Back Row L -R: Rabbi Zalman Simon, Asaf Elkayam, Robyn Polansky Morrison, Chanie Simon, Linda Mandel, Amanda Aussems, Lianne Pinchuk, Diane Burman, Nicole Stein, Laura Weissblatt, Debbie Ratner, Jody Ference, Dee Levy, Michelle Ostrelich, Laura Segal, Nancy Lerner, Rabbi Dan Ornstein, Susie Caplan, Jennifer Colman, David Colman, Steve Lerner
Middle Row L-R: Lisa Packer, Karen Lobel, Rabbi Rena Kieval, Lauren Iselin, Mara Ginsberg
Front Row L-R: Elie Klein, Phyllis Wang, Jessica Richer, Amy Posner
More photos from this year’s breakfast:
David Morrison & Robyn Polansky Morrison
Lauren Iselin, Mara Ginsberg, Sara Hefez, Emily Pfeffer
Judy Kahn, Lauren Finkle, Jody Ference, Reed Ference
Lauren Iselin
—————-Original post previewing the meeting:
—————————-Jewish National Fund-USA’s Liaison for ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran.
ALBANY–One month after the first anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attacks, community members from across the Capital Region are invited to unite at the Jewish National Fund-USA’s annual Breakfast for Israel to stand in solidarity with the people of Israel and to learn how they can support rehabilitation, resilience, and renewal in the Negev. The 7:30 a.m. breakfast is by registration only. Main program begins at 8. Attendees will be subject to a security check and will be required to show a Photo ID.
Event chairpersons, local philanthropists James Corwin, Karen Lobel, Robyn Polansky Morrison, Lisa and Jason Packer, and Debbie Ratner, have announced that the free program will feature keynote speaker, Elie Klein, Jewish National Fund-USA’s Liaison for ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, a rehabilitation facility for people with disabilities located 12 miles from the border with Gaza.
The 40-acre state-of-the-art village features fully accessible residential villas for people with multiple disabilities and complex medical conditions, an intensive care hospital wing, a special education school, green care farm, hydrotherapy and sports therapy complexes, a therapeutic horse stable and petting zoo, and The Harvey and Gloria Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center — the first rehabilitation hospital in Israel’s south.
According to organizers, the rehabilitation hospital is central to the Jewish National Fund-USA’s plan to attract high-quality job opportunities to Israel’s remote south, as the hospital employs doctors, nurses, therapists, and other roles requiring advanced degrees. It also enables and reassures families relocating from Israel’s big cities that they will have world-class care for their parents or children who may have a disability.
“On October 7, 2023, Israel’s southern region was ravaged by the most gruesome violence in the modern era,” said Klein. “In the months that followed, the Negev has become a symbol of strength and resilience, rising from the ashes to rebuild its communities, rehabilitate its war-wounded soldiers and civilians, and ensure the health and safety of even its most vulnerable citizens.”
“We want as many people as possible to hear Elie’s firsthand accounts about how people with disabilities in Israel’s south, including rehab patients and PTSD victims, best illustrate the unbreakable spirit of Israelis,” added Jewish National Fund-USA’s President, Capital Region Board of Directors and Women for Israel Chairwoman Lauren Iselin. “The resilience shown by the residents of this incredible rehabilitation hospital, especially during and after the events of October 7, proves that superheroes do exist— and they live just 1.5 hours south of Tel Aviv.”
Information and registration may be obtained by contacting Emily Pfeffer, associate director, New England and the Capital Region at [email protected] or 617-423-0999, ext. 812.
