On the evening of May 5, close to 500 gathered at “360” in New York City to celebrate the work of the One Israel Fund at its 21st Annual Dinner. Rabbi Shmuley Boteach of Englewood, served as keynote speaker.
Several outstanding leaders were honored at the event. Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon, rabbi of Gush Katif, received the Hakarat HaTov “Sincere Appreciation” Award. Rimon is the rabbi of Gush Katif and founder of JobKatif, an amutah — non-government organization — that helps people reestablish their lives and secure a livelihood. The organization was founded following the disengagement from Gush Katif and provides retraining/training courses, and, where necessary, therapy to prepare people for new careers.
“When they (the One Israel Fund) asked me, I knew I had to come,” said Rimon. “I have sought to bring those removed from Gush Katif back to the farm, to the land of Israel. For the people of Israel, the land is like our heart.” The educator and spiritual leader continued, “We have an amazing state,” then offered a bit of sympathy, received with humor and applause: “You have a mission: Unfortunately you have to stay here. Tomorrow, I return to Israel.”
Suzie Schwartzman, a longtime board member, received the Aishet Chayal Woman of Valor Award. She has spearheaded One Israel Fund’s efforts to raise money for supplies during the Operation Protective Edge war in Gaza. Schwartzman hosted “packaging parties” throughout the summer, organizing an unending stream of care packages for the soldiers at the front.
For its special service to the One Israel Fund, Signature Bank was honored with The Community Service Award. The Manhiut Tze’erim – Young Leadership – Award was shared by Elisha Atyeh and Josh Hoffman.
The message Feltman conveyed about the people living in the communities of Judea and Samaria was simple. “They are truly the defenders of the entire nation of Israel and need support to grow and thrive in our ancestral homeland.”
“Building houses or roads is not what we do,” said Scott Feltman in an exclusive interview with the Jewish Link. “Our mission is to provide adjunct services — the libraries and community centers, the non-military, basic security and medical needs that go beyond the ordinary. We work together with all the difference entities that determine needs — working with the IDF and government institutions — like an umbrella.”
Feltman says One Israel Fund has a vast network. “We know the area, the people on the ground and the decision makers. Our primary focus is taking care of the civilian security needs within communities — especially the needs of the approximately 2400 first responders. One Israel Fund is their only entity of support.”
Feltman invited everyone to participate in its march down Fifth Avenue during the Salute to Israel parade on May 31. To a warm reception, he announced the One Israel Fund will have a float honoring the families of Judea and Shomron. “Join us not only to march, but every day throughout the year. Tonight is not an ending, but a beginning!”
By Maxine Dovere
