By: Claire Winick, Development Director, Americans For Ben-Gurion University
“Leading the Way Forward,” Americans for Ben-Gurion University’s annual Tribute Brunch, was co-sponsored by the Philadelphia and Delaware Chapters on November 17at Har Zion Temple in Penn Valley, PA. Robert Pincus was chosen by the Delaware Chapter as its honoree and the BGU/Philadelphia Academic Bridge was selected by the Philadelphia Chapter to be honored this year.
Close to $500,000 has been raised, a record achievement for this event, to support the Ben-Gurion Annual Fund, which provides Ben-Gurion University of the Negev with resources where they are needed most.
Each person present made a strong statement of support for Israel by attending. All contributions, both large and small, are important. However, among the most generous donors for this campaign are Ernest Scheller Jr., Lisa Scheller, and Melanie and Gerry Shreiber, whose gifts together totaled $250,000.
BGU, Israel’s only university in the Negev, is just 22 miles from Gaza. Over 7,000 students, staff and faculty were called to reserve duty since the war began and 1,500 are now serving. BGU students and faculty, by the hundreds, volunteered to help with the extraordinary wartime needs for housing, food, financial support, medical and psychological services. Tragically, 117 members of the BGU community have been lost.
Our vibrant organization is grateful for the exceptional leadership we enjoy. The Delaware Chapter welcomed new co-chairs earlier this year—a young, enthusiastic, creative, and talented couple, Dr. Carolyn Glazer-Hockstein and Dr. Neil Hockstein. The Philadelphia Chapter’s chair is Sherrie Savett, Esq., respected as an icon in that community and far beyond, and Mid-Atlantic Chairs Connie and Sam Katz inspire us and the community every day.
Tribute Brunch attendees experienced a memorable program thanks to each of the fine speakers, featuring Representative-elect Sarah McBride as key note, the organization’s CEO Doug Seserman, and the tribute brunch co-chairs selected by the Delaware Chapter, Gina and Josh Schoenberg. Serving as Patron chairs, Carol Rothschild and Nina Appel led that campaign to surpass its goals by 20% and the overall income goal was eclipsed by over 35%. The elegant Patron Party was hosted graciously by Debbie and David Ross.
This signature event will help to ensure that 20,000 students will continue to benefit from BGU’s world-class education. As the anchor institution of the Negev, enormous challenges lie ahead, but with the interest of many friends and supporters in Delaware and Pennsylvania the future will be brighter and this university will shine as a beacon in the Negev.
