(Courtesy of Migdal Ohr) Long-time Executive Board Member Nachman Paul has been appointed as the new president of American Friends of Migdal Ohr (AFMO), the American branch of one of Israel’s largest nonprofit organizations, providing over 10,000 children from underprivileged and at-risk backgrounds with the love, support, and education they need to overcome their challenges and realize their full potential. Graduates go on to become productive Israeli citizens, including commanders in the army, teachers, doctors, lawyers and business leaders. Paul will take over from Tony Fromer, who served as president for the last 10 years and oversaw the remarkable growth of the organization in North America.
Paul, a former president of both Yeshivat Noam and the Frisch School, has been an active member of the AFMO board and has served as vice president and member of the executive board. He and his wife, Batya, are known for their tremendous dedication and generosity to many Jewish causes, and have held numerous leadership positions in various organizations and communities. Paul is chief business officer of Lazard Asset Management LLC and a member of the firm’s Global Management Committee.
“The dedication of Tony Fromer and AFMO’s esteemed board has ensured that thousands of orphaned, underprivileged and at-risk youths are cared for every day at Migdal Ohr,” Paul said. “I am humbled to assume the role of president for such an integral cause in Israeli society, and proud of how AFMO continues to evolve. A successful Migdal Ohr means a promising and thriving Israeli future. The boys and girls who pass through Migdal Ohr, with whatever unfathomable challenges they arrive, leave with a sense of purpose and the tools to build their lives and contribute significantly to the Jewish State. As we enter Migdal Ohr’s 50th year since the organization’s founding, I look forward to further strengthening the connection between Jewish communities across the U.S. and Israel, and sharing the mission of Migdal Ohr, where no child is left behind.”
AFMO Executive Director Atara Solow is extremely enthusiastic about Paul’s appointment. “Nachman has always been a dedicated and passionate supporter of the important work of Migdal Ohr, and has a wealth of experience in the Jewish educational and charitable worlds. We are excited about his new role, as he is a person driven by engagement and chesed,” Solow said. “The American Friends of Migdal Ohr has grown tremendously over the last few years, and we are looking forward to working together with Nachman and the community at large, taking the organization to even greater heights. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Tony Fromer for his hard work and dedication to AFMO during his time as president, and for his partnership in transmitting the importance of Migdal Ohr to the American community.”
Fromer spoke about his time as president with great fondness and significance. “The Wexler and Fromer families have been deeply involved with Rabbi Grossman and his work for decades. This long-standing relationship was more than just a personal connection, it was a mission,” Fromer said in a farewell message. “A mission to help each child in need and to foster a deeper, more meaningful connection to our Jewish roots and to Israel. On a personal level, I have always felt inspired by the dedication and drive of Rabbi Grossman. Seeing firsthand the impact that one individual can have on thousands of children and their families fueled my passion and drove me to engage others in the work of Migdal Ohr. I look forward to continuing my involvement with this incredible organization serving on the executive committee and as vice president of the board.”
Founder and Dean of Migdal Ohr, Rabbi Yitzchak David Grossman, paid tribute to Fromer and shared his enthusiasm about working together with Paul. “Tony has been a tower of light for our organization, illuminating the work of Migdal Ohr across North America,” Rabbi Grossman said. “I know he will stay involved and continue to support our beloved children in reaching their full potential. Our new president, Nachman, is deeply connected to Migdal Ohr, and I know that his passion, enthusiasm and dedication to our children will help us grow and expand.”
Migdal Ohr means “Tower of Light” in Hebrew and is a beacon of light to over 10,000 children every year. Founded in 1972 by Rabbi Yitzchak David Grossman, recipient of the Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement, Migdal Ohr continues to provide Israel’s orphaned youth with everything they need to thrive. Rabbi Grossman is known around the world for loving every Jew and caring for children who have lost their way and been abandoned by the communities from which they come.
Today, Migdal Ohr’s programs provide everything from a child’s most basic needs, including a warm and loving home, clothing, medical care, family structure, emotional support, education, vocational training, mentorship and more. In the organization’s 50th year since its founding, Migdal Ohr continues to create large-scale change for Israel’s most underserved populations, raising a generation of dignified, capable adults who are moving society forward, defying the odds, and exceeding even their own expectations.
To give a child a future and transform Israel www.migdalohrusa.org; 212-397-3700.
