On Tuesday, March 12, UJA Federation of New York will hold its annual UJA Women Heart Matters luncheon in Manhattan. This year, Heart Matters will celebrate the theme “This Is What a Zionist Looks Like.” The event will pay tribute to the diverse ways in which women can express their Zionism. Four inspiring women will receiving Champions of Zion awards: Miriam Fuld, the widow of Ari Fuld, HY”D; MK Rachel Azaria of the Israeli Knesset; Rachel Sharansky Danziger, journalist and storyteller; and Chloe Simone Valdary, writer and activist.
The women will participate in a panel discussion on Zionism ranging from the varied representations that word can conjure and its importance in the world today to what it means for the future of Israel and the world at large. The panel will be moderated by Dr. Larry J. Gould, founder and executive chairman of thebigword Group, one of the world’s leading language, technology and human resourcing businesses.
UJA is also honoring Eva Galpern and her daughter Ariel Stern. Their commitment to philanthropy—and UJA in particular—is a family tradition.
Stalwarts of the greater Jewish community will be in attendance to bestow awards upon the recipients, including Senator Joe and Hadassah Lieberman—longtime lay leaders of UJA and staunch supporters of Israel—and Rabbi Avi Weiss, longtime spiritual head of Hebrew Institute of Riverdale and founder of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah in Riverdale, New York. A special video tribute will include an inside look at Ari Fuld’s life and enduring legacy and will include appearances from Ari’s parents, Rabbi Yonah and Mary Fuld, Rabbi Binyamin Krauss, the principal of SAR Academy and a childhood friend of Ari, and Senator Lieberman.
Heart Matters always raises money to benefit a specific cause supported by UJA. This year, that cause is the Israel Trauma Coalition (ITC), which provides trauma treatment for Israeli soldiers, civilians and entire communities affected by terror and warfare in Israel, as well as communities experiencing tragedy around the world. Because of its extensive experience treating individuals and communities affected by trauma, the ITC is frequently called on by countries in times of crisis and disaster—from the United States, Japan and Nepal to France, Jordan and Ukraine. By providing programs that foster resilience, rehabilitation, and emotional and psychological health, the ITC is truly a light unto the nations. Recently, the ITC sent a team to Pittsburgh to provide trauma treatment and assistance to the community following the devastating attack on the Tree of Life Congregation.
UJA’s Heart Matters event will mark the first time that Miriam Fuld will speak publicly about her beloved husband. Whether through his own army service, supporting others in the military, or advocacy in the media, Ari was a faithful supporter of the land and the people of Israel. He left an indelible legacy on the world by rushing to protect an Israeli citizen after being stabbed—an injury that would prove fatal. In both life and death, Ari was dedicated to protecting Israel from terror. It is in Ari’s blessed memory and these women’s honor that we dedicate this year’s Heart Matters project to support the ITC.
UJA supports a number of critical organizations and initiatives in Israel. In the past 10 years, UJA has given almost $350 million to support important causes that touch on all aspects of life in Israel including security, safety and meeting the needs of vulnerable populations. UJA has helped create alliances with existing organizations and funded new programs that touch on all aspects of Israeli society and promote economic, religious and social inclusion.
To attend this important event, please contact Adrienne Rubin-Prince at [email protected] or visit www.ujafedny.org/heart-matters.
