New Israel Fund (NIF) 2011 Tribute Journal

welcome

Becky Buckwald and orli Bein San Francisco Regional Co-Directors

motzi

raBBi elliot dorff Dinner Co-Chair

dinner

introduction to the speaking program

michael Bien and stuart pollak Incoming and Outgoing San Francisco Regional Board Chairs

presentation of edith s. coliver human rights fund

and miriam fligelman levy cross cultural prize

diane Jordan wexler New Israel Fund International Council Member

edith s. coliver human rights fund recipient

shira wilkof Representative of the Sheikh Jarrah Solidarity Movement

guardian of democracy award

raBBi amy eilBerg and professor louis newman

keynote address

peter Beinart

close

daniel sokatch New Israel Fund Chief Executive Officer

New Israel Fund | Guardian of democracy dinner2

The New Israel Fund is the leading organization committed to equality and democracy for all Israelis. We are a partnership of Israelis and supporters of Israel worldwide, dedicated to a vision of Israel as both the Jewish homeland and a shared society at peace with itself and its neighbors. NIF strengthens organizations and leaders that work to achieve equality for all citizens of the state; realize the civil and human rights of all, including Arab citizens of Israel; recognize and reinforce the essential pluralism of Israeli society; and empower groups on the economic margins of Israeli society.

Building a viable and free society committed to social justice is the medium through which the New Israel Fund strengthens Israeli democracy. Widely credited with building Israel’s progressive civil society from scratch, we have provided over $200 million to more than 800 cutting-edge organizations since our inception. Our action arm shatil provides Israel’s social change community with hands-on assistance. In addition, NIF/Shatil builds coalitions, empowers activists, and takes the initiative in spearheading national advocacy campaigns.

who we are

New Israel Fund | Guardian of democracy dinner 3

Achieve equality for all the citizens of the state regardless of religion, national origin, race, gender or sexual orientation;

Realize the civil and human rights of all individuals, including Palestinian citizens of Israel and other marginalized minorities, and opposition to all forms of discrimination and bigotry;

Recognize and reinforce the essential pluralism of Israeli society and tolerance for diversity;

Protect the access of minorities to democratic channels for the expression of their interests and identities and the promotion of their rights;

Empower civil society in Israel as the fundamental vehicle of an open society;

Build and maintain a just society at peace with itself and its neighbors.

Thank you for joining us tonight and partnering with the New Israel Fund to achieve equality and democracy for all Israelis.

new israel fund priorities


Featuring

peter Beinart

A great friend of the New Israel Fund, prominent journalist and author Peter Beinart is one of the most vibrant new voices on engagement with Israel. Beinart’s groundbreaking essay about the American Jewish relationship to Israel, “The Failure of the American Jewish Establishment,” became last year’s Jewish story of the year. A Schwartz Senior Fellow at the New America Foundation and Associate Professor of Journalism and Political Science at The City University of New York, Beinart is also Senior Political Writer for The Daily Beast, and a contributor to Time.

Beinart formerly served as editor of The New Republic and has also written for The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, the Boston Globe, the Atlantic Monthly, Newsweek and Slate—to name a few. He has appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” “Charlie Rose,” “The McLaughlin Group,” “The Colbert Report,” MTV, CNN, Fox, MSNBC and many other television and radio programs.

Beinart graduated from Yale University in 1993, winning a Rhodes scholarship for graduate study at Oxford University where he graduated from University College with an M.Phil in International Relations. He lives with his wife and children in New York City.


Honoring raBBi amy eilBerg & professor louis newman Recipients of the Guardian of Democracy Award

Two truly significant figures in the American Jewish community, Rabbi Amy Eilberg and Professor Louis Newman have proudly supported and advocated for NIF since 1984. Amy has been a pioneer in countless ways: as the first woman rabbi ordained in the Conservative Movement, as co-founder of the Bay Area Jewish Healing Center, as a leader in Jewish hospice work and spiritual direction, and as a bridge-builder—between Israelis and Palestinians; between Jews, Christians and Muslims; and among Jews across the ideological spectrum. She is at work on a book on Judaism and peacemaking.

Louis is among the country’s leading scholars of Jewish ethics and a celebrated professor at Carleton College, where he has taught for nearly three decades. He is author of numerous publications, including his most recent Repentance: the Meaning and Practice of Teshuvah. Louis is also a devoted community leader, serving as president of both the St. Paul Talmud Torah and Beth Jacob Congregation, his synagogue in Saint Paul. Louis is also a longtime member of NIF’s International Council. Amy and Louis live in Minnesota, but maintain a deep connection to the Bay Area, where Amy has many colleagues, friends and her daughter, Penina.


Candice Gold graciously sponsored the gifts you will take home tonight. These are bookmarks hand embroidered by the women of Desert

Embroidery, an initiative developed by NIF grantee Lakia: Association for the Improvement

of the Status of Women.

The majority of Israel’s Bedouin citizens live below the poverty line and in unrecognized villages, where they have little political clout, few

employment opportunities, sub-standard healthcare and education, and often no electricity, running water, or sewage systems. Desert Embroidery is one of several initiatives that help Bedouin women contribute to their own and their families’ livelihoods. Through empowerment, advocacy, education, and leadership training projects, the New Israel Fund and its action arm, shatil, are helping thousands of Israel’s Bedouin citizens achieve lives of dignity.

Dinner ChairsRabbi Elliot Dorff , Lee Labé Pollak, Diane Jordan Wexler

Dinner CommitteeSteve Abel, Ellen Bob & David Waksberg, Candice Gold, Daniel Langenthal, Riv-Ellen Prell & Steven Foldes, Carol & Terry Winograd

New Generations Host CommitteeMichael Amerikaner, Jason Bernstein, Rebekah Bob-Waksberg, Rabbi Jill Cozen-Harel, Alexander Germanacos, Lindsay Kauffman, Marnie Krell, Amiee Kushner, Sarah Lesser, Rachael Levy, Dyanna Loeb, Sam Ruben, Naomi Shiffman

thank you

special thanks


Joanne abel • Fred H. altsHuler & Julia W. CHeever • rabbi Camille sHira angel, Congregation sHa’ar ZaHav • eriC antebi & marla Kolman antebi • ProFessor deena aranoFF • rabbi bradley s. artson • eileen auerbaCH & larry burgHeimer • maia aZubel • alvin baum • HoWard belFer & laurie leventHal-belFer • bruCe beron • david & raCHel biale • miCHael bien & Jane KaHn • sHirley K. bob • seymour & sylvia boorstein • eliZabetH Friedman branoFF & steven branoFF • ellen & marC broWn • abigail CaPlin & amnon goodman • rabbi ari & Joy Cartun • adi CoHen • raCHel CoWan • rabbi menaCHem Creditor • sandra Curtis • rabbi William Cutter • rabbi alexander davis • ilana debare & sam sCHuCHat • riCK, tina, and natHan Fein dinitZ • James dubey • gladys eilberg • rabbis david ellenson & JaCqueline KoCH ellenson • adina danZig ePelman & dan ePelman • lisa erdberg & dennis gibbons • david s. FanKusHen • ConCePCión s. & irWin Federman • CHaPlain bruCe Feldstein, m.d. • dr. JonatHan FuCHs • rabbi rosalind glaZer • nanCy goldberg • serra FalK goldman & William goldman • rabbi saraH graFF & dr. sCott roy • renanaH HalPern & Joel green • graCe HugHes & JoHn levinsoHn • rabbi yoel KaHn • tHomas & linda KalinoWsKi • leslie Kane & m. manuel FisHman • rabbi PatriCia Karlin-neumann & dr. george Karlin-neumann • leslie s. KatZ • rebeCCa KatZ • deboraH KauFman & alan snitoW • HannaH J. KranZberg • rabbi Harold J. KravitZ & Cindy reiCH • george KrevsKy • linda KurtZ • Hilary KusHins & sCott HersCHer • rabbi noa KusHner, Founding rabbi, tHe KitCHen • amy l. lansKy, PHd • ellen leFKoWitZ • JoyCe & len levitan • sHeldon & lorri leWis • rabbi miCHael leZaK, Congregation rodeF sHolom • ron leZell • adele & marK lieberman • Jeremy liZt • Caroline & brian lurie • rHoda & don mains • Carol malniCK • rabbi Janet marder, Congregation betH-am • eliZabetH mCKinsey & tHomas ClougH • barbara meislin & stuart KaPlan • robin menCHer & mattHeW diamond • Judy & Jay nadel • bonnie neWman • Jane neWman & amy lange • dr. raquel H. neWman • steve & sHeryl neWman • dr. riCHard & martHa PastCan • Joni & russ Pratt • amy g. rassen • alan & nanCy raZniCK • rabbi dorotHy riCHman & miCHael steinman • diane rosenberg • gary & sue rosenberg • david l. rosenHan • toby & robert rubin • Peter ruKin & sHaron dJemal • rabbi sandy e. sasso & rabbi dennis C. sasso • toby sCHonFeld • lynn & Paul sedWay • rita r. semel • rabbi Judy sHanKs & dr. James graCer • bella sHaPero & ronald meCKler • eileen soFFer & riCK levenson • gary b. soKol & Paul blanC • Harriet & martin sPitZ • susan staHl & Jane stePaK • rabbi JaCob staub & miCHael sPitKo • Heidi steWart & JoHn Weinstein • dianne & HeCtor sZtainer • laura talmus • HoWie & neCHama tamler • ingrid tauber & FranK taForo • bonnie & marty tenenbaum • rabbi david & betsy teutsCH • Consul general oF israel aKiva tor & mrs. naomi tor • steve tulKin & sydney KaPCHan • marK tusCHman • rabbi burt visotZKy • Paul & dorotHy WaCHter • alexandra Wall & Paul bosKy • rabbi sHeila PeltZ Weinberg • stePHen Weiner • marilyn & dr. raymond Weisberg • susan & robert WolFe • rev. sandee yarlott & rev. ron stieF • dr. gail bates yessne & Peter yessne • alan & moniCa Zimmerman • rabbi JessiCa Zimmerman • sabrina Zimmerman

honorary dinner committee


Michael Bien & Jane Kahn Linda KurtzDavid L. RosenhanSylvia Sabel &

Joel Rubinstein

Caroline & Brian Lurie

Lisa Erdberg & Dennis Gibbons

Concepción S. & Irwin Federman

Hannah J. KranzbergStuart & Lee Pollak

Joanne & Steve AbelAlvin BaumRabbi Amy Eilberg &

Louis NewmanPhyllis FriedmanCandice Gold & Ed RussellSerra Falk Goldman &

William GoldmanNeil Goteiner and

Nadine Joseph

Leslie Kane & M. Manuel Fishman

Peter Rukin & Sharon Djemal

Bonnie & Marty TenenbaumDiane Jordan Wexler &

Bruce Beron

Professor Deena AranoffDavid Friedman &

Paulette MeyerThomas & Linda KalinowskiCarol Malnick/

Diane Jordan Wexler

Heidi Stewart & John Weinstein

Drs. Carol & Terry WinogradDr. Gail Bates Yessne &

Peter Yessne

Guardians

Visionaries

Champions

Defenders

New GeninCluding sPonsorsHiP oF a table For young adults

guardian of democracy donors


Fred H. Altshuler & Julia W. Cheever

Eileen Auerbach & Larry Burgheimer

Maia Azubel Dr. Ralph & Gail BernsteinEllen Bob & David WaksbergShirley K. BobElizabeth Friedman Branoff &

Steven BranoffMeryl Brod & Lenard WeissIlana DeBare & Sam SchuchatRabbi Elliot DorffJames DubeyDavid S. FankushenEleanor Friedman &

Jonathan CohenNancy GoldbergMeredith GoldsmithGrace Hughes &

John LevinsohnDeborah Kaufman &

Alan SnitowNaomie & Charles KremerMarvin LangsamJoyce & Len LevitanJeremy LiztMichael & Maxine MantellBarbara Meislin &

Stuart KaplanJudy & Jay NadelDr. Richard &

Martha PastcanBetty Ann PolseJoni & Russ Pratt

Alan & Nancy RaznickRabbi Dorothy Richman

& Michael SteinmanDiane RosenbergPhyllis & David RothmanToby & Robert RubinMargaret SchinkLynn & Paul SedwayRita R. SemelRabbi Judy Shanks &

Dr. James GracerLee & Judy ShulmanHoward & Ann SohnGary B. Sokol & Paul BlancSusan Stahl & Jane StepakIngrid Tauber & Frank TaforoSteve Tulkin &

Sydney KapchanSarah Wall Memorial TrustStephen WeinerMarilyn &

Dr. Raymond WeisbergRebecca Westerfield &

Ivy FineSusan & Robert Wolfe

Patrons


the sheikh Jarrah solidarity movement 2011 Recipient of the Edith S. Coliver Human Rights Fund

The Sheikh Jarrah Solidarity Movement was born out of the forced eviction of four Palestinian families from their homes in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah in 2009. These residents, who lived in Israel before 1948, received housing from the Jordanian government when it was sovereign in East Jerusalem. In recent years, however, Jewish settler organizations have successfully claimed ownership over these houses by virtue of Ottoman deeds dating back to the 19th century. Some 500 Palestinians are currently threatened with eviction from disputed properties in the neighborhood. These events have catalyzed a vibrant protest movement. Led by young, Jewish Israelis who want to live in a society that respects human rights, each Friday hundreds—and sometimes thousands—of activists from all over Israel congregate in the small neighborhood, standing shoulder to shoulder with local Arab residents. Attempts to suppress the protest have been continuous and severe, including the arrests of more than a hundred people; yet the demonstrations have only increased in numbers and influence.

A focus of broad public attention, they have drawn leading Israeli public figures such as author David Grossman, former Speaker of the Knesset Avrum Burg, and Nobel Prize laureate Daniel Kahneman. Many view it as an important rejuvenation of the Israeli movement for human rights, democracy and peace.

spotlight on nif

Susie Coliver and Sandy Coliver established the Fund in 2002 to recognize and remember their mother Edith Coliver’s tremendous contribution to the cause of human and civil rights. Always with an open heart and an open mind, Edith brought great thoughtfulness and genuine compassion to her activism on behalf of a just and tolerant Israeli society. Her service on the International and Regional Boards of NIF was emblematic of her lifelong commitment to human rights and democratic values.

Shira Wilkof, one of the founders of the Sheikh Jarrah Solidarity Movement, will be at the dinner to accept this honor on behalf of the organization.


negev coexistence forum for civil equality 2011 Winner of the Miriam Fligelman Levy Cross Cultural Prize

Israel’s Negev desert is home to the majority of its Bedouin citizens. Of these, some 80,000 live in 35 villages that remain unrecognized by the state. With few opportunities for employment, residents face severe poverty. Their homes are under constant threat of demolition and their agricultural fields regularly destroyed. Despite the fact that they are Israeli citizens, these villages often lack electricity; running water; garbage and sewage disposal systems; as well as access to roads, schools and healthcare.

Khalil Elamour was born in the village of Alsira, which, like so many other unrecognized Bedouin villages, is threatened with demolition. In an effort to fight for his village’s right to exist, five years ago he joined the Negev Coexistence Forum for Civil Equality and is currently a member of its steering committee. A Jewish–Arab collaborative effort, the Negev Coexistence Forum works to achieve equal civil rights for all residents of the Negev and attain government recognition of Bedouin villages.

Miriam Fligelman Levy was an innovator and a social thinker who, along with her husband Irving, dedicated her life to bridge building. Her legacy and her commitment to these values are carried on by her daughter Judith Levy Sender and by her sons Joseph Fligelman Levy and John Fligelman Levy. The Miriam Fligelman Levy Prize was established by the late Edith Coliver and embodies the spirit of the progressive conscience of the Jewish community.

Haya Noa ch, Execut ive Dire c to r o f the Negev Coexi st en c e Forum, and Khal i l E lamour, a membe r o f the Forum’s st ee r ing commit t ee

What Khalil appreciates about the Forum is the mutual respect and deep commitment to the cause that exists between its Jewish and Arab members. They actively recruit a broad spectrum of voices, including Bedouin women and Arab and Jewish students from the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

The Forum also runs the Multaka-Mifgash Center for Arab–Jewish Understanding in Be’er-Sheva. Multaka and mifgash mean ‘meeting’ in Arabic and Hebrew respectively, reflecting the Center’s goal of bringing communities together. It serves as a neutral space for joint Arab–Jewish cultural and educational activities—including lectures, plays, film screenings, and joint holiday celebrations—that encourage interaction and dialogue among the diverse communities of the Negev.


congratulations to amy and louis, and continued success to the

new israel fund,

your community at Beth JacoB congregation

“whoever honors torah, will Be honored By others” (pirkei avot 5:8)

Mara Benjamin and

Miryam Kabakov,

Rayzie and Shifra

Sharon Benmaman and

John Allen

Suzanne Bring

and James Tuthill

Holly and

Jonathan Brod Farber

Katherine Carlson and

Sean M. Murphy

Susan Cobin

Barb Curchack and

Natan Paradise

Anita Dinerstein

Elaine DuFresne

Frances and Keven Fischer

Mari Forbush

Harriet and Peter Glick

Wendy Goldberg and

Daniel Halpern

Dr. Phyllis Gorin and

Rabbi Morris Allen

Elaine Hartsman

Vicki and David Itzkowitz

Bruce Kessler

Dianne and Isabel Lev

Carolyn Levy and

Sheldon Berkowitz

Joyce and Leonard Levitan

Rabbi Lynn Liberman

B.B. and P.T. Magee

Karen and Ron Matz

Leslie Morris

Lois Newberger

Sara Lynn Newberger and

Barbie Levine

Jo and Eric Pasternack

Beth Pearlman and

Gary George

Riv-Ellen Prell and

Steven Foldes

Bonnie Resnick and

Alan Milavetz

Laurie Radovsky and

Geoffrey Marshall

Randi Ilyse Roth and

Michael Blumfield

Nina Samuels and

Earl Schwartz

Sue and Larry Savett

Alison and Mark Savin

Linda and Leonard Schloff

Marsha Schoenkin and

Stuart Bear

Penelope Simison

Diane Neumark Stzainer

and Hector Sztainer

Lisa Tiegel and Eric Galatz

Lisa and Kevin Walker

Rosanne Zaidenweber and

Mary LeSourd


louis and amy,may you and the new israel fund “go from strength to strength.”

from your friends and colleagues,Hanna Bloomfield and Robert Karasov

Rabbi Alexander Davis

Renanah Halpern and Joel Green

Dr. Margaret Hall and Moss Patashnik

Judith and Jerome Ingber

Harriet and Dan Kohen

Senator Sandy Pappas and Neal Gosman

Ellen Sue and John Parker

Carol Sarnat and Rick Siedband

Cantor Rachel and Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker

Chris and Vic Rosenthal

Mary Ann and David Wark

Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman and

State Representative Frank Hornstein


Amy and Louis –

You have made the world more just

through your lives and work.

Congratulations on this special day!

With love,

BRUCE, DIANE, EDWARD, AND ZACK

In Honor of Amy Eilberg and Louis Newman with love and appreciation.

JANE NEWMAN AND AMY LANGE

SHERYL AND STEVE NEWMAN

Lovingkindness and truth have met

Justice and peace have kissed.

(Psalms 85:10)

Kol hakavod Amy and Louis!

May you continue your commitment to

hesed, emet, tzedek and shalom.

CINDY REICH &

RABBI HAROLD KRAVITZ

RABBI CYNTHIA KRAVITZ

GABE KRAVITZ & YAEL SMILEY

TALIA KRAVITZ & ELANA KRAVITZ

Tzedek, Tzedek, Tirdof: Justice, Justice Shall You PursueBakesh Shalom V’Radfehu: Seek Peace and Pursue It Congratulations to our dear friends, Amy and Louis, who each day seek and pursue justice and peace, creating the world we want for ourselves and our children. With love,Marc and Ellen Brown, Rabbi Ari

and Joy Cartun, Rick Levenson and

Eileen Soffer, Ron Meckler and Bella

Shapero, Howie and Nechama

Tamler, David Waksberg and ellen

bob, and Michael and Tricia Vinson


Amy and Louis, You truly are guardians of democracy and we are proud to add our names to those who honor your good works. From strength to strength,

DANIEL MANDIL & RABBI MIRIAM ANCIS

The Society of Jewish Ethics

CONGRATULATES

Louis Newman, its founding

president, and expresses

sincere gratitude for his

tireless efforts on behalf of

Jewish ethics.

For our dear friends, Amy & Louis, who set the bar very high in their principled commitment to the Jewish people, the State of Israel, and the human family.

SHELLY AND LORRI LEWIS

In tribute to

Rabbi Amy Eilbergand

Professor Louis Newmanfor their pioneering and

compassionate leadership

and advocacy on behalf of peace

HEBREW UNION COLLEGE – JEWISH INSTITUTE OF RELIGION,usvhv hgsnk iufn – 'dkue iuhbu h urchv

� CINCINNATI � JERUSALEM � LOS ANGELES � NEW YORK WWW.HUC.EDU

Rabbi David Ellenson and Rabbi Jacqueline Koch Ellenson


We are so happy to celebrate

the peacemaking and ethical works of Louis and Amy,

Guardians of Democracy/Mensches Extraordinaire,

and to thank New Israel Fund for thirty-two years of helping our

beloved family in Israel build our mutual dream of democracy

and social justice for all!

frank and linda kurtz

dan kurtz, matthew and Jessica kurtz

Mazal tov to my beloved and devoted friends, LOUIS NEWMAN AND AMY EILBERG,

for receiving the 2011 Guardian of Democracy Award!

Kol Hakavod to NIF for 32 years of building a more just and inclusive Israeli society!

DAVID ROSENHAN


MICHAEL BIEN AND JANE KAHN congratulate our honorees

RABBI AMY EILBERG AND PROFESSOR LOUIS NEWMAN

for their remarkable work and scholarship.

We also thank Stuart Pollak for his leadership and wisdom as NIF's Regional Chair.

Lee and Stuart PollakThank our honorees

Rabbi Amy Eilberg andProfessor Louis Newman

For their spiritual and ethical guidance and support to

NEW ISRAEL FUND

And wish Michael Bien well as he undertakes the responsibilities of Regional Chair


Yasher Koach! Amy Eilberg and Lewis Newman

BONNIE AND MARTY TENENBAUM

One Organization.One Vision for the Future.+ =

www.pjalliance.org + www.jewishjustice.org

Congratulations to the honorees: Rabbi Amy Eilberg

& Professor Louis Newman.PJA & JFSJ pursues economic opportunity and justice for all, bringing a powerful, progressive Jewish voice

to social change work in the United States.


I am so proud of the wonderful work

of the New Israel Fund. You are an

inspiration and beacon of light for the

future of Israel. Congratulations on an

incredible 32 years!

PHYLLIS FRIEDMAN

Mazel Tov Amy and Louis!A well deserved award for everything that you do for Israel.

DORIS AND GEORGE KREVSKY

We are grateful to the incredible staff of NIF and to all the grantees who work so courageously and tirelessly to create a more just and democratic Israel.

We are proud to count ourselves among NIF'S supporters.

RABBI AMY EILBERG AND LOUIS NEWMAN

Let’s hope that

history follows in

your footsteps.

AL BAUM AND ROBERT HOLGATE


We are honored to support the

New Israel Fund in its mission to

build a just and democratic Israel.

SHARON DJEMAL AND PETER RUKIN

Congratulations to our honorees Amy Eilberg and Louis Newman.

Thank you for helping the New Israel Fund make Israel the best that it can be.

JOANNE AND STEVE ABEL

Mazel tov to the New Israel Fund on thirty-two years of building civil

society in Israel. B'hatzlacha in the years to come!

LESLIE KANE AND M. MANUEL FISHMAN

Business

New Israel Fund (NIF) 2011 Tribute Journal