wielgus meet up with recent alumni in Israel.

STAR s t n e Stud Twelfth graders are given the tools to converse confidently about Israel in college, with friends, and on the street.

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hen seniors walk into Mr. Howard Rothbort’s Israel World Relations classroom, they have a lot of questions.

They know some things, but not all things, about the Israeli-Palestinian conversations in which they will soon need to participate. Mr. Rothbort wants them to feel comfortable in any and all future discussions with friends, colleagues, or strangers and offers students all of the necessary tools to feel confident.

The class, which is also taught by faculty members Ms. Florence Deutsch and Mr. Justin Engel, provides a forum in which students can analyze and discuss controversial issues regarding Israel, and reaffirm their commitment to the Land and the Jewish people.

YOF prepares students to leave YOF with a firm grasp of Israel’s recent and ancient history, its inception and wars. They have to know the historical context of the various intifadas, the rhetoric of the other side, and what peace-building agreements have been put into place in the past.

“I explain to the students that their target audience is the person sitting on either side of them who lacks the information to have an informed opinion,” said Mr. Rothbort. They need to “be able to identify media bias as well as key aspects of the Palestinian

narrative” in order to successfully address difficult questions about the war in Gaza both in and out of the classroom.

YOF recent alumni are now being tasked more than ever on college campuses about explaining the specifics of Israel’s recent and earlier history. Many former students have reached out to Mr. Rothbort via email to say how useful his classes were in providing necessary informational resources on the conflict so that they can competently discuss the situation with peers, as well as strangers. One student wrote to him that she had a long conversation with an Uber driver about Israel’s Iron Dome and the media’s double standard when it comes to Israel. As a result of Mr. Rothbort’s classes, YOF students are adding more informed people into the global conversation.

But how do students know exactly where to go to research all of the thousands of materials available online, and to know which ones to trust? Mr. Rothbort makes it easy for them. He created a website that is accessible to all YOF seniors, as well as alumni, that gathers hundreds of articles, documents and videos that will help steer them to the right places to find information. In fact, the culminating 12th grade project asks students to select a criticism of Israel (colonialist/apartheid state, genocide of Palestinians, not interested in peace) explain it and then successfully debunk it in a PSA video.

The JBHS History Department is dedicated by the Bailey, Jerome and Horovits Families.

FLORENCE DEUTSCH (ES '13, HS '17) • HOWARD ROTHBORT (ES '83, HS '87)

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Helping Big inTEXAS Sophomore girls feed the homeless and help restore homes in Houston.

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n November, two groups of sophomore girls visited Houston a week apart, on two NCSY chesed missions. These missions reinforced the students' commitment to Tikkun Olam and spreading chesed. JBHS faculty members Ms. Carolina Cohen, Ms. Vivian Cohen and Ms. Fortune Terzi accompanied the girls on these trips.

On the second day of their trips, the students worked with Habitat for Humanity to paint and help with house repairs for families in need. They were thankful to have the opportunity to meet the homeowners, who expressed their gratitude for the students’ hard work. It was rewarding for the girls to see the direct impact of their kind actions.

On the first day of both trips, the girls stopped at a local Walmart to pick up food and necessities for a pop-up café. After setting up a table in a designated spot with welcome signs, they offered food and friendly conversation to homeless people who had lined up for a meal.

For their final day in Houston, both groups volunteered at the Houston Food Bank, where they sorted and packaged food. Afterwards, they reflected on the emotional moments of their trip with an NCSY team member.

“The pop-up café taught the girls to work outside of their comfort zone. At the start, they were uncomfortable and unsure how to react towards homeless people. As the activity progressed, they found themselves running to the homeless people’s tents to give them watermelon and bottles of water,” shared Ms. Vivian Cohen.

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Other activities on the trips included bowling, a Houston Rockets basketball game, and a visit to Dave & Buster’s, as well as some memorable meals.

VIVIAN COHEN (ES ‘17, HS ‘21) • FORTUNE (SHEHEBAR) TERZI (ES '89 HS '93)

During both trips, the girls brought the Flatbush ruach with them to all of their chesed projects.

Speaking Up T

he Shifra Hanon Pathfinders Department handles more than 60 YOF clubs, academic teams and student groups overseen by Ms. Doris Anteby. One club within Pathfinders is Students Supporting Israel (SSI), co-led by sophomore Emily Tarrab. It is a high school chapter of an international grassroots movement that works towards speaking publicly about pro-Israel beliefs and supporting fellow Jewish students, especially on college campuses. Emily leads the club with sophomore Daniel Hafif and junior Katie Hidary.

After the events of October 7th, Emily felt it was important to secure a powerful speaker to come to JBHS. Television personality and pro-Israel advocate Emily Austin spoke with 10th and 11th graders about ways to support Israel online and educate themselves enough to be key players in important conversations. “We need to be more vocal. We do not have a choice anymore,” explained Ms. Austin.

Emily’s interest in Israel bloomed in 7th grade at YOF when she was part of Tikvah Fund’s Truman Scholars Program that connects American history and its Hebraic roots with Israel and Zionism. Today, Emily is also a member of the American Jewish Committee’s Leaders

Sophomore Emily Tarrab leads the way on teaching others how to support Israel.

for Tomorrow program, a connection that Pathfinders helped her to make. The New York cohort has around 20 students who discuss the history of Zionist politics and train in how to become community leaders who fight antisemitism. “I bring a lot of what I am learning in the leadership program back to Flatbush,” shared Emily. During one of JBHS’s “Israel Minutes,” which have been scheduled almost daily since the war began, Emily addressed 10th, 11th and 12th graders about the obligation they have to fight for Israel “on the digital front of the war.”

Every Friday, the SSI Club meets, often with a prepared Google Slide presentation that they share with other students, one of which focuses on helping them identify antisemitism based on Natan Sharansky’s three Ds: Demonization, Delegitimization, and Double-standards.

SSI’s approximately dozen-person team operates tables during lunch in the café, equipped with laptops open to petitions that need signing or letters ready to be emailed to Congress.

Under the mentorship of faculty member Mr. Howard Rothbort, Emily and the SSI Club members spoke with representatives in Congress last year about the need for America to give additional security to Israel, as well as the importance of advocating for women and other oppressed civilians in Iran. “Being in SSI gives me the opportunity to make a difference politically, and that is the most compelling to me.” SSI is planning on presenting to Congress again in May, using AIPAC’s lobbying tactics.

DORIS (SILVERA) ANTEBY (ES '97, HS '01)

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AROUND TOWN Flatbush Highlights

Superstar Scholars

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he Shifra Hanon Pathfinders Department, led by Director Ms. Caroll Dweck-Sutton, offers students a Summer Scholars Program that invites them to embark on an independent research project of their choice over the summer. Pathfinders Counselor and Summer Scholars Coordinator Ms. Emily Anteby oversees students' projects.

Researching the Rainbow

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• Ezra Harari created an investment questionnaire to research links between people’s personalities and their investment habits.

he JBHS Science Department debuted Discover: A Night of Science Wonder on December 19th. The night’s theme was “color” as students explored and presented unique research topics related to the science of the visible light spectrum. More than 100 eager science students presented their research to a receptive audience of family members, faculty, and student peers. Students researched one of three science disciplines — physics, chemistry, or biology. Rabbi Joseph Beyda, Head of School, and Ms. Binah Freedman, Science Department Chair, spoke about the seamless intersection of our Judaic values and the study of science. The program concluded with a beautiful rendition of “Joseph’s Coat of Many Colors” by the JBHS choir.

• Shirley Jajati wrote her own novella themed on societal and parental pressures on youths.

The JBHS High School Choir is dedicated in memory of Esther Gordon A”H & Ruth Peres A”H.

Here were last summer’s YOF scholars, who were recognized at a Summer Symposium event in November: • David Balleh wrote a collection of philosophical dialogues.

• Linda Benun wrote her own music and lyrics to a song.

• Sarah Chetrit created her own website dedicated to how to teach children to become bilingual.

• Oren Garber researched the effects of video games on mental health and created YOF’s first Mental Health Awareness event, including field professionals.

• Rivkah Lahav researched the fundamentals of sound and wrote her own song with chords that were written using physics as a guide rather than instruments.

• Rachel Salama investigated the relationship between color and memory retention.

• Bella Shamayeva studied how Covid-19 impacted the consumer behavior trends of fast fashion consumers.

• Joseph Tawil took a Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate course that led him to design a data-driven project in the realm of commercial real estate.

The Shifra Hanon Pathfinders Department is dedicated by The Hanon Family.

20 | Y E S H I V A H O F F L A T B U S H

CAROLL DWECK-SUTTON (ES '08, HS '12) • EMILY (SHREM) ANTEBY (ES '09, HS '13)

Reading Adventure

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he Naomi Houllou A”H Ladies Auxiliary held its annual Book Fair in a cozy “campfire” setting. Students had the opportunity to browse through multiple genres of books, enjoy a read under a tree decorated with smiling photos, and camp out inside a tepee. On their way out, students added their favorite book titles onto a board and guessed how many marshmallows were in a container for a chance to win a fondue set and camping blanket. Thank you to the dedicated committee and parent volunteers who helped bring true meaning to this year’s motto: “s’more books, s’more smiles!”

Fall Flourishes

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n the last Grow Torah session of the fall season, Kindergarten students and Farmer Spence discussed Parshat Vayeishev, in which Yosef has a dream that the brothers' sheaves of wheat bow down to Yosef's sheaf of wheat. Classes discussed the prominence of wheat in Jewish traditions, both in the making of challah and as the source of 11 melachot of Shabbat. After exploring the garden, students had the opportunity to smell besamim, grow winter wheat, and harvest their carrots.

Digital Footsteps

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uring National Computer Science Week, Early Childhood students were introduced to coding with an unplugged dance activity as they designed a coding dance using arrows, spirals and footsteps to create a pattern. Lower School students learned about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and coding concepts to create their own virtual dance party. Middle Schoolers explored the basics of circuitry this semester by creating light-up LED cards and building a variety of circuit types using conductible materials.

Melodious Mi Sheberach

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he Houllou Elementary School Choir released an uplifting video of the Mi Sheberach prayer and sent it to the IDF. YOF hopes it provides chizuk for all of Am Yisrael during this challenging time. You can watch the video at tinyurl.com/yofmisheberach.

The Dr. Albert Montague A”H STEM Institute is dedicated

by Julie and Steven Montague.

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AROUND TOWN Flatbush Highlights Continued

Talking Turkey

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tudents in Morah Gital’s N2 class got ready for Thanksgiving as they prepared pumpkin pie and made edible teepees!

The Sound of Silence

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or Chanukah, 8th graders broke out their dancing shoes at a silent disco at a holiday chagigah! Students enjoyed pizza, got sticky with cotton candy, had fun making silly poses with each other at the photo booth, heard a Dvar Torah and participated in a kumzits.

They also received their 8th grade T-Shirts and passed them around to be signed by friends.

22 | Y E S H I V A H O F F L A T B U S H

Horsing Around

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rs. Naomi Hamui’s fourth grade art students followed directed grid drawing techniques to create beautiful watercolor horse paintings. Once the design of the horse was complete, students were given creative freedom to add an imaginative background to their masterpieces.

Starting the Day Off Right

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athers, grandfathers, and uncles joined students for a morning of tefillah in December. First, guests joined the 7th and 8th grade boys minyan for a special tefillah in both the Sephardic and Ashkenazic nusach. Nursery through 5th grade

guests accompanied students for a morning of tefillah and pizmonim. Atideinu students received the YOF Early Childhood "Lev Tahor" Audio Siddur. Afterwards, all guests were invited to a beautiful breakfast.

Elementary School Tefillah Day is Dedicated by The Maggie and Elliot Betesh Fund.

A Symbolic Gathering for the Flatbush Family

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he Annual Flatbush Family Shabbaton took place this past October, amidst the first few difficult weeks of Israel at war. The community felt it was more important than ever to bring the Flatbush Family together for a special Shabbat. The achdut was palpable throughout the day with prayer, Torah and inspiration. Special thanks to all of the families who played a part in making the weekend so special.

The YOF Family Shabbaton is Dedicated by the Haddad Brands Family Foundation.

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E evating

Game

the

New Middle School sports programs round out the student experience.

implemented summer training and is now offering spring training as well. In addition, the hockey program now offers a series of free clinics to students in 4th through 8th grades.

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“The ability to offer our students and families programming at this level has been a point of emphasis for our Athletics Leadership Team,” stated Mr. Ginsburg. “We want to be able to provide our students athletic opportunities with top-notch instruction that emphasizes teaching fundamental skills while building our programs from the ground up.”

"The partnership and cooperation between the Athletics Department and the Middle School administration is fantastic because the department understands and values the development of these athletes as not only sportsmen, but also as human beings. This permits us to be able to work together to always put student needs first,” shared Middle School Principal Rabbi Alan Berkowitz.

We are already seeing the forward progress from this type of programming. “For the first time, it feels like we have a complete program for both boys and girls in Middle School basketball,” explained Rabbi Berkowitz. From 5th grade through 8th grade, students are learning the same skills and are being taught the same approach to the game. It is also clear that “the hockey program has been elevated by using a more disciplined approach to character and skill development through consistent and detailed practice sessions,” Mr. Ginsburg added.

The department is in the early stages of setting up a mentorship program between the JBHS Varsity Hockey Team and the Middle School team that will invite the varsity players to share their experiences.

ast summer and fall, several new sports programs were implemented in the Houllou Elementary School. From summer basketball programming to school year hockey clinics, the new Athletics Leadership Team, comprised of Mr. Adam Ginsburg, Director of Athletics, Mr. Matthew Malc, Head Coach of Basketball, and Head of Basketball Morris Dweck, focuses on developing and expanding YOF’s sports programs.

Part of this partnership has been the creation of two new initiatives involving both the basketball and hockey programs. The basketball program

24 | Y E S H I V A H O F F L A T B U S H

MORRIS DWECK (HS ‘92)

Shining on the Court & nline O

Multiple JBHS teams play winning seasons as excitement builds up on a revised digital platform.

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eshivah of Flatbush Falcons are on the rise.

The Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball teams as well as the Boys Varsity Flag Football team all secured first place in their respective conferences.

In addition, a new digital upgrade that includes an HUDL livestream (with students broadcasting games) as well as a renewed vision for the sports Instagram account, have raised the student morale surrounding athletics to an all-time high.

The Boys Varsity Basketball Team is currently 23-3 and earned the championship cup in November at The Cooper Invitational in Memphis, the most prestigious early season tournament in the country. The team, led by Associate Director of Athletics, Boys Varsity Basketball Head Coach Mr. Matthew Malc, won four games over a five-day span and represented the Yeshivah with class both on and off the court. The team heads into post-season play this month, and towards an expected birth in the annual Red Sarachek tournament at Yeshiva University in April.

Additionally, the Girls Varsity Basketball Team has seen significant improvement from last year. The team currently sits in first place and is playing a fun and exciting style led by new Girls Basketball Coach, Ms. Mary Beth Chambers. The team is playing with pace, passion and purpose on both ends of the court, as was evidenced by its win against SKA, a tough competitor.

Furthermore, the Boys Varsity Flag Football team has been building itself up over the last few years under the leadership of coaches Maurice and Joseph Maswary.

These coaches have invested a lot of time and effort and are seeing the fruits of their labor. “Our team plays tough and together,” shared Director of Athletics Mr. Adam Ginsburg, which was demonstrated in the team’s first wins over the usual Mesivta Football League powers DRS and Mesivta Ateres Yaakov. The team is looking forward to competing in the semi-finals this winter.

Another highlight for the Athletics Department has been the execution of a new strategic digital vision for the school’s sports Instagram account. Assistant Director of Athletics Robyn Dweck partners with the Sports Management Club to build up excitement before and during games. Together, Ms. Dweck and club members have implemented team media days, captured images and video and posted live stories on Instagram. In addition, there are now student (and sometimes faculty) broadcasters during live streamed sports events on the HUDL TV YOF Athletics Fan Experience Page (tinyurl.com/flatbushathletics). Students and parents can also find a schedule of home games as well as game highlights on the new website.

The new athletics program’s momentum is propelling YOF teams forward. It is exciting to see what will come next for all of the school’s athletes!

The JBHS Boys & Girls Varsity Basketball Teams are dedicated by the Oved Family.

ROBYN DWECK (ES ‘11, HS ‘15) • JOSEPH MASWARY (ES '16, HS '20) • MAURICE MASWARY (ES ‘11)

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Alumni lights Israel's Helpers

High

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r. Daniel Gottlieb made aliyah to Israel in 1986 and served in the IDF Air Force Reserve for 18 years as a Mental Health Officer. He currently resides in Ra’anana with his wife Sharon. They have five children and 14 grandchildren.

Three of their sons (Eitan, Noam and Amichai) are currently IDF reservists. Dr. Gottlieb is presently the Clinical Director of Shinui Institute (Change Institute) in Herzliya, working as a clinical psychologist and family therapist. He specializes in the area of forensic psychology that provides psychological expertise within judicial and legal systems.

After the attacks on October 7th, Dr. Gottlieb felt the urge to actively get involved in disaster relief.

He teamed up with the Ministry of Health to contact every person affected by the October 7th events.

Throughout the last few months, Dr. Gottlieb has held therapeutic sessions with victims and families from the kibbutzim, moshavim and cities affected. He has met with both children and adults to help them be able to speak about their experiences.

“It was a matter of ‘what do you do?’ when all you want to do is help,” explained Dr. Gottlieb.

At YOF, we take great pride in the accomplishments of our esteemed alumni. At this time of great need in Israel, when people want to find ways that they can help, we have highlighted two of our alumni who are using their professional capabilities and personal platforms to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.

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arah (Chabbott) Landman and her husband Daniel are both YOF alumni who decided to make aliyah 16 years ago, shortly after getting married. They currently reside in Elazar, a yishuv in Gush Etzion, with their four sons, Areyeh, Chaim, Moshe and Shlomo.

Sarah credits YOF as her first influence in making aliyah. The school’s Zionist philosophy instilled a deep love within her for Medinat Yisrael.

Throughout her childhood, Sarah would periodically visit Israel and felt compelled to eventually live there as an adult.

Sarah is a consultant for many Israeli non-profit organizations, leading a team of fundraising consultants and writers at Landman Strategic Fundraising. She and her team guide organizations to raise the necessary funds to advance their missions and strengthen Israeli society. Her efforts span the gamut of social causes in Israel, with special focus on areas of education, Jewish identity, and women’s leadership.

After the tragic October 7th events, Sarah’s clients immediately became integrally involved in helping survivors and evacuees. Sarah says that these organizations are “carrying the country” by taking immediate action and providing relief to many in need.

One organization she works with is Shinua Chevrati (Social Delivery).

Shinua Chevrati offers logistical solutions between individuals or sometimes large companies (such as IBM and Wix) who have quality goods to donate, and the people who are in need. They have been instrumental in meeting the needs of evacuee communities now spread all over the country, as well as army units in need of equipment. Sarah and her team build campaigns for these organizations and help them build partnerships so they can raise the money to keep executing their mission.

“Active volunteering is extremely meaningful, but when you donate and raise funds for non-profits, you solve problems with a large-scale impact,” Sarah shared.

Dr. Gottlieb also pointed out the chayalim video that YOF sent out to all alumni in the fall. “It was a very touching video and a reminder that the Yeshivah of Flatbush still holds the same values” as it did when he was a student here in the 1960s and early 1970s.

In 1967, Dr. Gottlieb was in the 4th grade when the Six-Day War broke out and he remembers collecting materials to help the IDF soldiers. This is his first memory from YOF that reminds him of how committed the school has always been to Israel. To see the chayalim video, visit tinyurl.com/yofchayalim.

26 | Y E S H I V A H O F F L A T B U S H

DANIEL GOTTLIEB (ES ‘71, HS ‘75) • SARAH (CHABBOTT) LANDMAN (ES ‘99, HS ‘03) • DANIEL LANDMAN (ES ‘99, HS ‘03)

Reunions ack!

B e m o c Wel

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his past fall, YOF hosted two unforgettable reunions at JBHS: the Class of 1998 25th Reunion on November 19th and the Class of 2013 10th Reunion on December 2nd. Both reunions offered a wonderful opportunity to revisit YOF, catch up with old friends and former classmates, and learn about what is happening at the school today. Each class’ dedicated Reunion Committee planned memorable programs that included guest speakers YOF Executive Vice President Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Rothman, JBHS Dean of Students Rabbi Naftali Besser, as well as 1998 alumni Seymour Sammell and Ian Adelstein.

Mr. Adelstein gave a moving tribute to honor late classmate, Adam Epner A”H. Class of 1998 attendees walked past hundreds of photos from their years in high school. The evening’s emcees, Esther Dana, Albert Hasson, and

Danny Shatzkes, led a laughter-filled trivia session as they asked attendees questions that tested their ability to remember faces from high school, and answered true or false questions regarding former classmates.

Class of 2013 attendees were surprised to see the former pool and lounge turned into the Laniado Gym. JBHS Head of School Rabbi Joseph Beyda opened the evening, followed by a tribute to Israel and a powerful Dvar Torah given by Rabbi Besser. The entertaining program was led by a comedic emcee trio of Emily Anteby, Arianna Kaufman, and Joe Shamosh who led an amusing award ceremony.

Class of 1998 Reunion Committee: Doreen Ades, Steven Botnick, Rachel Cohen, Esther Dana, Albert Hasson, Chaya Lieberman, Seymour Sammell, Daniel Shamah, and Danny Shatzkes.

Class of 2013 Reunion Committee: Emily Anteby, Hymie Anteby, Florence Cohen, Harriet Guindi, Arianna Kaufman, Lani Rosenwasser, Izzy Shammah, Joe Shamosh, Millie Shweky, Eve Sitt, and Victoria Twito.

We look forward to welcoming the Class of 1974 back in March for their 50th reunion!

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Annually Named Programs We are pleased to continue with our donor recognition program that acknowledges the important role of our major donors in advancing the YOF mission.

The Annual Naming Program for ANNUAL DONORS of $26,000 and above with multi-year commitments is filled with many exciting and robust offerings.

The donors below have made annual gifts and dedicated the following programs:

PILLARS ($72,000) THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT Dedicated by The Jay and Avital Cohen Foundation

CHAMPIONS ($50,000+)

JBHS EVENING OF THE ARTS Dedicated by Trina and Joe Cayre and Family JBHS HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR Dedicated in Memory of Ethel Gordon A”H & Ruth Peres A”H

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEFILLAH PROGRAM Dedicated in Memory of Ralph J. Harary A”H

THE SHIFRA HANON PATHFINDERS DEPARTMENT CURATED SPEAKER SERIES Dedicated by Triangle Capital Group

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VE’AHAVTA CHESED PROGRAM Dedicated by The Douek Family Foundation

AMBASSADORS ($26,000+)

JBHS BOYS & GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAMS Dedicated by the Oved Family JBHS HISTORY DEPARTMENT Dedicated by the Bailey, Jerome and Horovits Families

COOKING FOR A CAUSE Dedicated in Honor of Marlene and Steven R. Shamah ARCHON SERVICE SOCIETY ASSEMBLY NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION CEREMONY Dedicated by the Hanan Family EARLY CHILDHOOD PKRE READING IN PAJAMAS Dedicated by Terry and Isaac Silvera

YOM HA’ATZMAUT CELEBRATION Dedicated by the Mamiye Family

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEFILLAH DAY Dedicated by the Maggie and Elliot Betesh Fund

SCHOLARS (36,000+)

KINDERGARTEN SCIENCE FAIR Dedicated by Leah and Alexander Reyngold

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT Dedicated in Honor of Natalie and Eli Greenberg by Adele and Louis Shamie FLATBUSH FAMILY SHABBATON Dedicated by Haddad Brands Family Foundation

28 | Y E S H I V A H O F F L A T B U S H

PEGASUS LITERATURE & ART MAGAZINE Dedicated by Laura & Joe R. Tawil

Annual Donors We would like to recognize the generous contribution made by our Annual Donors to the Yeshivah.

BENEFACTORS ($100,000+) Claudia and Avi Houllou Debbie and Jack Saadia Adele and Louis J. Shamie Shayne and Eli Zami

PILLARS ($72,000+)

The Jay and Avital Cohen Foundation Ralph J. Harary Foundation

CHAMPIONS ($50,000+)

The Bailey, Jerome and Horovits Families Jody and Zvi BenHaim Century 21 Associates Foundation Inc. Douek Family Foundation Ralph S. Gindi Foundation Haddad Brands Family Foundation The Mamiye Foundation / Marlene and Hymie Mamiye The Oved Family

SCHOLARS (36,000+)

Mike Arje & The Ethel Peres Gordon Foundation Joe and Trina Cayre Foundation Alice and Stevie Goldman Morris Hanan and Sons Tammi and Solomon Mosseri Leah and Alexander Reyngold Robyn and Seymour Sammell Helene and Alan Shamah & Sally and Joey Shamah Terry and Ike Silvera Triangle Capital Group

AMBASSADORS ($26,000+)

Lillian and Joey M. Allaham Elliot & Raymond Betesh & Family Maggie and Elliot Betesh Fund Lisa and Lee Cohen HIS International Dr. Isaac Madeb Karen and Sheldon Schwartz Marlene and Steven R. Shamah & Family Morgan and Abraham Sultan Laura and Joe R. Tawil

LEADERS ($18,000+)

Reneé and Steven Adelsberg Terri and Jojo A. Chehebar Lori and Harold Dweck Marcy and Steven Feldman & Family Frieda and Joseph M. Franco Raquel and Joe A. Franco Lillian and Eli Haddad Michelle and Victor Hakim Diana and Joseph Hedaya Limor and Dr. Ralph Madeb Nicole and Darren Oved The Joseph Safra Foundation SDI Technologies / iHome Jamie and Mickey Shamah & Sons Freda and Alberto Smeke Raquel and Raymond Srour Alberto & Elliot Sutton & Families Alison and Richard Sutton Rachel and Morris Tabush

PATRONS ($10,000+)

Odette and Nathan Accad Alice and Harry Adjmi Gladys and Richard Adjmi Vicky and Abe M. Anteby Racquel and Bobby Ashkenazi Nadya and Gennadiy Belenkiy Amy and Joseph Betesh Elizabeth and Steven Betesh Chalmé Family - Elliot R. Chalmé Foundation Gail and Jojo Chehebar Franco Foundation Sarah and Jack Franco Celia and Jason Hoffman Jack A. Kassin & Family Adele and Dr. David Khaski The Laboz Family Rachel and Ricky Novick Charles and Brenda Saka Family Foundation Amy and Steven Sasson Danielle and Michael Sasson Juliette and Eddie Setton Elaine and Nathan Shalom Louis and Lorraine Shamie Philanthropic Fund Bella and Toby Souleiman Jeanne and Ralph Zirdok

The best way to ensure our Yeshivah’s future is to take care of our future generations. We would like to thank our legacy gift donors for partnering with us.

VALEDICTORIANS ($6,000,000+)

William S. Levine Family The William S. Levine Family Shoah Institute

THE MINYAN ($1,000,000+) Anonymous

FOUNDERS ($500,000+)

The Hanon Family The Shifra Hanon Pathfinders Department Avi Houllou The Naomi Houllou A”H Ladies Auxiliary Julie and Steven Montague Dr. Albert Montague A”H STEM Institute

BUILDERS ($250,000+) Stephanie and Jack Mosseri Adele and Louis J. Shamie

BENEFACTORS ($100,000+) Joe and Trina Cayre Foundation Dr. Ira H. Gewolb A”H Renee and Albert Laboz Marlene and Hymie Mamiye The Wichs Family

PILLARS ($72,000+)

Renée and Steven Adelsberg The Jay and Avital Cohen Foundation Morris Hanan and Sons Oved Family Terry and Ike Silvera Helene and Alan Shamah and Family

CHAMPIONS ($50,000+) Anonymous Blumenthal Family Gail and Josef Chehebar Claire and Robert Frastai Marjorie and Jack J. Gindi Hidrock Properties Gaye and Sheldon Hoffman Rachel and Albert Pardo Sarah Shamah Foundation Susan and Sam Shamie Beatrice and Jeffrey Sutton Triangle Capital Group Nathalie and Mitchell Vilinsky

SCHOLARS ($36,000+)

Lisa and Lee Cohen Haddad Brands Family Foundation Lisa and Joseph Jemal Ronit and Hagai Laniado WINTER 2024 |

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Capital Campaign Donors VALEDICTORIANS ($15,000,000+)

PILLARS (72,000+)

THE MINYAN ($1,000,000+)

CHAMPIONS ($50,000+)

Claudie and Avi Houllou

Adrienne and Joey Shamie Family Terry and Ike Silvera Triangle Capital Group

FOUNDERS ($500,000+) Stephanie and Jack Mosseri Vicky and Alberto Saba Adele and Louis J. Shamie

BUILDERS ($250,000+) Lisa and Alan Jemal

BENEFACTORS ($100,000+)

Annie and Elliott Azrak Joe and Trina Cayre Foundation Etty and Jack Benzaken Joyce and Raymond Betesh • Valerie and Elliot Betesh Rochelle and David Beyda Vivian and Abraham Dushey Michelle and Victor Hakim Tammi and Solomon Mosseri Rachel and Albert Pardo Robyn and Seymour Sammell The Jay and Avital Cohen Foundation Jennifer and Shawn Safdie Melodie and Martin Scharf Jamie and Mickey Shamah & Sons

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Cheryl and Victor Azrak

Odette and Nathan Accad Gladys and Richard Adjmi Alice and Harry Adjmi Gail and Jojo Chehebar Grace and Jack Dayan

SCHOLARS ($36,000+)

Mazie and Eddie Chehebar Sharon and Steven Sutton, Barbara and Jesse Sutton & Family

AMBASSADORS ($26,000+) Eva and Louis Galpern

LEADERS ($18,000+)

Merav and Ezra Dweck Mike Arje & The Ethel Peres Gordon Foundation

PATRONS ($10,000+) Melissa and Joseph Smouha

Thank You to Our

Corporate Sponsors Scholar Sponsor Diamond Sponsors Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

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Yeshivah of Flatbush Executive Office 975 E 13th Street Brooklyn, NY 11230

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YESHIVAH OF FLATBUSH H oullou E lementary S chool and

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The Amphitheater at The Coney Island Boardwalk

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THURSDAY, JUNE 6TH ‫כ״ט אייר תשפ״ד‬