Associate Principal of General Studies, Lower School/Director of Teaching and Learning
Rabbi Dr. David Saltzman
Assistant Principal of General Studies, Lower School
Ms. Marie Angel
Director, Student Services
Dr. Nicole Yossef
Director, Early Childhood
Ms. Debbie Levine Greenbaum
JOEL BRAVERMAN HIGH SCHOOL
Head of School
Rabbi Joseph Beyda
Associate Principal, Teaching and Learning
Ms. Esther Hidary (HS ’94)
Associate Principal, Student Advancement
Rabbi Yigal Sklarin
Associate Principal, Student Life
Dr. Michael Atlas
Assistant Principal, Student Experience
Rabbi David Galpert (ES ’05, HS ’09)
Dean of Students
Rabbi Naftali Besser
Rosh Bet Midrash
Rabbi Avi Harari (ES ’99, HS ’03)
Director of Guidance
Dr. Etty Mizrahi (ES ’97, HS ’01)
Director of College Guidance
Ms. Emily Mottahedeh
Director of Admissions
Ms. Sally Hamway
Principal Emeritus
Rabbi Dr. David Eliach, Z”L
EXECUTIVE
OFFICE
Executive Vice President
Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Rothman
Chief Financial Officer
Mrs. Aliyah Kozirovsky-Ratsen
Director of Development
Mrs. Vicky Amzalag
Director of Marketing and Communications
Mrs. Sarah Chalouh
Director of Information Technology
Mr. Joe Cruz
Director of Finance
Mrs. Faigie Gelbstein
Director of Operations
Ms. Esther Kizelnik
Director of Capital Campaign
Mrs. Norma Shamah
Director of Admissions
Ms. Sonia Shacalo
Annual Report Editors
Mrs. Vicky Amzalag
Ms. Michelle Olveira
Annual Report Committee
Mr. Abe Haddad (ES ’97, HS ’01)
Mrs. Ronit Laniado
Mr. Ralph Tawil (ES ’00, HS ’04)
Design
Franklin Group
Leadership 2023-2024
OFFICERS
President:
Abe Hanan (ES ’90, HS ’94)
Vice Presidents:
Dawn Levy (HS ’91)
David Oved
Seymour Sammell (HS ’98)
Ami Sasson (ES ’88, HS ’92)
Isaac Silvera
Jeanne Zirdok (ES ’95, HS ’99)
Treasurer:
Ralph S. Shamah (ES ’89, HS ’93)
Associate Treasurers:
Albert Hasson (ES ’94, HS ’98)
Hymie Mishan (HS ’00)
Louis J. Shamie (HS ’02)
Morris Tabush
Financial Secretary:
Morris Doueck (ES ’94, HS ’98)
Associate Financial
Secretaries:
Abe Anteby (ES ’84, HS ’88)
Jaret Feldman (ES ’92, HS ’96)
Dory Salem (ES ’88, HS ’92)
Sam Shamie (HS ’74)
Secretary:
David Azar (ES ’94, HS ’98)
Associate Secretaries:
Joey M. Allaham
Joseph Betesh
David Chabbott (ES ’97, HS ’01)
JoJo A. Chehebar
Dr. David Khaski (ES ’90, HS ’94)
Ruvin Levavi (ES ’97, HS ’01)
Assistant Secretaries:
Limor Madeb
Joey Oved (ES ’05, HS ’09)
Amy Sasson (ES ’87, HS ’91)
Alberto Smeke
Eric Stern (ES ’96, HS ’00)
Naomi Houllou A”H
Ladies Auxiliary
Sarah Chalouh (ES ’01, HS ’05)
Beatrice Sutton
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Steven Adelsberg
Zvi BenHaim (ES ’73)
Maggie Betesh (ES ’90, HS ’94)
Jack Cayre (ES ’87)
Morris Doueck (ES ’94, HS ’98)
Marjorie Gindi (ES ’86)
Mark Goldstein
Abe Haddad (ES ’97, HS ’01)
Abe Hanan (ES ’90, HS ’94)
Ralph Harary
Abie J. Hidary (ES ’90, HS ’94)
Louis Jerome (HS ’03)
Albert Laboz
Ronit Laniado
Hymie Mamiye (ES ’78, HS ’82)
Jack Mann (ES ’74, HS ’78)
Jack Mosseri
Solomon Mosseri
David Oved
Jack A. Rahmey (ES ’69, HS ’73)
Seymour Sammell (HS ’98)
Ami Sasson (ES ’88, HS ’92)
Alan Shamah
Ralph S. Shamah (ES ’89, HS ’93)
Louis J. Shamah
Isaac Silvera
Steven Stein (ES ’89, HS ’93)
Joseph Tawil (ES ’90, HS ’94)
Jeanne Zirdok (ES ’95, HS ’99)
HONORARY TRUSTEES
Robert Frastai (ES ’85, HS ’89)
Ronald Tawil
Mitchell Vilinsky
Our entire school embarked on a mission this past year to better understand the impact of a Yeshivah of Flatbush education. By digging in just a little bit, we uncovered things that we knew to be true, but were amazed by the extent and true scope of our reach.
While YOF’s formal education begins in the early formative years of a child's life and continues through their teenage years, the value that it brings carries far into one’s later life. It impacts not only those individuals who learned here, but extends into the families and communities in which they live. Hundreds, if not thousands, of adults in many far-reaching places can attribute their religious growth, lifestyle decisions, career choices and societal involvement to the backbone and values they learned here. As they give back in myriad ways to their families and communities, in the U.S., Israel and around the world, they identify the roots of their values to the Torah and our very own Yeshivah.
We have no better way to describe this phenomenon than “The Ripple Effect.”
As a stone cast into a lake forms a small ripple in the surface of the water, then continues to spread into wider and wider concentric circles, so does a Yeshivah of Flatbush education as its impact is felt as a powerful ripple throughout society. As you consider the best choice of yeshivah to send your children to, or the best allocation of your charitable contributions, know that by investing in and supporting the Yeshivah of Flatbush, you are not only impacting your own lives and the lives of your children but you are creating a ripple that will reach far beyond what you dreamed and aspired to create.
Thank you all for being part of our Flatbush Family and for making us a meaningful and impactful part of yours.
Best wishes of Beracha and Hatzlacha,
Abe Hanan President, Yeshivah
of Flatbush
A Yeshivah of Flatbush education is the key to making substantial waves in the world. What sets YOF apart is its dedication to helping students grow their character, embrace their Torah values, and gain knowledge, empowering them to become passionate learners and inspired leaders.
Our unfettered commitment to tuition assistance ensures we offer our entire community the opportunity of a Flatbush education. We rely on the generosity of our donors whose gifts produce a positive ripple effect, advancing our mission and enriching our community.
We are excited to announce that our high school renovations are almost complete, and will elevate the academic and extracurricular experience for our students and staff, with more spaces where they can explore their interests, develop their talents and build their blueprint for success.
Although we were faced with many challenges during the 23-24 school year, our students’ numerous accomplishments proved that they are determined, inspired and insightful individuals who tested their academic strengths, actively engaged in multiple after school clubs and Torah learning discussions, focused on their college portfolios, and worked at meaningful internships.
Our allegiance and bond with Israel is more resolute now than ever. Over 65 of our 12th graders are continuing their education in Israel for their gap year, and we saw remarkable support when it came to our fundraising efforts. Our ruach has never been stronger, as thousands of our students and family members gathered on Yom Ha'atzmaut to raise their voices in unison at our concert, and showed their solidarity as they waved hundreds of flags while marching with us at the Israel Parade. Our high school students visited dozens of charitable organizations on the Chesed Mission, and our alumni community remained engaged, with many participating in our Achdut Missions.
As we continue to adapt and improve, we look forward to our valued Flatbush Family being part of our legacy, shaping our future, and celebrating our achievements with us. We look forward to welcoming you back for the 24-25 school year!
Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Rothman Executive Vice President
Idid not grow up in New York and only seldom visited throughout my childhood. People often asked me what I knew of the Yeshivah before joining, and my response was these three things: Ivrit B’Ivrit, Tzionut, Academic Excellence. In every case, the person asking confirmed my answer.
While I can point to many Jewish Day Schools that have a strong sense of tzionut and love for Medinat Yisrael, I can say with certainty that it is different at YOF. The passion, the love, the centrality that Medinat Yisrael holds in our daily education programs, as well as our lives, is embedded within the bricks of YOF. The messages and stories of seemingly countless alumni who credit their aliyah, service in Tzahal and unyielding support of Medinat Yisrael to the deep roots that were planted in their early years here at our Yeshivah continue to leave an indelible mark on each incoming generation of students.
All of this came to a head this year, when on October 8th, the unanimous and pioneering decision was made that we would not only go without hesitation to Israel as soon as possible, but that our visit would be centered around our students. After being the first institution to do this, we not only filled up our first trip, but then filled four more subsequent trips. Each visit was filled with the deepest sense of pride, love, and responsibility that knew no bounds. Our students came back each time, sharing stories of the giants they met and the history they experienced, while inspiring their peers, family and community.
The ripple effect of establishing our Yeshivah on intrinsic core values nearly a century ago has never been more felt, visible and appreciated than they are today.
Rabbi Yahel Tsaidi Head of Elementary School
For the past 16 months, we have been in the final and most intensive phase of our high school building upgrade project. Throughout the 2023-2024 school year, at least a third of our classrooms were under renovation, rendering them unavailable. Working around this required incredible flexibility and resilience on the part of our students and faculty. Thanks to the outstanding efforts by professional and lay leadership, we crafted and implemented a plan that minimized disruptions and our exceptional learning took place unthwarted, despite some physical classroom compromises.
When school started in September, we knew we would have a challenging year, but we could never have predicted the specific ways it would unfold.
However, no one could have foreseen the events of 10/7, the ensuing war, and the rise of antisemitism around the world, especially on university campuses. I’m proud to say that our institutional love for and commitment to the People and the State of Israel kicked into overdrive. Most notably, we organized four different Achdut missions to Israel in which over 100 of our students participated — something no other Jewish Day School can claim. Remarkably, our first two trips were in November and December, well before others even considered traveling to Israel. These trips, along with a multitude of other initiatives — rallies, speakers, volunteering, fundraising, and more — fostered an incredible sense of solidarity with Am Yisrael which our students will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Along the way, our school achieved numerous successes. Our college acceptances were phenomenal. Our Boys Varsity Basketball team won a national tournament and came within a bounce of winning the league championship. We hosted the Beit Yaacov of São Paulo, Brazil at our 10th Grade Shabbaton and welcomed the HaZamir choir from Israel.
Looking ahead to the upcoming school year, we’re excited to be “moving in” to our fully renovated campus. All of our classes will be back under one roof, allowing us to fully utilize our amazing building after its critical facelift. We are deeply grateful for the investment our lay leaders and sponsors have made in us, and we can’t wait to put them to use to Empower, Educate and Inspire.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Joseph Beyda Head of High School
Making Waves: A Yeshivah Of Flatbush Education Sets The Ripple Effect In Motion
1. The energy generated by one act can spread and set off a series of positive events or actions.
From generation to generation, Yeshivah of Flatbush students have thrived because of our commitment to Empower, Educate and Inspire every child who has graced our hallways since 1927. We understand the need to continually build, innovate and adapt in order for our message and content to stay relevant. Our goal to allow students to pursue their individual passions translates into robust college acceptances.
The positive ripple effect of a Yeshivah of Flatbush education is the result of our inspirational rabbis and dynamic faculty members who act as both mentors and role models for our students. We stress sensitivity and responsibility towards the world, which leads to confident, self-fulfilled individuals. After getting their first chesed experiences here, our graduates stand out in the public sphere as leaders who make a profound impact.
Starting here can lead you anywhere.
REACHING THE FARTHEST SHORE
ADMISSIONS
The Flatbush Family grows bigger every year as we welcome new families to both the elementary and high school. There is no better way to make a splash than by signing up your child for the full Flatbush experience.
HIGH SCHOOL
Students from more than 20 elementary schools attended the 2023 YOFHS Open House. The day’s schedule included information sessions and student ambassador-led tours. In addition, families heard students' personal experiences and spoke oneon-one with administrators at parlor meetings held throughout the fall and spring semesters.
96% of YOF 8th graders applied to YOFHS
275 applications
900+ Open House attendees
300+ visits and tours
40+ new families welcomed
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Early Childhood continues to grow overall. The informative Open House and New Family Dinner invited prospective parents to engage with current parents and faculty members.
296 applications
70 new families welcomed
3% increase in Early Childhood enrollment
STREAMING AHEAD
REACHING THE FARTHEST SHORE
ONE DONATION, THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS
Our donors are the catalysts who provide Flatbush students with the momentum to cast the first stone. The impact of a gift is tenfold, with thousands of students benefiting from a single ripple. Through the generosity of past and current generations, our classrooms have been able to continue our rich tradition of learning and exploration.
tinyurl.com/yofrippleeffect
MAKING WAVES
A YOF Education: Creating a Tide of Achievements
On any given day here at Flatbush, our students are thriving in an atmosphere that invites them to express themselves, feel confident in their own endeavors, and connect with Torah learning. We offer our students a plethora of opportunities to find their own strengths while they take advantage of everything the school has to offer, whether it be a chesed program, learning a new sport, or trying out for an academic team. The first ripple is created by our students as they prove their capabilities.
Here are a few highlights of the many ways our students have excelled over the past school year:
The high school math team came in first place in the team round at the Math Majors of America Tournament held at Yale
40 students participated in the Chidon Hatanach National Competition, ending with four of them placing in the top ten in their specific category 1 2 4 5 10 11 1
11th grader won a Bronfman Fellowship and will participate in a highlycoveted, yearlong tikkun olam-based learning experience
National Merit® Scholarship Program high school finalists Elementary school sports teams made it to the championship round
High school athletes were chosen to play basketball in the Yeshiva All-Star League 11th and 12th graders attended the NCSY Leadership Summit
$16k
Middle School boys created the Lunchtime Learning Legion so they can advance their daily mishnah learning
was raised by 4th grade students during the Reina Varon A”H Business Fair for tzedakah
WAVE OF SOLIDARITY WITH ISRAEL
STREAMING AHEAD
REACHING THE FARTHEST SHORE
albums professionally recorded and released to Spotify this year by the elementary and high school choirs
music videos produced - “Mi Sheberach” by the elementary school choir and “Chaverim 2.0” with choir students and alumni 2 40
instruments in the high school’s new Multimedia Suite, including keyboards, electric, acoustic and bass guitars, amplifiers, congo and bongo drums, handheld percussion instruments, and a cajon
Never Forget:
Diving Into The Depths of History
At the beginning of 2023, YOF received a $6 million gift from Elementary School Class of ‘46 graduate William S. Levine. At the time, this gift was the largest donation ever given to the Yeshivah since its founding in 1927. The donation established the William S. Levine Family Shoah Institute, directed by Rabbi Dr. David Hertzberg. The Institute is an all-encompassing umbrella initiative for Middle School and high school students who are given the opportunity to participate in multiple interdisciplinary programs to strengthen their understanding of the Holocaust in the greater context of world history. The Institute prepares students for the moral responsibility to bear witness to the tragedies of the Holocaust with a goal to help preserve survivors’ voices. After the horrors of October 7th, the Institute expanded to include family and student missions to Israel (YOF was the first school to do so), Israel speakers and sessions on college protests and the history of antisemitism.
"One of the things that I learned at the Yeshivah was to give to charity,” shared Mr. Levine. “I am proud and lucky to be able to give back to the Yeshivah of Flatbush."
William S. Levine Family Shoah Institute
4 10 3 6 7
faculty/student/parent
Achdut Missions to Israel since October 7, 2023
trips sponsored by the program, including visits to the Nova exhibit, the Holocaust museum in D.C., and an alumni trip to the Golan Heights Yom Kippur War battlefield
3-day Yad Vashem conference on the Holocaust and contemporary antisemitism held at YOF
twelfth grade students in the Yad Vashem Ambassador Program participated in a seminar about contemporary antisemitism and how to combat it on college campuses, gaining valuable insight as they prepare to embark on their college journey.
This interactive, multimedia Holocaust project engages 8th grade students in an experiential journey to become documentary filmmakers as they preserve the testimony of Holocaust survivors for future generations. Students interview and film the survivors, culminating in a movie that is shown to their parents and stored at Yad Vashem. This project was created by educator Tova FishRosenberg and is directed by Middle School faculty member Barbara Zelenetz.
350 student participants since the program’s introduction at YOF in 2017
43 Holocaust survivors’ stories shared in studentcreated films
60% of the 8th grade class participated this year
Witness Theater
Witness Theater is an intergenerational journey that invites Holocaust survivors to share their stories of survival with 12th grade students who will ultimately reenact their stories. Working together every week, the two generations build strong relationships as they explore issues of war, loss and trauma. Witness Theater is written and directed by YOFHS Director of the Arts Sally Grazi-Shatzkes (ES ‘95 HS’ 99).
12
175 years of memorable Witness Theater performances Holocaust survivors’ stories reenacted
80
students have participated in the program at YOFHS since its inception
Wave of Solidarity With Israel
The Yeshivah's mission has always been rooted in a deep connection to Medinat Yisrael and Klal Yisrael. This relationship was forged together even more tightly in the aftermath of the tragic events of October 7, 2023. We invited Israelis to share their stories and visited Israel to bear witness and experience what our beloved Jewish families were facing. We instilled in our elementary and high school students a strong bond with Israel that sparked a wave of initiatives including fundraisers, trips, expressive art projects and heartfelt displays of solidarity.
2,000 students and faculty members attended the Israel Parade in June
7 high school students visited the United Nations to hear the testimony of 30 family members of hostages
$21,400
25 Israeli speakers visited the high school and elementary school
30
Middle School girls (and even some mothers!) donated their hair to help make wigs for cancer patients at Zichron Menachem in Israel as part of the Naomi Houllou A”H Ladies Auxiliary "Heart of Gold" program
3 drones sent to the IDF within three weeks of the Oct. 7th attack, with funds raised from the Flatbush community
raised two weeks after October 7th by the Naomi Houllou A”H Ladies Auxiliary, which arranged a Middle School Shuk, a 4th grade berachot party, and a 3rd grade emergency relief fund
700 community members attended the Ishay Ribo benefit concert to help the displaced community of Shlomit, a yishuv affected by October 7th
78 duffel bags packed with everyday essentials were sent along with the Chesed Mission to the IDF
WAVE OF SOLIDARITY WITH ISRAEL
STREAMING AHEAD
"Shani was the light versus the darkness"
-Nissim
REACHING THE FARTHEST SHORE
Louk, father of October 7th victim Shani Louk
23 high school students created a meaningful and uplifting art display symbolizing hope and light with art teacher Mia Erdos
MAKING WAVES A YOF EDUCATION NEVER FORGET
Streaming Ahead: Looking Towards The Future
As the Yeshivah of Flatbush approaches its centennial birthday, the future of its students and their achievements are at the forefront of our mission. We recognize that in order to provide students with an exceptional education experience, we must adapt, innovate, build and grow. The Class of 2024 exemplified this ethos, demonstrating that perseverance and dedication are the keys to success. Their impressive college acceptances and enriching internships, facilitated by our invaluable Shifra Hanon Pathfinders Department, speak for themselves. Moreover, despite the challenging circumstances in Israel, our students were eager to further their Judaic learning for their gap year.
68
students are spending their gap year in Israel
“Through Pathfinders, I was privileged to have the opportunity to work alongside a college professor and a team of undergraduates through the Polymath Jr. program. Together, we conducted cutting-edge research on Computational Ramsey Theory.”
50% of the Class of 2024 received merit scholarships
62 students were accepted to hyper- and highlyselective post-secondary institutions including Cornell, Harvard, MIT, Princeton and Yale
“I learned to research in Summer Scholars, created ways to approach a problem in Computer Science Principles, picked up tools to continue creating music during Ricky Sasson’s Open Studio hours. But nothing will impact me quite like the relationships I’ve built here.”
75 were accepted to selective post-selective institutions
“Flatbush inspired and motivated me through its limitless opportunities and wide range of different classes and extracurriculars.”
34 alumni speakers this year
18
AP Bio students visited the Cold Spring Harbor DNA lab to run a forensic profiling investigation
“I am very proud to have founded the YOFHS studentlife podcast, “Phoenix Live”. It even received a microgrant from the Jewish Education Project.”
ELISHA KAHAN, YOFHS Valedictorian Yeshivat Har Etzion, followed by MIT
RIVKAH LAHAV Yale University
CLAUDE GRAZI Cornell University
ERIC AZRAK, YOFHS Salutatorian NYU Stern School of Business
Michelle Saadia and Katie Louzia
Seniors Katie Louzia and Michelle Saadia participated in the exclusive Women in Science Program at Maimonides Health, which provides a unique opportunity for female applicants to experience the world of a surgeon by interning under the guidance of an assigned physician.
REACHING THE FARTHEST SHORE WAVE OF SOLIDARITY WITH ISRAEL
College Acceptances
Adelphi University
Alfred State College of Technology (SUNY)
Barnard College
Baruch College (CUNY)
Binghamton University (SUNY)
Borough of Manhattan Community College (CUNY)
Boston University
Brandeis University
Brooklyn College (CUNY)
Brown University
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
City College (CUNY)
College of Staten Island (CUNY)
Columbia University
Columbia University and Tel Aviv University
Dual Degree Program
Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
Cornell University
CUNY Macaulay Honors College (Baruch College, Brooklyn College)
Drexel University
Fashion Institute of Technology (CUNY)
Fordham University
Israel Acceptances
Israel XP at Bar-Ilan University
Michlelet Mesaveret Yerushalayim (MMY)
Midreshet Amit
Midreshet Eshel
Midreshet Moriah
Midreshet Torat Chessed (MTC)
STREAMING AHEAD
George Washington University
Harvard University
Hofstra University
Hunter College (CUNY)
Johns Hopkins University
John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY)
Kingsborough Community College (CUNY)
LaGuardia Community College (CUNY)
Lander College for Men
Lehman College (CUNY)
LIM College
Long Island University (Brooklyn and Post campuses)
Marymount Manhattan College
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Miami Dade College - Kendall Campus
Monmouth University
Muhlenberg College
New York City College of Technology (CUNY)
New York Institute of Technology
New York School of Interior Design
New York University
Northeastern University
Nova Southeastern University
Pace University
Pennsylvania State University
Polytechnic Institute (SUNY)
Pratt Institute
Princeton University
Queens College (CUNY)
Rider University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rutgers University
Sarah Lawrence College
School of Visual Arts
St. John's University
Stevens Institute of Technology
Stony Brook University (SUNY)
Syracuse University
The New School
Touro College
University at Albany (SUNY)
University of Colorado - Boulder
University of Connecticut
University of Maryland - College Park
University of Pennsylvania
University of Toronto
Wagner College
Williams College
Yale University
Yeshiva University
Nishmat
Sha'alvim for Women
Yeshivat Eretz HaTzvi
Yeshivat Har Etzion
Yeshivat Lev Aharon
Yeshivat Mikdash Melech
Yeshivat Moreshet Lindenbaum
Yeshivat Moreshet Yerushalayim
Yeshivat Orayta
Yeshivat Torat Shraga
Reaching The Farthest Shore: Advancing Our Mission
With a legacy spanning nearly a century, the Yeshivah of Flatbush boasts an impressive network of 15,000 alumni who embody the school's enduring spirit of excellence and achievement. They embody our passion for Torah learning, our constant pursuit to maintain academic excellence, our commitment to Zionism, and strong dedication to chesed and community service.
Our alumni include two Nobel Prize laureates, three Israel Prize winners and an Israeli Supreme Court Justice, aside from the thousands of alumni across the globe who have stepped up to help fellow Jews in Israel since the October 7th tragedy.
However, our Flatbush Family is made up not only of current parents, students, faculty, and alumni. Our own community reach exemplifies the importance of the type of learning and engagement that happens here every day, and inspires others to donate not only to our school, but to the greater community at-large.
FIGHTING ANTISEMITISM
Right now, our recent graduates are challenged by the unprecedented antisemitism on college campuses. Two of our alumni gave their testimony to Congress.
2 ALUMNI , Jacob Khalili (ES ’15, HS ’19) and Joe Gindi (ES ’17, HS ’21) reported their antisemitic experiences to Congress’ Committee on Education and the Workforce at a special hearing in February 2024.
3 WAYS Class of 2023 alumnus Mark Mosseri is putting his positive mark on the world: Mark is part of Yeshiva University's Office for Values and Leadership - Leadership Scholars Cohort III, he is a committee member of the Sephardic Bikur Holim Youth Division, and is the Young Adult President of Mikdash Eliyahu synagogue.
Jacob Khalili
Joe Gindi
STREAMING AHEAD WAVE OF SOLIDARITY WITH ISRAEL
ADRIENNE AND JOEY SHAMIE
Adrienne and Joey Shamie have dedicated their lives to chesed with the ultimate goal of tikkun olam. They are often the first ones to sign up to help their community— both locally and globally. They are visionary leaders who use their voice to promote the values of kindness, compassion and social responsibility. They, as well as their family members, are involved in many aspects of YOF as Board members and staff, donors, grandparents, parents and role models for our students through their tireless volunteer work and mentorship. True pillars of the community, they are a force that is actively cultivating the next generation of Jewish community leadership through their own inspiring deeds.
The Adrienne and Joey Shamie Family Library in the high school is the first stop for our students to become inspired, motivated members of the Jewish community.
“To all of us who are investing in YOF leadership, in our future children and in our future leaders…thank you. We must continue to invest with our full heart, time and money.” -Joey Shamie
REACHING THE FARTHEST SHORE
Inspiration Through Giving
CLAUDIE AND AVI HOULLOU
In January 2024, the historic renaming of the Yeshivah of Flatbush Houllou Elementary School was announced, following a generous donation by Claudie (ES '95, HS '99) and Avi Houllou, marking the largest contribution ever received by the institution since its founding. This gift ensures our ability to promote our shared values and ideals for future generations. The donation will be used to expand the elementary school’s programs and physical footprint. The Houllous have ten children who are either current students, alumni, or will soon be in the school.
“Yeshivah of Flatbush is a place where our children build strong Jewish identities filled with Torah, mitzvot and chesed. Investing in their education is not just a gift for today, but a promise for the limitless possibilities they will discover and create in the years to come. Together, we are shaping a future when knowledge, growth, and success know no bounds. I sincerely hope that this gift serves as a catalyst, inspiring other generous individuals to step forward and contribute to the Yeshivah." -Avi Houllou
tinyurl.com/honoringhoullou
The Cost To Educate A Child
Delivering the exceptional education and experiences that our Yeshivah provides comes at a substantial cost. To mitigate the impact of rising tuition fees, we proactively diversify our revenue streams. Our Trustees, Board of Directors, Executive Office and administrators work together to ensure fiscal responsibility while upholding the highest standards of academic excellence. The Finance Committee, led by our Chief Financial Officer, convenes regularly to optimize school operations, scrutinize budget performance, refine accounting procedures, and explore future initiatives. Additionally, our school undergoes an annual independent audit to ensure transparency and accountability.
WE DEEPLY THANK THESE ORGANIZATIONS AND FOUNDATIONS THAT HAVE AIDED
THE YESHIVAH OF FLATBUSH THIS PAST YEAR:
MICHAEL GORDON FOUNDATION
The Ripple Effect of Your Generosity
This year's A nnual Report theme, "Ripple Effect," beautifully captures the profound impact of our donors' generosity and philanthropy. Just as a single stone cast into a pond sets off a series of waves, one gift can spark a chain reaction of positive events, advancing our mission and transforming lives. The energy of our donors' kindness spreads far and wide, enabling us to provide scholarships, enhance our facilities, and strengthen our programs. With multiple campaigns and initiatives throughout the year, we continually challenge ourselves to innovate and build meaningful relationships with our donors, fostering a sense of community and pride in their giving. We are grateful for the tireless efforts of our Board of Trustees, staff, parent body, alumni, and donors, who collectively make it possible for us to provide an exceptional education and experience for our students. Through gifts to our Scholarship Fund, Capital Campaign, and Endowment, our donors become an integral part of the YOF family, helping to create a ripple effect of kindness, compassion, and excellence that resonates for generations to come.
$4,990,629 TOTAL DONATIONS
*This amount does not include the Flatbush Forever Fund
2,501
TOTAL DONATIONS
1,560
DONATIONS MADE BY 969 ALUMNI
247 FIRST-TIME DONORS
823
DONATIONS MADE BY CURRENT PARENTS
(Endowment) or Blueprint for Excellence (Capital Campaign).
Honor Roll
A gift to the Annual Scholarship Fund supports every aspect of a student’s experience, providing opportunities for learning as well as the ability for the Yeshivah to be responsive to emerging opportunities and challenges. Gifts to this fund make an immediate difference in the lives of students and faculty, as donations are directed to where the need is the greatest and are an important complement to our Capital and Endowment Campaigns. Annual Scholarship Fund donations turn ideas into actions and are critical in achieving our mission of academic excellence. We thank our dedicated supporters for choosing YOF as their philanthropic priority.
BENEFACTORS ($100,000+)
CLAUDIA AND AVI HOULLOU
THE MOISE SAFRA FOUNDATION
PILLARS ($72,000+)
THE JAY AND AVITAL COHEN FOUNDATION
RALPH J. HARARY FOUNDATION
ADELE AND LOUIS SHAMIE
CHAMPIONS ($50,000+)
THE BAILEY, JEROME AND HOROVITS FAMILIES
JODY AND ZVI BENHAIM
DOUEK FAMILY FOUNDATION
HADDAD BRANDS FAMILY FOUNDATION
THE MAMIYE FOUNDATION
/MARLENE AND HYMIE
MAMIYE
THE OVED FAMILY
HELENE AND ALAN SHAMAH & SALLY AND JOEY SHAMAH
SHAYNE AND ELI ZAMI
SCHOLARS ($36,000+)
MIKE ARJE & THE ETHEL PERES GORDON FOUNDATION
MAGGIE AND ELLIOT BETESH FUND
JOE AND TRINA CAYRE FOUNDATION
CENTURY 21 ASSOCIATES FOUNDATION INC.
GABRIEL AND MARCELLE
CHEHEBAR FAMILY
ALICE AND STEVIE GOLDMAN
MORRIS HANAN AND SONS
STEPHANIE AND JACK MOSSERI
TAMMI AND SOLOMON
MOSSERI
LEAH AND ALEXANDER
REYNGOLD
ROBYN AND SEYMOUR
SAMMELL
MARLENE AND STEVEN R.
SHAMAH & FAMILY
TERRY AND IKE SILVERA
TRIANGLE CAPITAL GROUP
AMBASSADORS ($26,000+)
RENEÉ AND STEVEN
ADELSBERG
GAIL AND JOJO CHEHEBAR
LISA AND LEE COHEN
RALPH S. GINDI FOUNDATION
HIS INTERNATIONAL
ALBERTO & ELLIOT SUTTON & FAMILIES
LAURA AND JOE R. TAWIL
LEADERS ($18,000+)
LILLIAN AND JOEY M.
ALLAHAM
PAULINA AND RALPH AZRAK
NADYA AND GENNADIY
BELENKIY
ELIZABETH AND STEVEN
BETESH
GRACE AND JACK DAYAN
LORI AND HAROLD DWECK
FRIEDA AND JOSEPH M.
FRANCO
RAQUEL AND JOE A. FRANCO
CHANTAL AND AL GINDI
DIANA AND JOSEPH HEDAYA
DR. ISAAC MADEB
LIMOR AND DR. RALPH
MADEB
NICOLE AND DARREN OVED
THE JOSEPH SAFRA FOUNDATION
CYNTHIA AND ALBERT
SETTON
DEBORAH AND JACK SETTON
SDI TECHNOLOGIES/ IHOME
BEATRICE AND JEFFREY
SUTTON
RACHEL AND MORRIS TABUSH
RACHEL AND IGOR VATELMAN
PATRONS ($10,000+)
ALICE AND HARRY ADJMI
GLADYS AND RICHARD ADJMI
VICKY AND ABE M. ANTEBY
RACQUEL AND BOBBY
ASHKENAZI
ETTY AND JACK BENZAKEN
AMY AND JOSEPH BETESH
REBECCA AND ANDREW BIRNBAUM
FREDA AND ZEKE FAHAM
MARCY AND STEVEN
FELDMAN & FAMILY
CHALMÉ FAMILY - ELLIOT R.
CHALMÉ FOUNDATION
FRANCO FOUNDATION
SARAH AND JACK FRANCO
LISA AND ALAN JEMAL
JACK A. KASSIN & FAMILY
ADELE AND DR. DAVID KHASKI
THE LABOZ FAMILY
ERIKA AND RUVIN LEVAVI
ESTHER AND JACK MOSSERI
RACHEL AND RICKY NOVICK
CHARLES AND BRENDA SAKA
FAMILY FOUNDATION
AMY AND STEVEN SASSON
DANIELLE AND MICHAEL
SASSON
JULIETTE AND EDDIE SETTON
BETTY AND JOSEPH SITT
FREDA AND ALBERTO SMEKE
BELLA AND TOBY SOULEIMAN
KARRIE AND ISAAC TOUSSIE
ELI S. WEISS
JEANNE AND RALPH ZIRDOK
PIONEERS ($5,000+)
CAROL AND ISAAC CHERA
JULIE AND MORRIS DWECK
ADELLE AND RALPH DWECK
RUBY AND STEVEN DWECK
JOYCE AND SAM FLASTER
ROCHELLE AND ELLIOT
FRANCO
DANIELLE AND LOUIS FRANCO
RACHEL AND RICHARD
FRANCO
MICHELLE AND VICTOR
HAKIM
JUDITH AND ELLIOT
HOROWITZ
PAULINE AND FRED HARARI
SHIRLEY AND MARK HIDARY
ADELE AND JACK JEMAL
SHELLY AND MOURAD KATTAN
RACHEL AND MORRIS LINCER
MICHELLE AND JACK MALEH
ESTHER AND HYMIE MISHAN
DARA AND DAVID ORBACH
LAURA AND RABBI DR.
JEFFREY ROTHMAN
JENNIFER AND SHAWN
SAFDIE
AMI AND RALPH J. SASSON
ARLENE AND JIMMY SHALOM
ELAINE AND NATHAN
SHALOM
LIZA AND HYMAN SHAMAH
REINA AND JAY SHTULMAN
VALERIE AND STEVEN STEIN
PARTNERS ($3,600+)
LEAH AND JACK CHALOUH
ELAINE AND BERNIE HAFIF
RENEE AND AARON HARARI
SUSAN AND ROBERT IZSAK
MARLENE AND ALAN MALEH
FREDDY HIDARY
AUDREY AND STEVEN
SHALOM
NINA AND MATAN ROSILIO
DEBBIE AND JACK SAADIA
CHLOE AND CAESAR SALAMA
YAEL AND EDDIE SASSOON
MARGRETTE AND JACK
SHAMMAH
ROCHELLE AND ROBERT TERZI
LINDA AND ELI ZIKRY
Capital Campaign Supporters
VALEDICTORIANS ($15,000,000+)
CLAUDIE AND AVI HOULLOU
THE MINYAN ($1,000,000+)
ADRIENNE AND JOEY SHAMIE FAMILY
TERRY AND IKE SILVERA
TRIANGLE CAPITAL GROUP
FOUNDERS ($500,000+)
STEPHANIE AND JACK MOSSERI
VICKY AND ALBERTO SABA
ADELE AND LOUIS J. SHAMIE
BENEFACTORS ($100,000+)
ANNIE AND ELLIOTT AZRAK
LILY AND MEIR BOZAGLO
JOE AND TRINA CAYRE FOUNDATION
THE JAY AND AVITAL COHEN FOUNDATION
LISA AND LEE COHEN
ETTY AND JACK BENZAKEN
VALERIE AND ELLIOT BETESH, JOYCE AND RAYMOND BETESH
ROCHELLE AND DAVID BEYDA
VIVIAN AND ABRAHAM DUSHEY
MICHELLE AND VICTOR HAKIM
TAMMI AND SOLOMON MOSSERI
RACHEL AND ALBERT PARDO
YAFFA AND DAVID ROSILIO AND FAMILY
JENNIFER AND SHAWN SAFDIE
ROBYN AND SEYMOUR SAMMELL
MELODIE AND MARTIN SCHARF
JAMIE AND MICKEY SHAMAH & SONS
NANCY AND CHARLES TEBELE
PILLARS ($72,000+)
CHERYL AND VICTOR AZRAK
CHAMPIONS ($50,000+)
ODETTE AND NATHAN ACCAD
ALICE AND HARRY ADJMI
GLADYS AND RICHARD ADJMI
GAIL AND JOJO CHEHEBAR
GRACE AND JACK DAYAN
SCHOLARS ($36,000+)
MAZIE AND EDDIE CHEHEBAR
SHARON AND STEVEN SUTTON, BARBARA AND JESSE SUTTON & FAMILY
AMBASSADORS ($26,000+)
EVA AND LOUIS GALPERN
MICHELLE AND VICTOR GINDI
LEADERS ($18,000+)
MERAV AND EZRA DWECK
MIKE ARJE & THE ETHEL PERES GORDON FOUNDATION
PATRONS ($10,000+)
MELISSA AND JOSEPH SMOUHA
Annually Named Programs
We are pleased to continue our donor recognition program that acknowledges the important role of our major donors in advancing the YOF mission.
The Annual Naming Program for ANNUAL DONORS of $26,000 and above with multi-year commitments is filled with many exciting and robust offerings.
The donors below have made annual gifts and dedicated the following programs:
PILLARS ($72,000+)
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Dedicated by The Jay and Avital Cohen Foundation
CHAMPIONS ($50,000+)
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 8TH GRADE GRADUATION
Dedicated by the Haddad Brands Family Foundation
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEFILLAH PROGRAM
Dedicated In Memory of Ralph J. Harary A”H
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VE’AHAVTA CHESED PROGRAM
Dedicated by The Douek Family Foundation
JBHS BOYS & GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAMS
Dedicated by the Oved Family
JBHS HISTORY DEPARTMENT
Dedicated by the Bailey, Jerome and Horovits Families
YOM HA’ATZMAUT CELEBRATION
Dedicated by the Mamiye Family
SCHOLARS ($36,000+)
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Dedicated in Honor of Natalie and Eli Greenberg by Adele and Louis Shamie
JBHS EVENING OF THE ARTS
Dedicated by Trina and Joe Cayre and Family
JBHS HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR
Dedicated in Memory of Ethel Gordon A”H & Ruth
Peres A”H
PARENT SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
Dedicated by Leah and Alexander Reyngold
THE SHIFRA HANON PATHFINDERS DEPARTMENT
CURATED SPEAKER SERIES
Dedicated by Triangle Capital Group
AMBASSADORS ($26,000+)
COOKING FOR A CAUSE
Dedicated In Honor of Marlene and Steven R. Shamah
Creating a secure financial foundation for the Yeshivah of Flatbush is our top priority. The Flatbush Forever Fund is a cornerstone of this effort, providing a reliable source of income through prudent investments and generous legacy gifts. Your contribution will have a lasting impact, as the annual interest distribution will support our school's mission and programs. We see the Flatbush Forever Fund as a compelling opportunity for donors to make a meaningful difference and leave a lasting legacy. We encourage broad participation in this vital initiative, which will help shape the Yeshivah's future.
The primary goal of this fund is to support our ongoing efforts to maintain affordability, financial security, and educational excellence. As we look beyond this year's budget, we understand that investing in our school's future is essential to ensuring a thriving and engaged Jewish community for generations to come.
Building the Flatbush Forever Fund is a crucial component of our long-term strategy to ensure the financial stability of the Yeshivah of Flatbush. This fund serves as a dependable source of income for our school, thanks to your generous legacy gift, which will provide YOF with an annual interest distribution from our investments. We believe that the Flatbush Forever Fund offers an excellent opportunity for donors to enhance the impact of their contributions to the Yeshivah, and we encourage many to participate in this vital initiative.
The Flatbush Forever Fund is a vital investment in our school's future, enabling us to prioritize three key areas: affordability, financial security, and educational excellence. As we look to the years ahead, we know that securing our school's future is essential to building a strong, engaged, and resilient Jewish community that will thrive for generations.
$355,887 annual income from endowment
TO MAKE A LEGACY GIFT
DONATE TODAY
A donation made today will have a large impact on every facet of our school, as it will add to our annual income.
INCLUDE A BEQUEST IN YOUR WILL Bequests to YOF are deductible for estate tax purposes. They may be structured in many ways and directed to a purpose of your choice. Contact us for bequest language samples.
ADDING YOF AS A RETIREMENT ACCOUNT BENEFICIARY
YOF is exempt from income taxes, unlike individual heirs, so your philanthropic impact will go further when you leave an account to the Yeshivah.
The best way to ensure our Yeshivah’s future is to take care of our future generations. We would like to thank our legacy gift donors for partnering with us.
VALEDICTORIANS ($6,000,000+)
William S. Levine Family
The William S. Levine Family Shoah Institute
THE MINYAN ($1,000,000+)
Anonymous
The Benjamin & Ray C. Scheckner Trust
FOUNDERS ($500,000+)
The Hanon Family
The Shifra Hanon Pathfinders Department
Avi Houllou
The Naomi Houllou A"H Ladies Auxiliary
Julie and Steven Montague
Dr. Albert Montague A"H STEM Institute
BUILDERS ($250,000+)
Stephanie and Jack Mosseri
Adele and Louis J. Shamie
Stanley Waldman Estate
BENEFACTORS ($100,000+)
Joe and Trina Cayre Foundation
Dr. Ira H. Gewolb A”H
Marlene and Hymie Mamiye
Renee and Albert Laboz
The Wichs Family
PILLARS ($72,000+)
Renée and Steven Adelsberg
The Jay and Avital Cohen Foundation
Morris Hanan and Sons
Oved Family
Helene and Alan Shamah and Family
Terry and Ike Silvera
CHAMPIONS ($50,000+)
Anonymous
Blumenthal Family
Gail and Josef Chehebar
CONSIDER AN IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER
For those 70-and-ahalf years or older, directing gifts to YOF from your IRA is an easy, convenient way to make a gift from one of your major assets. The gift will be excluded from your gross income: a tax-free rollover will count towards your required minimum distribution (RMD).
