(Courtesy of AMIT) AMIT’s national event “The Heroes Among Us” will take place at the Museum of Jewish Heritage on Monday, Nov. 11, at 6:30 p.m.. The evening will be hosted by Israeli actor Shira Haas and serves as the culmination of all major AMIT events taking place in Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia and South Florida.
“This national event will recognize those individuals whose courage, commitment and resilience are an inspiration to all of us,” said AMIT President Shari Safra. “The evening will reflect the seriousness of the current time while providing the opportunity to join together and recognize those who have distinguished themselves through their extraordinary commitment to the Jewish people.”
Following a buffet dinner, the evening’s guests will be invited into the museum’s theater for a uniquely moving and creative multi-media experience exploring AMIT’s remarkable response to the events of Oct. 7. The program will be followed by a dessert reception with the honorees and guest host Shira Haas.
During the evening, AMIT will dedicate the naming of the Audrey Lookstein Educational Innovation Center. This state-of-the-art center will be located on the Gabel and Straus Family Campus at Kfar Batya. AMIT’s new $70 million campus, now under construction, is slated to open at the end of 2025 and will inspire, encourage, and train thousands of Israeli teachers annually with AMIT’s innovative Gogya educational system.
“We are deeply appreciative that an admirer of Audrey Lookstein has made a multi-million dollar gift in her honor that will enable us to serve thousands of teachers in the coming years,” said AMIT Executive Vice President Andy Goldsmith. “This is a legacy of love for the children of Israel and we will celebrate this moment amid so much challenge.”
Audrey Lookstein is legendary for her dedication to Jewish causes. She was the founding president of AMIT’s Gayl Shechter Chapter on the Upper East and West sides of Manhattan and has served in many AMIT leadership roles. Three months after her graduation from Stern College in 1958 and following her marriage to Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, she had been an integral part of the Cong. Kehilath Jeshurun (KJ) and Ramaz School communities in New York City for more than 65 years.
The evening will also bestow AMIT’s Presidential Leadership Award to Mindy Kolatch of Englewood. “Mindy has been deeply committed to Jewish education throughout her long tenure at the Ramaz Upper School and as a committed member of the board of directors,” said AMIT Board Chair Chana Shields. “She is an example to all of a passionate professional, believer and investor in education.”
AMIT will also recognize educator Ilana Gottlieb with the Midreshet AMIT Leadership Award. “Ilana truly changed the lives of so many young women as the head of AMIT’s post-high school Israel program,” said AMIT past president Dr. Francine Stein. “She is an example to all of dedication to the next generation.” Gottlieb has served as head of school for 18 years, developing Midreshet AMIT into one of Israel’s premier post-high school programs.
AMIT Ambassadors’ Club and President’s Circle members will receive complimentary admission in gratitude for their annual support. A special rate for Midreshet AMIT alumni is available. To reserve your seat, call (212) 477-4725 or visit
amitchildren.org.
