SHEVAT 5785 טבשׁ
Remembering Joe
PUBLISHER
LUXURY CHAMBER MEDIA GROUP
EDITOR
Jay Shapiro
LUXURY CHAMBER MEDIA GROUP
Remembering Joe Hess Beloved Philanthropic Leader and
Holocaust Survivor
The Greater Los Angeles Jewish community and beyond mourn the loss of Joe Hess, a cherished Holocaust survivor, philanthropist, and community leader, who passed away on January 21, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on June 25, 1932, in Fulda, Germany, Joe’s incredible life story was one of resilience, determination, and dedication to making the world a better place.
Joe was just six years old when he and his sister, Ilse, bid farewell to their parents for the last time, escaping Nazi persecution via one of the last Kindertransports to England, where they lived with a foster family. In 1948, they immigrated to the United States, settling in Millville, New Jersey. After completing high school and beginning studies at Rutgers University, Joe joined the U.S. Air Force, where he began his distinguished career in aerospace and defense. While stationed in Boston, he met and married Margie (Z"L), his devoted wife of 68 years. In 1954, Joe was joyfully reunited with his father, Max, whom he had believed perished during the Holocaust.
Professionally, Joe excelled as a government technical manager, international aerospace consultant, and United Nations volunteer. He worked at the Air Force Cambridge Research Labs in Massachusetts and, in 1968, moved to California to serve as Director of Space Division for the U.S. Department of Defense. Joe also developed workshops worldwide to help developing nations harness space technology for societal benefit. As Vice President of the International Arid Lands Consortium, he addressed critical issues in arid and semi-arid regions globally. Joe’s enduring legacy is deeply intertwined with his nearly 30-year partnership and leadership with Jewish National Fund-USA, where he served as National Campaign Chairman, Vice President of Zones and Regions, and President in Orange County before moving to Los Angeles. “If Israel had existed, my parents would have been saved,” was a sentiment that fueled his tireless efforts. Joe’s vision and leadership were instrumental in securing Israel’s water future, contributing to the creation of over 250 water reservoirs and helping the organization achieve NGO status at the United Nations.
Joe was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and will be deeply missed by his family and numerous friends. His warmth, wisdom, and unwavering dedication will continue to inspire those who knew him.
To honor Joe Hess’ memory and his enduring impact, contributions can be made to Jewish National Fund-USA at jnf.org/donate or a tree can be planted in Israel at jnf.org/tree or call 800.542.8733. For more information, contact Sharon Joy, JNF-USA National Campaign Director, at sjoy@jnf.org.
JOE reuniting with his father in 1954
Israeli Doctors from Save a Child's Heart Deliver
Holiday Miracles to Zambian Children
In the spirit of the season, a team of Israeli doctors recently completed a humanitarian mission to Zambia, bringing hope and healing to 25 children suffering from critical heart conditions The medical mission, a testament to the true meaning of Christmas – compassion, generosity, and the gift of life – successfully performed life-saving heart surgeries on these young patients, offering them a brighter future
"Witnessing these children, who faced imminent danger, receive the gift of life during this joyous season is truly heartwarming," said Dr Lior Sasson, a heart surgeon and key member of the Israeli medical team "This mission embodies the spirit of Holiday Tzedakah –giving back to those in need and spreading joy and hope " Save a Child's Heart (SACH), an Israeli-based international humanitarian organization, completed a life-saving mission in Lusaka, Zambia, last week This mission brought together an international team of medical professionals from Israel, Tanzania, and Zambia to treat 25 children suffering from congenital heart defects. In a groundbreaking collaboration, doctors from Israel's Wolfson Medical Center (WMC), Tanzania's Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), and Zambia's National Heart Hospital (NHH) performed open heart surgery and catheterization procedures at NHH.
Leading the effort were Dr. Godwin Godfrey Sharau of Tanzania and Dr. Mudaniso Kumani Ziwa of Zambia, both trained by Save a Child's Heart in Israel. They worked alongside Tanzanian and Zambian teams, many of whom have also undergone specialized training in Israel through Save a Child's Heart Dr Lior Sasson, Director of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery at WMC, observed firsthand the collaboration of two generations of surgeons he trained in Israel over the past 15 years, as they worked together to save the lives of Zambian children
"It is incredibly rewarding to see the doctors we trained in Israel now leading life-saving missions and building sustainable cardiac care programs in their home countries," said Sasson. "The specialized training they received at Wolfson Medical Center has empowered them to perform complex heart surgeries and train others, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond Israel. Witnessing the successful collaboration of these skilled professionals, who were once our trainees and are now leaders in global pediatric cardiac care, fills me with pride and hope for the future of children with heart disease around the world."
Since 2017, Save a Child's Heart has worked closely with Zambia's Ministry of Health to strengthen pediatric cardiac care. This partnership has resulted in the treatment of over 100 Zambian children and the training of medical professionals in advanced cardiac care techniques at Save a Child's Heart in Israel, as well as 10 nurses trained in Tanzania. As of 2024, Save a Child's Heart has sponsored medical teams to facilitate open heart surgery and catheterization procedures based on an international collaboration between Tanzania's JKCI, Italy's Congenital Heart Academy Italy, and Israel's WMC.
"This remarkable achievement underscores the power of international cooperation and the profound impact of medical expertise on the lives of children worldwide," noted Simon Fisher, Executive Director of Save a Child's Heart. "This Christmas, let us remember the spirit of giving and the importance of extending a helping hand to those in need. The Israeli medical mission to Zambia serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that compassion and medical expertise can have on the lives of children around the world."
A COMPLETE UNKNOWN
DECEMBER 25, 2024
New York, 1961. Against the backdrop of a vibrant music scene and tumultuous cultural upheaval, an enigmatic 19-year-old from Minnesota arrives with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music. He forges intimate relationships with music icons of Greenwich Village on his meteoric rise, culminating in a groundbreaking and controversial performance that reverberates worldwide. Timothée Chalamet stars and sings as Bob Dylan in James Mangold’s A COMPLETE UNKNOWN, the electric true story behind the rise of one of the most iconic singer-songwriters in history.
The film also stars Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash and Scoot McNairy as Woody Guthrie
Directed by: James Mangold
Screenplay by: James Mangold and Jay Cocks
Produced by: Fred Berger p.g.a., James Mangold p.g.a., Alex Heineman p.g.a., Bob Bookman, Peter Jaysen, Alan Gasmer, Jeff Rosen, Timothée Chalamet
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, Boyd Holbrook, Dan Fogler, Norbert Leo Butz, Eriko Hatsune, Big Bill Morganfield, Will Harrison, and Scoot McNairy
From Bitcoin to Building Bridges: How Cryptocurrency is Supporting Israel’s Future
By JNF-USA Staff
While your Bubbe’s Blue Box only had space for quarters and dimes, you can now support the land and people of Israel in a new and innovative way with cryptocurrency.
When you think about supporting our Jewish Homeland, what comes to mind? These days, it is the critical needs facing Israel’s residents following the heinous attacks of October 7. The funds needed to rebuild and re-imagine the Israeli communities located along the borders of Gaza and Lebanon are staggering. The need for resources has never been greater and now there’s a new way to support this critical endeavor: cryptocurrency. Yes, you can now turn your Bitcoin, Ethereum, or even Dogecoin into a force for good for the land and people of Israel!
Crypto Giving: Not Your Bubbe’s Donation Strategy
Picture this: You’re explaining to your grandparents around the shabbat table how you just supported Israel. “You know, Bubbe, instead of writing a check, I sent some Bitcoin to help re-build a kibbutz in Southern Israel.” “Bit-what? How does that help?”
It’s not an easy concept to wrap your head around, but cryptocurrency is quickly becoming a modern, secure, and efficient way to make an impact And now, Jewish National Fund-USA is paving the way for digital giving
Why Crypto?
It’s Tax-Smart: Donating cryptocurrency can help you avoid capital gains taxes. That means more of your donation goes to the cause, rather than Uncle Sam.
It’s Convenient: With platforms like The Giving Block, converting your crypto into charitable donations is simple and secure.
It’s Unique: Be the one to tell your friends, “My Ethereum helped rebuild Israel ”
What Your Crypto Can Do in Israel
Rebuild Communities: Fund housing and infrastructure in communities devastated by the October 7 attacks Help the environment: Restore Israel’s green spaces and combat desertification
Emergency Services: Support Israel’s Fire & Rescue Authority as well as Emergency Response Centers in remote Israeli communities
Support Programs for People with Disabilities: Empower individuals with inclusive opportunities Invest in Water Solutions: Back innovative technologies to address water scarcity in Israel
Forever Yiddish 2: More Songs from the Shtetl
When: January 25, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Where: Aventura Arts and Cultural Center
Immerse yourself in an evening of timeless Yiddish melodies with Forever Yiddish 2, a soulful celebration of songs from a world long past yet forever present in spirit. Yitzhak Fried returns to the stage to present heartfelt renditions of Yiddish classics, infused with personal interpretations and emotional depth.
Born in post-war Austria, Yitzhak grew up surrounded by the rich Yiddish language and music of his parents’ home. Accompanied by renowned pianist Alan Mason, who has graced stages around the globe, Yitzhak will guide you on a journey through poignant songs and stories, blending laughter, tears, and a touch of humor
Proceeds from this event will benefit Leket Israel, the leading food rescue organization in Israel. The networking reception opens one hour prior to the performance and features light snacks, premium spirits, wine, beer, and soft drinks. Please note that food and beverages are permitted only in designated areas
Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of culture, music, and community! Tickets are available at Ticketmaster!
House Adopts Defense Bill With Major ProIsrael Provisions
AIPAC commends the U.S. House of Representatives for including critical pro-Israel provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. The importance of these provisions is underscored by Israel’s current fight against aggression from Iran and its terrorist proxies.
Importantly, the bipartisan defense measure authorizes $500 million in FY 2025 for U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation. This includes funds for Israeli procurement of Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow, and for bilateral research, development, testing and evaluation.
Other key provisions include:
Increases and expands authorization of the U.S.-Israel anti-tunneling cooperative program to $80 million per year (a $30 million increase over FY24).
Authorizes $47.5 million for new U.S.-Israel cooperation on emerging defense technologies including directed energy, AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and quantum.
Requires the Department of Defense (DoD) and CENTCOM to assess and improve cooperation on space and satellite security capabilities with Israel and other Middle East security partners – the STARS Act.
Requires DoD to consider the feasibility and advisability of including Israel in the National Technology and Industrial Base (NTIB).
Requires the Secretary of Defense and the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency to provide the Government of Israel defense intelligence, advice, and support to the extent practicable, and consistent with United States objectives, to support Israel's pursuit of the lasting defeat of Hamas, and to assist Israel in either capturing or killing senior Hamas officials.
Establishes a new education and training program known as the "United States and Israel Trauma and Amputee Rehabilitation Education and Training Program."
Requires U.S. Central Command to conduct annual counter-tunneling exercises with Israel.
In adopting these important provisions, we appreciate the leadership of Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Jack Reed (D-RI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Representatives Mike Johnson (R-LA), Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Steve Scalise (R-LA), Mike Rogers (R-AL) and Adam Smith (D-WA).
AIPAC urges the Senate to quickly adopt the NDAA.
Natural Gas Discovery in Energean's Block 23 Confirmed
by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has confirmed a natural gas discovery in Block 23, a license awarded to Energean as part of the 1st Israel Offshore Bid Round, following an exploration well drilled by the company in 2022.
© Photo: Asaf Magal, GPO
The Petroleum Commissioner at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has informed Energean of his decision to confirm the discovery of a small natural gas reservoir, whose size is estimated by the company at approximately 4-5 BCM, in Block 23.
Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Eli Cohen: "Israel's energy sources hold much economic and political importance, and so I am pleased to be informed of the additional natural gas discovery in Block 23. Israel's natural gas reservoirs constitute a significant strategic asset, with their contribution to state revenues and the reduction of the cost of living for the benefit of all Israeli citizens"
The Petroleum Commissioner at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Chen Bar-Yosef, confirmed today Energean's natural gas discovery in license 23, after an examination of the relevant technical and economic parameters, and in accordance with the Petroleum Law. The application for the confirmation of the discovery was submitted after natural gas was discovered in the reservoir known as Hercules. This is the third discovery confirmed for the company that results from exploration wells drilled following the 1st Bid Round. During 2023, the company received confirmation of a discovery for the Katlan natural gas reservoirs and in July of this year the company received a confirmation of discovery for the Drakon reservoir. The company is expected to drill more prospective reservoirs over the coming years. In the coming months the professional team at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure is expected to complete the validation of its estimates regarding the amount of natural gas existing in the Hercules reservoir.