PUBLISHER
LUXURY CHAMBER MEDIA GROUP
EDITOR
Jay Shapiro
LUXURY CHAMBER MEDIA GROUP
Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund and Jewish National FundUSA Lead Rebuilding Efforts in Israel
A Historic Agreement Between KKL-JNF and Jewish National Fund-USA has Established a Joint Venture for Reconstruction and Renewal in Israel’s Southern and Northen Regions.
Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund and Jewish National Fund-USA are proud to announce a historic agreement to embark on a joint venture dedicated to rebuilding the communities in Israel devastated by the horrific attacks of October 7 and the ensuing attacks.
The creation of this joint venture comes at a critical time for frontier communities KKLJNF and Jewish National Fund-USA have made over $100 million in philanthropic investments in the region so these communities can welcome displaced residents back home and create a new reality where their towns and villages are more beautiful and amenity-rich than they were before October 7. The goal is to make the Israel Envelope and Northern Israel the envy of all of Israel
KKL-JNF and Jewish National Fund-USA have been at the forefront of this crisis from day one, providing vital support and resources to assist evacuees, victims, and civil defense needs, while also offering food, educational supplies, employment services, and much more Their efforts have been crucial in helping individuals cope with the psychological and physical toll of this prolonged war
KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski stated, "The October 7 attack was unprecedented since the Holocaust, impacting the entire Jewish people. Our challenge now is to unite efforts for the revival of Israel. KKL-JNF and Jewish National FundUSA are joining forces through the creation of this joint venture to support the reconstruction of southern and northern communities. This historic agreement establishes an unprecedented and powerful partnership Together, we will address the war’s challenges, reconnect communities, and rebuild the Western Negev and northern towns. KKL-JNF has laid the groundwork for the State of Israel and continues to build the land. This collaboration with Jewish National Fund-USA will greatly amplify our impact."
Jewish National Fund-USA President Dr. Sol Lizerbram added, "I want to acknowledge this remarkable achievement by KKL-JNF Chairwoman, Ifat Ovadia-Luski, who, like us, saw the need to unite our Zionist philanthropic world, to work together, and to make things happen. Now, more than ever, we need Zionist organizations everywhere to coordinate efforts to address these unprecedented challenges. This moment in history demands it of us. We are committed to leveraging every resource available to help our land and people of Israel, just as we have for 123 years."
Jewish National Fund-USA Incoming Ambassador to KKL-JNF, Nina Paul emphasized, "We have grieved together, and now we must rebuild together. The challenges are immense, but so is our determination. This moment demands that Zionists everywhere unite and step forth with courage as we overcome the historic challenges before us. Together, we will transform Israel’s north and south into the most desirable places to live in all of Israel, driven by our historic vision for the land and people of Israel. I look forward to representing Jewish National Fund-USA as we work with the KKL-JNF team to oversee the approval and implementation of these critically important projects."
Ifat Ovadia-Luski, Chairwoman of KKL-JNF and Dr Sol Lizerbram, President of JNF-USA Credit - Gabby Lipton
Emily Friedman Joins G2 Capital Advisors as VP, Head of Talent
G2 Capital Advisors is pleased to announce the appointment of Emily Friedman as VP, Head of Talent . In this role, Emily will oversee G2's comprehensive talent and HR functions, ensuring the firm attracts, develops, and retains top-tier talent to support its strategic growth and client service excellence.
Emily has been a valued Senior Advisor to G2 Capital Advisors for over a year, and her transition to a full-time role is a testament to her exceptional contributions and deep understanding of the firm's culture and objectives Based in Boston, Emily will report directly to Matt Konkle, President of G2 Capital Advisors
"Emily's extensive experience in human resources and her partnership approach to talent management has already made a significant impact on our organization," said Matt Konkle, President of G2 Capital Advisors . "We are thrilled to have her join our team in a full-time capacity and look forward to her continued leadership in enhancing our talent strategy and supporting the firm's growth "
As VP of Talent, Emily will oversee all aspects of human resources, including hiring, onboarding, benefits, compensation, performance management, training, leadership development, and, most importantly, enhancing the overall employee experience
Emily began her career as an employment attorney before transitioning to in-house roles, focusing on talent and administrative functions. She has held key HR positions at several prestigious investment and consulting firms, including The Baupost Group, Arrowstreet Capital, Altman Solon, and Social Finance, an impact investment and advisory nonprofit.
"Over the past year, I have witnessed firsthand the firm's commitment to excellence and innovation, and I am excited to join G2 in this role officially," said Emily Friedman, VP, Head of Talent "I look forward to driving initiatives to enhance our talent strategy and foster an engaging and supportive employee experience "
G2 is confident that Emily's extensive experience and passion for talent development will be a tremendous asset to the firm Her appointment marks a significant milestone in G2's ongoing commitment to excellence in talent management and employee engagement
Emily holds an undergraduate degree from Tufts University and a law degree from Georgetown University In addition to her professional accomplishments, she is an active volunteer with several Boston-based organizations, including Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP), Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Brookline Food Pantry, and her temple.
Emily Friedman
Genesis Prize Marks Tenth Anniversary by
Honoring Barbra Streisand
The $1 million "Jewish Nobel Prize" was awarded to the iconic actor, director, producer, writer, and singer in recognition of her lifelong pursuit of social justice and being a "force for good." Streisand has donated the prize money to non-profit organizations working in the fields of women's health, climate change, voter education, and truth in the public sphere.
The Genesis Prize Foundation (GPF) today honored actor, director, producer, author, screenwriter, singer, songwriter, and activist Barbra Streisand at a special event in Los Angeles. The 10th anniversary Genesis Prize was awarded to Streisand in recognition of her lifelong pursuit of social justice and commitment to being a "force for good."
The Genesis Prize was established in 2014 when New York City Mayor, businessman and philanthropist Michael R. Bloomberg was announced as its inaugural laureate. Described as "The Jewish Nobel Prize" by TIME Magazine, the annual $1 million award recognizes individuals for their outstanding professional achievements, contributions to humanity and commitment to Jewish values. In addition to Bloomberg, past honorees include Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Natan Sharansky, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Robert Kraft, Steven Spielberg, Itzhak Perlman, and other extraordinary Jewish leaders.
Founder and Chairman of The Genesis Prize Foundation Stan Polovets said: "The entire world knows and adores Barbra Streisand as a singer, actress, and director. Yet her important and passionate work to pursue social justice and fight discrimination and inequality should be as well known. Today we celebrate Ms. Streisand's leadership in tackling some of the most important social problems our society has faced over the past five decades, her indefatigable activism and her countless philanthropic endeavors rooted in her Jewish values and upbringing. We honor her exemplary connection to her Jewish identity. This connection inspires and empowers her to be a force for good in this world – just as our Jewish tradition prescribes."
Barbra Streisand stated: "I am delighted to be honored by the special 10th Anniversary Genesis Prize and to work with The Genesis Prize Foundation to support organizations that acknowledge our shared humanity and seek to better our society. I am moved by the Jewish tradition of tikkun olam, which means to repair the world." Addressing the audience at the award dinner, Streisand said: "According to Jewish teachings, compassion is one of the highest virtues… I believe in the power of love and prayer, and I pray that people will eventually be able to live together…in peace."
All Genesis Prize laureates donate their $1 million prize to philanthropic causes. Barbra Streisand elected to give her $1 million Genesis Prize award funds to seven nonprofit organizations working in the fields of women's health, climate change, truth in the public sphere, and humanitarian support to the people of Ukraine. These organizations include the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (https://hias.org), United 24 (https://u24.gov.ua), Women's Heart Alliance (https://womensheartalliance.org), League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (https://www.lcvef.org), National Resources Defense Council (https://www.nrdc.org), and the UCLA Center for Truth in the Public Sphere (https://csw.ucla.edu/streisandcenter).
reviously, Streisand made significant contributions to the Peres Center, Hebrew University, the New Israel Fund, the Wolfson Medical Center, and the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles Emergency Israel Fund. The fund was established to provide medical care, emergency services, evacuation support, transport, and housing for families impacted by October 7th. The Genesis Prize Foundation matched this grant, directing its donation to Shalva, an Israeli nonprofit that supports those with severe disabilities and took in more than 1,000 refugees from southern Israel.
“Top Chef” Celeb Gail Simmons Headlines Westchester Event
Supporting Israel
Celebrity chef, culinary expert, cookbook author, and TV personality Gail Simmons, perhaps best known for her role as a judge on Bravo’s Emmy-winning series Top Chef, was the keynote speaker at Jewish National Fund-USA’s 11th annual Water & Wine Reception in Westchester on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, honoring local philanthropists Bonnie & Dr. Norman Weiss.
For over 15 years, the Weiss family has contributed significantly to Jewish National Fund-USA’s Central Negev Task Force and the organization’s Westchester Board of Directors. The couple’s charitable giving, vision, and motivation played an integral role in the realization of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Skate Park & Water Park in Mitzpe Ramon, Israel, located deep in the heart of Israel’s Negev Desert.
The event, held at Westchester Reform Temple and co-chaired by Caren & Hillel Hammerman and Becky & Aaron Kuperman, also offered more than 200 philanthropists the opportunity to unite in solidarity with the people of Israel and learn how they can make a difference in the lives of Israelis impacted by the October 7 atrocities.
JNF-USA Westchester & Southern CT Board Chairs Brenda & Michael Benn; Gail Simmons (Photo Credit: Perry Bindelglass)
Dr. Norman and Bonnie Weiss (Photo Credit: Perry Bindelglass) Event Co-Chair Becky Kuperman
Event Co-Chair Caren Hammerman (Photo Credit: Perry Bindelglass)
Local ambassadors (lay leaders) highlighted how Jewish National Fund-USA has raised over $60 million in emergency aid since the “Black Shabbat” and has supported the evacuation and relocation of tens of thousands of residents in Israel’s South while providing thousands more with housing, food, clothing, and other supplies.
Attendees also learned about Jewish National Fund-USA’s Livnot B’Yachad – Build Together plan, a comprehensive strategic initiative to rebuild Israeli communities on the border with Gaza and provide the infrastructure and quality of life needed to allow residents to feel safe coming home.
“In the face of this adversity, something extraordinary has happened: The Jewish People have become more united than ever,” said Jewish National Fund-USA Director, Westchester & Southern CT, Samara Rader. “We have rallied together and are standing shoulder to shoulder; supporting each other and our family in the Jewish Homeland. We will rebuild, repaint, replant, and restore these communities to a new level of glory.”
In her keynote address, Simmons spoke about her personal journey to becoming a famous chef and TV judge on the #1 rated food show on cable television while highlighting her connection to Israel and commitment to Zionism. She also autographed cookbooks and participated in a “meet and greet” with Jewish National Fund-USA Donor Society members at the event’s exclusive VIP reception while guests sampled Simmons’ appetizer and cocktail recipes from her new cookbook, Bringing It Home.
For more information or to learn about future events, contact Samara Rader, Director, Westchester & Southern CT atsrader@jnf.org or 212.879.9300 x510.
Perla Lichi Book Signing
American Teen Volunteers Change Lives in Israel
For most people, an ongoing war is a reason to stay away Yet, for 20 American teens, they realized that they had to stand up and make a difference for the land and people of Israel The students traveled 6,000 miles to Israel to participate in Jewish National Fund-USA’s Teen Volunteer Mission, where they trekked across the country to make a tangible difference in the lives of Israelis affected by the October 7 terrorist attacks
Whether making care packages for Israeli soldiers or visiting children at rehabilitation facilities, the high school students brought relief and joy to a country in desperate need of both One highlight was a visit to an Israeli farm, where the students got their hands dirty planting and harvesting crops, something of extreme importance given the country’s labor shortage.
American students in Israel's Negev on their volunteer mission
“While in America, I knew I wanted to do something hands-on to support Israel,” said Spencer, a Jewish student from Detroit “Once I arrived in Israel on this mission, I knew I was part of something special We not only had a positive impact on the people there, but the mission had a profound impact on me ”
In addition to supporting Israel, the mission also served as an educational experience, providing participants with a firsthand view of the realities Israel faces every day.
Each stop in Israel’s south showed how close Israel’s adversaries were to its borders, while a visit to Hostage Square in Tel Aviv served as a stark reminder of the families that still haven’t been made whole. And yet, despite the tragedy, the students’ main impression was to be in awe of the resilience and unity of everyday Israelis, who have banded together like never before.
“One of the most impactful things that we noticed on this trip was the sense of togetherness and strength of the people,” said Micah and Shir, who attend Solomon Shechter Academy on Long Island “Everywhere we walked, there were stickers, signs, and posters supporting Israel We saw signs next to ice cream shops and on the side of the highway, simply there to remind people that we will prevail and win, just as we have in the past Our people are so strong, and the signs are visible reminders of that ”
During the trip, the students also volunteered with organizations that provide food, clothing, and emergency relief to tens of thousands of Israeli children and their families each year. They also visited Kibbutz Re’im, the site of the October 7 Massacre at the Nova Music Festival, where the students mourned the over 400 innocent lives lost at the hands of Hamas.
Between traveling through and working in the land of Israel, students spent nights at Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss), Jewish National Fund-USA’s college prep, study abroad in Israel experience. For the many mission participants who spent part of the Fall 2023 semester at Muss before the war cut it short, the overnights were a homecoming
For those Muss alumni, the mission was not the first time they had explored Israel Muss’ experiential Israel studies program uses the land of Israel as a living and breathing classroom, and participants routinely visit the historical and modern sites they learn about in class However, being an active participant in improving the land of Israel, as opposed to merely learning about it, was a completely different form of inspiration
Teen volunteers prepare food for Israelis affected by the war
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Sabra® x Frank's RedHot® & Stubb's®: Bold Hummus Collabs
Give Snackers Something New to Dip into this Fall
Sabra is going boldly where no hummus has gone before, introducing three spectacularly flavorful collaborations that pair America's most loved, creamy and crave-worthy hummus with some of America's favorite bold-flavored brands. Sabra's newest varieties take snack time to the next level, offering heat, smoke, spice, and Texas-style Barbeque flavor to pair perfectly with everything in the pantry.
Sabra Buffalo Hummus made with Frank's RedHot Sabra BBQ Hummus inspired by Stubb's Sabra Southwest Hummus
"These outstanding dips are for the big flavor fans out there," said Sabra's Global Chief Research, Development, and Sustainability Officer Olugbenga Diyaolu. "As we reach for snacks more often, we want more from them… more intense flavor, more satisfying textures, more fulfilling options. I am really proud of the team for crafting these extraordinary dips! Whether you are new to hummus or already dip in daily, I think you will be blown away by the creamy texture and bold flavor Sabra is bringing to the table. If you have Sabra hummus in the fridge, you're always snack-ready."
As part of the brand's overall "The Snack Your Snacks Would Snack on If Snacks Could Snack on Snacks" marketing campaign, two new digital shorts were created featuring Sabra Buffalo Hummus made with Frank's RedHot and Sabra BBQ Hummus inspired by Stubb's.
This launch is the first in a series of bold-flavor innovations from Sabra, aimed at satisfying any and every snack craving and expanding beyond the brand's already beloved hummus and guacamole offerings. These everyday craveable snack staples are available in store and online in the deli department of your favorite supermarket.
Elie and Sarah Hirschfeld Collection's 1937 Rothko A Part of the Louis Vuitton Foundation Retrospective
The Foundation Louis Vuitton in Paris is currently exhibiting "Untitled (The Subway)," a 1937 Rothko from the Elie and Sarah Hirschfeld collection. This is the first Rothko retrospective in nearly 25 years. Elie and Sarah Hirschfeld are honored to have their painting included in this exhibition of 115 major pieces from around the world
"The shapes in the pictures are the performers," said Rothko, who liked to compare his paintings to dramas. The idea is typified in Elie Hirschfeld's piece, where New York commuters and underground structural elements play equally prominent roles in the dynamic scene unfolded on the canvas.
The Louis Vuitton Foundation exhibition aims to offer "a definitive Parisian take on the American master of melancholy " The intimate urban scenes of the artist's 1930s, which include the Elie Hirschfeld piece, open the exhibition, which follows the path of the artist's expanding repertoire into surrealism and abstraction. Occupying the entire space of the foundation, the Rothko retrospective will run until April of 2024 Says curator Suzanne Page of the exhibition: "It grants us access to transcendence."
Elie Hirschfeld and Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, were together at the opening night of the exhibition in Paris.
"Scenes of New York City," the full Elie and Sarah Hirschfeld collection from which the Rothko is on loan, has been on display at the New York Historical Society the last two years. Starting November 1, Elie Hirschfeld's pieces will travel to the Palm Beach Society of the Four Arts, to be on display through January 28, 2024. The Florida exhibition will include scholarly entries on each work, a full catalogue of works, and an interview with Elie Hirschfeld.
Philanthropy is about the voluntary promotion of human welfare, according to Elie Hirschfeld The Foundation's values are centered on community enhancement and support, with four key areas of giving: Education, Healthcare, Jewish Causes, and Athletics. Mr. Hirschfeld's intent is that ongoing contributions will enhance, promote and grow organizations that make a positive impact on individuals and their larger communities. With a personal history of giving that goes back to his years as a student serving as President of Brown University's Hillel chapter, Elie has remained inspired by that organization's commitment to enriching the Jewish people and repairing the world Elie believes that giving back to the community, and to humanity, provides personal as well as societal enrichment. He created the Elie Hirschfeld Foundation as a means of expanding his efforts.
Elie Hirschfeld and Bernard Arnault
BioBetter Pioneers Cultivated Meat Future with Molecular Farming
FoodTech start-up BioBetter, Ltd., opens its first food-grade pilot facility to accelerate the production of key growth factors for the cultivated meat industry. The company has pioneered a unique protein manufacturing platform for producing growth factors (GFs) using tobacco plants as self-sustained, animal-free bioreactors.
Helping cultivated meat companies offer affordable and accessible products to consumers, BioBetter is revolutionizing the future of cellular agriculture with its innovative molecular farming-based production platform. Currently, cultivated meat production processes are relatively expensive, making it a challenge to scale up and reach price parity with animal-based counterparts
"Cultivated meat is still very expensive in comparison to conventional meat and the key is to reduce the growth medium costs to a minimum," explains Amit Yaari, Ph.D., CEO of BioBetter. "Our target is to reduce the production cost of growth factors, including insulin, a key part of the growth medium, to $1 per gram which is a 100-fold less than the going rate today "
Thestart-upalreadyhasachievedfiveimpressivemilestonesinjustthepastyear:
1Productionscale-up/buildingpilotplan .
2Commercialscalecultivationofinsulin-andFGF-expressingtobaccoplants .
3ReachingGFexpressionlevelsthatenableasignificantreductionofproductioncosts .
4SignificantregulatoryprogressesandadvanceswiththeIsraelMinistryofHealth .
5Collaborationwithleadingcultivatedmeatcompanies .
Plantbioreactortechnology
BioBetterdiscoveredanewpurposeforthetraditionallyshunnedtobaccoplants,transformingtheminto bioreactorsfortheproductionofGFsTheseGFsplayakeyroleintheproliferationanddifferentiationof culturedmeatcells,allowingfortheformationofauthenticandwell-structuredmuscletissue Designedforbothenvironmentalsafetyandefficiency,thesebioreactorswillbegrowninalarge-scale, nethousecultivationsystem.Theplantsarecarefullyengineeredtopreventtheescapeofanytransgenic material.Theyareinducedtoexpressgrowthfactorsonlywhenchemicallytriggered,andthecompany exclusivelyusesnon-food,non-feedtobaccoplantstoeliminateanyriskofinadvertentconsumptionor cross-contaminationoffoodcrops.
