News & Events

New York, NY — On Monday, June 15, 2026, JOIN Israel hosted a fundraiser at the Jerry Orbach Theater, bringing together Broadway performers, industry professionals, and community leaders in support of trauma-informed mental health services for children in Israel. Guests were welcomed with a reception sponsored by Tulip Winery, featuring high quality Israeli wines and hors d'oeuvres, followed by a cabaret featuring songs by Jewish writers and composers, celebrating Jewish-themed Broadway musicals as well as Jewish culture and resilience.

Tovah Feldshuh (Funny Girl, Pippin, Yentl) was honored with JOIN Israel’s Spirit of Israel Award in recognition of her philanthropy and contributions to the Jewish community, before delivering a headline performance that captivated the audience with her signature talent and wit.

The program featured an extraordinary lineup of Broadway talent, including Steven Skybell (Fiddler on the Roof, Wicked), Zal Owen (Harmony, The Band’s Visit), Romy Fay (Leopoldstadt), Ariella Serur (1776), Ari Axelrod (A Place for Us), Neva Small (The Impossible Years), Kelly Lester (Milk and Honey), and Loren Lester (Cabaret). Hosted by actor and influencer Jenny Anne Hochberg (October 7th), she brought energy, humor, and heartfelt reflection.The evening featured musical direction by Joshua Turchin and was produced by Jen Sandler.

Vodka & Latke transformed Tribeca’s art scene into a reimagined Hanukkah celebration, where art, music, and purpose came together to honor light in all its forms — all while raising vital funds for JOIN Lifeline. Guests gathered inside Myria Gallery, a contemporary Tribeca space that buzzed with creativity and conversation throughout the night.

Signature vodka cocktails flowed from the open bar, accompanied by crisp latkes, and fresh sufganiyot. The atmosphere came alive with a captivating live performance by acclaimed singer Israel Portnoy and acrobatic performance art that turned the evening into a living, immersive canvas.

It was a night where tradition met modern expression — and where community, artistry, and generosity seamlessly intertwined in support of JOIN Lifeline's mission.

Fundraiser for JOIN Israel’s new initiative to provide CPR and first aid training to low income students in 7 high schools in southern Israel for 280 high school students!

Knowing how and when to provide medical care to someone who is hurt can make all the difference. Education and training will boost students’ confidence and help them become more comfortable in their skills to help save lives.

This training will spark the interest in our next generation of first responders, doctors, and medical professionals, all while providing the necessary tools to help lift themselves out of poverty.

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On September 16, 2025, JOIN Israel and Club 3G of Park East Synagogue kicked off the new year in style with our Welcome Back From Summer Bash. Guests gathered at a beautiful Upper East Side townhouse for an unforgettable evening of community, celebration, and giving back.

The night featured a lively atmosphere with an open bar, light bites, and the chance to reconnect with old friends while meeting new ones. Together, young leaders from across the Tri-State area helped raise vital funds for JOIN Lifeline, supporting Israel’s forgotten elderly with dignity and essential care.

On May 7th, 2025, Join Israel hosted a lively Jewish Trivia Night at Rodney’s on the Upper East Side. Guests enjoyed an open bar, Israeli buffet, comedy by Felicia Madison, and engaging trivia hosted by Mo News founder Mosheh Oinounou.

Proceeds supported JOIN Lifeline’s mission to provide emergency aid to impoverished elderly Israelis.

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Monday, November 18th, 2024
– Film Screening, Discussion & VIP Reception –

Guns & Moses is an exciting neo-western mystery thriller. A beloved small-town rabbi becomes an unlikely gunslinger after his community is violently attacked.

Fundraiser to provide emergency services to victims of terror in Northern & Southern Israel.

Panel Discussion with director Salvador Litvak, actress & singer Alona Tal, and moderated by Lisa Rozner, reporter and anchor at CBS News New York.

The Young Leadership Board invites you to our annual Vodka & Latke fundraiser! The event will be held at the Backstage Tavern Rooftop in Hells Kitchen.

Open Bar | Latke Bar | Sufganiyot

The fundraiser is aimed for young leaders ages 21-39.

Fundraiser to provide emergency services to victims of terror in southern and Northern Israel.

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The Young Leadership Chapter hosted their annual Summer Soirée on July 30th, 2024.

Guests enjoyed an Open Bar with Signature Espresso Martinis by Ansā Coffee with Light Kosher Nosh.

The fundraiser was hosted at Ansā Concept store near Union Square.

Guests heard from headliner Zach Sage Fox: Viral Influencer (TikTok: 5M total), CEO, Comic, Actor, Writer and Producer.

The soirée was a fundraiser for JOIN Israel’s Emergency Campaign providing emergency services to victims of terror in Southern and Northern Israel.

More than 125 philanthropists from the Tri-State area came together Tuesday, May 14th for JOIN Israel’s Sunset Benefit celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut, gathering for A Night of Unity to support terror victims in Israel following October 7th. The funds raised by the event will go towards the organization’s Emergency Campaign to provide resources for Southern Israelis in need. Anna and Jonathan Knoll hosted the event.

The event was held at Elsie Rooftop, and featured keynote speaker Shai Davidai, Assistant Professor at Columbia Business School, who gained notoriety for bringing attention to the school’s failure to address rampant antisemitism on campus following the October 7th terrorist attacks. The headliner was stand-up comedian Talia Reese, who has been featured on talk shows, Sirius XM, and in publications such as The Wall Street Journal and The Jerusalem Post. Shahar Regev, Israeli singer and cellist, did a special performance of Hatikva.

The fundraiser featured a silent art auction, with exquisite art created by Israeli and Jewish artists, including Efrat (Effi)Baler-Moses, Siona Benjamin, Norman Berman Z”L, Lisa Lebofsky, Rotem Reshef, Michael Nachmany, and Gabriela Vainsencher.

Click Here for the Journal

JOIN Israel continued its partnership with Aspen Film with a Film Screening of Vishniac on Wednesday, March 20th in Aspen, Colorado at the Isis Theatre.

Prior to the screening, attendees gathered for a reception at Galerie Maximillian: Modern & Contemporary Fine Art. The event included a discussion with Beth Kean, CEO of The Holocaust Museum of LA, and Susan Wrubel, Executive Director of Aspen Film.

The funds raised from the event will provide emergency aid to elderly through JOIN Lifeline.

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Guests enjoyed an open bar with Hanukkah themed cocktails, a kosher Latke Bar and dessert table.

Thank you to Community Security Services for their support.

Together attendees spread light amid these dark times, and raised funds for JOIN Israel’s Emergency Response in Sderot, Ofakim, Netivot and Southern Israel. Providing terror victims will need psychological care, transportation, medicine, and other necessities, both immediately and in the long run. Their donation provided the vital resources needed to support these individuals and families during this difficult time.

Over 80 philanthropists gathered on November 14, 2023, for A Night of Solidarity and Jewish Deli Tasting at the 2nd Floor Bar & Essen above the 2nd Avenue Deli. The event served as a fundraiser for JOIN Israel’s Emergency Response.

The evening included performances by Israeli artist Natalie Shtabsky, a speech by Board of Director and Israeli-American Lauren Rieder, as well as addresses by Board President Bryan Weingarten and JOIN Israel’s Executive Director Stephen Bisk.

Guests also watched a solidarity video from Israel, featuring remarks by former Knesset Members Dov Lipman, Meir Sheetrit, and JOIN’s team on the front line.

The fundraiser was headlined by author June Hersh, who discussed her books “Iconic New York Jewish Food: A History and Guide with Recipes” and “Food, and Hope and Resilience: Authentic Recipes and Remarkable Stories from Holocaust Survivors.” Hersh generously donated all profits from book sales during the event to JOIN’s Emergency Response.

Special thanks were extended to Community Security Services, to the team at the 2^nd Avenue Deli, as well as sponsors Alex Edge + CO & Goodman Orthodontics.

JOIN Israel and Aspen Film hosted a sold-out screening of the documentary film Jews of the Wild West on Wednesday, August 23rd.

The film tells the story of the largely forgotten history of Jewish pioneers in the American West. It features interviews, archive footage, and historical photographs to tell the stories of these trailblazers.

The event began with a reception at Casterline | Goodman Contemporary Art Gallery.

There was a Q&A with the film maker and five-time Emmy award winner, Amanda Marshall Kinsey. As well as founder of The Temple Israel Foundation, William Korn. The panel was moderated by the Executive + Artistic Director of Aspen Film, Susan Wrubel.

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Open Bar | Kosher Dairy Hors D’oeuvres | Ages 21-39 | LOFT39 Speakeasy | 38 W 39th Street, NYC

Fundraiser for JOIN Literacy providing libraries and reading programs to disadvantaged elementary schools in Israel, for every $10 one book is donated on your behalf!

Support for the Young Leadership Chapter provided by the Keswin Family Foundation

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Fundraiser for JOIN Israel’s new initiative to provide CPR and first aid training to low income students in 7 high schools in southern Israel for 280 high school students!

Knowing how and when to provide medical care to someone who is hurt can make all the difference. Education and training will boost students’ confidence and help them become more comfortable in their skills to help save lives.

This training will spark the interest in our next generation of first responders, doctors, and medical professionals, all while providing the necessary tools to help lift themselves out of poverty.

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JOIN Israel supporters gathered to celebrate Israel’s 75th anniversary at a fundraiser sponsored by Wine Poacher and Eli Klein Gallery.

The event featured over 35 critically acclaimed kosher wines from around the world, live music, cheese pairings by The Cheese Guy, and contemporary art.

All proceeds benefited STEM education for at-risk middle school students.

The event was a great success, thanks to everyone who came out to support!

The Young Leadership Chapter invites you to a Shabbat Dinner at Eighteen Restaurant on the Upper East Side of NYC.

The dinner includes appetizers, choice of entree, and wine.

Fundraiser for JOIN Literacy providing libraries and reading programs to disadvantaged elementary schools in Israel

The Young Leadership Chapter celebrated Hanukkah at our annual Vodka & Latke fundraiser.

At The Speakeasy Room at The Gin Mill on Wednesday, December 14th in the Upper West Side of NYC, guests enjoyed Hanukkah themed cocktails, latkes and sufginayot.

For each ticket 4 books were donated to disadvantaged elementary school students in Israel through JOIN Literacy.

December 14th, 2022 • The Speakeasy Room, Upper West Side, NYC

Young Leadership fundraiser for JOIN Literacy

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On Thursday, January 13, 2023, 90 supporters joined together in the resort town of Aspen, Colorado to raise funds for JOIN Lifeline at the Aspen premiere of Upheaval: The Journey of Menachem Begin. The fundraiser was a partnership with Aspen Film and sponsored by Hidden Light Productions.

The reception was generously hosted by the renowned Hexton Gallery. Guests enjoyed the contemporary art, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres by Chef Stanley Coriat. A highlight of the evening was a speech made by JOIN Israel’s President of the Board of Directors, Bryan Weingarten on his personal commitment to JOIN Lifeline and with the goal to grow the project.

After the reception, guests enjoyed a screening of the film Upheaval: The Journey of Menachem Begin at Isis Theater. Before the film, attendees watched a short on JOIN Lifeline and heard from JOIN Israel’s Executive Director, Stephen Bisk.

Following the film there was a Q&A discussion with Susan Wrubel (Executive + Artistic Director of Aspen Film and Industry Executive & Film Producer) and Rob Schwartz (Executive Producer of Upheaval and Founder of Hidden Light Productions).

Featured in the Aspen Daily News ‘Upheaval’ film embraced worldwide, makes Aspen premiere by Jacquelines Reynolds

Photography by Steve Mudinger

Hosted on September 21st at The Residence of Debi & Rick Smilow in Westport CT.

A conversation and tasting with Gefilteria Author and Chef Elizabeth Alpern.

The Gefilteria is leading the Jewish food revival with a mission to reclaim time-honored Ashkenazi techniques and ingredients.

The evening was dedicated to extending JOIN Lifeline in Kiryat Shmoneh.

Thank you to our host Debi & Rick Smilow, The Gefilteria and Chef Elizabeth Alpern!

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On the evening of July 21st in New York City, 100 Young Leaders came together to raise funds for JOIN Literacy, providing libraries and reading programs to disadvantaged elementary schools in Israel.

The fundraiser took place in a Penthouse Rooftop Loft with an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and live Jazz Trio. Thank you to our sponsor BeatBox Beverages!

On the evening of May 24^th in the Upper East Side, 150 supporters of JOIN Israel came together to celebrate the 30^th Anniversary of JOIN Israel. This extraordinary gala took place at The Rooftop of Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun where attendees could truly experience, A Night of City Lights. This sold-out event raised funds that will go towards JOIN Israel furthering its future and present initiatives in supporting social welfare programs targeted at helping at-risk youth, families, and elderly in Israel.

The night began with a speech from gala host – Jeffery Goldberg. Following Goldberg’s speech, renown opera singer and actor David Serero led attendees in the Israeli and American national anthems. Followed by JOIN Israel’s Young Leadership Board member Adam Koeppel, who made a heartfelt speech and honored the memory Vyacheslav Golev.

Koeppel’s speech who was followed by Ambassador Assaf Zamir. Ambassador Zamir currently serves as The Consul General of Israel in New York and gave a moving speech which was accompanied by a beautiful dinner catered by Foremost Caterers.  

As the chatter from dinner was subsiding, Director of Development for JOIN Israel – Alex Schieber gave a speech highlighting his experience with JOIN Israel and introduced the keynote speaker of the gala – Caroline Aaron. Aaron is an Award-Winning actress and is most recently recognized for her work in the Grammy Award Winning series – The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Aaron’s connection to JOIN Israel’s goals is a personal one which she explained in her powerful speech:

“In the early days of my career, I wondered if there would be enough money to cover me, much less if there would ever be such a thing as extra money. If there was, what would be my philanthropic personality, how would I leave the world a better place then I found it. Now I know, these Jews, our parents and grandparents, Holocaust survivors, fighters in the IDF, who were instrumental in the creation of the Jewish state, they need us. (Referring to project JOIN Lifeline). Need is everywhere, but to begin to heal the world, it makes the most sense to start with home. To open our hearts and our pocketbooks to the Israelis that live on the margins, praying for our people to take note and give,” said Aaron.

The night continued with a speech from JOIN Israel’s Executive Director, Stephen Bisk. Bisk illustrated the importance of JOIN Israel’s mission and commitment to being effective “change makers” in Israel. Bisk awarded plaques to the Co-Chairs of the gala, Norma & Murray Dayan and Melissa & Doug Cohen.

The awards continued as Goldberg awarded Adam Sussman the Spirit of Israel Young Leadership Award. Sussman has helped in furthering JOIN Israel’s initiatives through his role on the Young Leadership Board.

The night was not over yet as JOIN Israel Board member Murray Dayan introduced JOIN Israel’s leading project – JOIN Lifeline which helps Israeli elderly suffering from immense financial distress and in need of emergency help. Dayan’s introduction was followed by a video about JOIN Lifeline.

The night concluded with Goldberg and Bisk addressing the attendees with a closing speech. JOIN Israel is grateful for everyone who came to the gala in support of our organization and is excited about the next 30 years of JOIN Israel.  

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Virtual Event. Talk and Q&A with Jeffrey Keswin.

Founder, Chief Investment Officer, and Managing Partner of Lyrical Partners.

Fundraiser providing funds for JOIN Literacy, providing libraries and reading programs for a disadvantaged elementary school in Israel.

JOIN Israel and Temple Beth Torah invite you to a film screening of Upheavel: The Journey of Menachem Begin on Sunday, January 9th at 5pm.

Moderated Q&A by Rabbi Jack Dermer. Panelists Philip Rosen (Executive Producer), Dr. Avil Shilon (Author), and Rachel Greenberg (Producer).

On Wed. December 1st, young leaders celebrated Hanukkah with our annual Vodka & Latke fundraiser. The fundraiser took place at The Speakeasy at The Gin Mill in the Upper West Side of New York City. Participants enjoyed latkes, sufganyot and Hanukkah themed cocktails such as the ‘Gelty Pleasure’.

Ticket proceeds benefit JOIN Literacy, providing a library and reading programs for disadvantaged elementary school students in Israel.

December 1st, 2021 at The Speakeasy at The Gin Mill

A proud yet scarred leader haunted by the Holocaust and decades of war, former Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin struggled to balance history and heroism to make peace with his greatest enemy and cement a legacy long misunderstood. His life is a nuanced and complicated canvas that tells the story of key events and currents in the history of modern Israel and its relationship to its Middle East neighbors.

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Unable to attend? Send a virtual ad in honor of a Co-Host, Committee Member or Board of Director. Click Here

At Symphony Space, your safety is their top priority!

With the health, well-being, and comfort of all as their top priority, Symphony Space requires that their staff, artists, and all those attending an event be fully vaccinated.

Fully vaccinated guests will need to bring a valid photo ID (Driver’s License, State ID, Passport, Student ID, or NYCID) and proof of full FDA or WHO authorized vaccination with the Excelsior Pass, ClearPass, vaccination card, or a digital photo of the vaccination card.

Learn more

Wed. July 28th at The Brownstone, East Village, NYC

Co Hosts: Adina Brilleman & Eli Hanovitch

Ticket proceeds benefited JOIN Literacy, providing library and reading programs for disadvantaged elementary school students in Israel.

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On Sunday, April 18th 2021, over 60 supporters in 9 states joined together to experience a guided chocolate tasting to celebrate Israel’s 73rd birthday. Supporters received a kosher chocolate tasting kit in the mail from Laughing Gull Chocolates.

The proceeds went towards providing educational consultants for STEM Education (Science Technology, Engineering and Math). STEM provides at-risk student the skills to help lift themselves out of poverty and into a bright future.

The tasting was opened by Board Member, Maurice Dayan. Maurice talked about his background in chocolate and his experience as a long-standing supporter of JOIN Israel. “As donors to JOIN Israel we get a lot of bang for the buck, the organization is doing g-d’s work in Israel.”

Participants then heard from Hila Shraga, Educational Consultant for JOIN Israel (see video below).

Founder and Chief Chocolatier of Laughing Gull Chocolates, Lindsay Tarnoff gave a step-by-step tasting with eight samples. Viewers tasted their way through the world of chocolate, with a guided discussion about the broad range of flavors in their kit, created by small batch chocolatiers.

Over 100 supporters in 10 states, Canada, England and Israel joined the fundraiser too kick of Hanukkah.  Proceeds from the virtual event provided tablets for at-risk Israeli students that are distance learning through project Bolster Education.

Participants had the option to purchase a kit with the needed ingredients sent to their home in advance. The virtual experience included instruction on how to cook a latke and mix a vodka cocktail.

Chef Tracy Zimmerman, gave step-by-step instruction on how to fry the perfect latke. Mixologist Alex Levy taught participants how to create the perfect Hanukah themed vodka cocktail- ‘Gelty Pleasure’.

Thank you to our sponsors: Regina Bisk, Lauren Bisk, Andrew Gold, Moderchai Iluz, Avi Kaner, Rosalie Kleinhaus, Jake Marder, Daniel Nir, Linda Rubin, Ned Schoenfeld, Rick Smilow & Adam Sussman

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Photo Contest Submissions

On October 15th, The Grad Network: Powered by Colombia/Barnard Hillel, Jewston and JOIN Israel hosted artist Rebecca Matsil. Rebecca provided step-by-step instructions on how to paint a ‘Tree of Life’.

The virtual event was attended by Graduate Students at Colombia University, Barnard College, University of Houston, Rice College, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and Young Professionals in Texas and New York.

The proceeds went towards JOIN Therapy, addressing the immediate mental health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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On the evening of Sunday, August 9th, JOIN Israel supporters virtually joined together for an ‘Israeli Wine Tasting with Carmel Winery’. Over 100 supporters attended from 9 states in the US as well as from England, Canada and Israel. Attendees had the option to purchase a bottle of red and white wine in advance of the tasting.  All proceeds of the event went towards providing immediate assistance to Israelis struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Board of Director, Jeffrey Kleinhaus opened the evening recounting his latest trip to Israel and his visit to a JOIN Lifeline benefactor. He then introduced Roni Jesselson, President of Carmel Winery in North America. Ronni started the tasting with the Carmel Sauvignon Blanc Selected Series and then continued to the Carmel Cabernet Sauvignon Appellation Series.

The tasting was followed by a Q&A with Roni, as well as an interactive game where attendees competed for a complimentary bottle of wine. The tasting ended with a video from JOIN Israel and a quick conversation with Stephen Bisk, JOIN Israel’s Executive Director.

Thank you to Joshua Greenstein, The Israel Wine Producers Associations, Skyview Wine & Spirits, Roni Jesselon and Carmel Winery.

What attendees had to say:

“The host was great! Very informative, not intimidating to those of us who know little about wine and his tips and stories were relevant. Great organization to support and to know more about. Thanks so much!”

“I had to talk my wife into joining the event and at the end, she commented how nice an event it was and how surprisingly good Carmel Wines were.”

Ticket proceeds will go towards assisting Israelis in crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Artist Elazar Hoch provided step by step instructions on how to paint a Tel Aviv sunset skyscape.

The virtual event was attended by Young Leaders across the United States.

The proceeds went towards JOIN Therapy, addressing the immediate mental health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Steven Eisman engaged the audience with his deep insight into the US financial industry. A portfolio manager who spent over 25 years in the industry. Steve is better known as ‘Mark Baum’ the character played by Steve Carell in the movie The Big Short.

The Big Short Fundraiser was hosted by JOIN Israel’s Young Leadership Board and took place at IEX’s office in the financial district of New York City. Two dozen emerging leaders joined together to raise funds for JOIN’s Literacy Initiative to build a library in an Ashkelon Elementary School, including 240 new books.

Co Chairs: Beth Mlynarzcyk, Daniel Aisen & Stephen Jacobs

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JOIN Israel Young Leadership Board hosted a Mixology event at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in Brookfield Place. A few dozen attendees enjoyed kosher Hors d’Oeuvres and Mixology: the art of mixing cocktail drink recipes. Professionals from ICE helped the attendee’s make the perfect concoctions.

The Mixology event raised funds and awareness for Project Literacy as well as JOIN’s ‘Book of the Month Club’ ( $10 automated monthly donations). A special thank you to Rick Smilow, Board Member and owner of the Institute of Culinary Education for his generosity.

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On Wednesday, June 10^th JOIN Israel supporters engaged in meaningful learning and discussion surrounding the unique mental health issues that Israelis face amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Over 35 attendees from around the globe joined together virtually to listen to and ask questions of Dr. Avidan Milevsky, a renowned Israeli psychologist.

Doug Cohen, a member of the Board of Directors and Managing Director at Athena Capital, opened the event. His remarks were followed by an illuminating presentation given by Dr. Avidan Milevsky on the ways in which the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting the mental health of Israel’s most vulnerable citizens.

Dr. Avidan Milevsky regularly shares his work with the scholars of Ariel University, where he serves as a Senior Lecturer.  As an internationally published author of six books, Dr. Avidan Milevsky’s work has also been prominently featured in publications such as Politico, Fox, Al Jazeera, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times.

The virtual event was closed by JOIN Israel’s Executive Director, Stephen Bisk, who encouraged the attendees to take part in supporting Israel’s most vulnerable community members during these unprecedented times.

On the evening of Sunday, April 19th, JOIN Israel supporters virtually joined together for ‘Stand-Up Comedy LIVE from Tel-Aviv’ featuring comedian Benji Lovitt. All proceeds of the event went towards the JOIN Lifeline: Helping Israeli Elderly COVID-19 Emergency Campaign. Over 60 participants watched live from around the United States and in three countries.

The night opened on a serious note from a longtime supporter of the JOIN Lifeline project and Board of Directors, Vice-President, Rick Smilow. It was then followed by a much need laugh from the comedian Benji Lovitt. Benji’s comedic perspectives on Israel have been featured on TV, radio and in publications such as USA Today, Time Magazine, The Atlantic & BBC.  

The virtual event was sponsored by Jeff Yoskowitz, Laura Bisk,The Law Office of Melissa L Steinberg, PLLC and Regina Bisk.

Stephen Bisk, Executive Director was excited to share updates with a few dozen avid JOIN Israel supporters at Zanzibar in Midtown, New York City. Guests enjoyed a few drinks and good company.

JOIN Israel experienced that moment when we hit the quarter-century mark – and we hit it with a bang! Hundreds joined together for a night full of celebration, kosher food, drinks and like-minded individuals. The gala was held at the renowned Institute of Culinary Education in Brookfield Place, New York City.

25 years is a milestone. We took a moment to look back on how we started, how much we’ve accomplished and recognized those who’ve gotten us there. As well as a moment to look to JOIN’s future and meet the next challenge.

In a special award presentation, we saluted the two decades of all-out leadership. and generosity of our Honorees Rick Smilow and Neil Wessan. We also recognized the generosity of Joel Greenblatt, Daniel Nir, Theta ZBT UPenn and the contributions of Gala Dinner Chair and supporter Jeffrey Goldberg.

East Village, NYC, Dec. 23 , 2019- More than 75 Young Leaders (ages 21-39) from the Tri-State area gathered in the East Village on Monday for JOIN Israel’s “Latke & Vodka Fundraiser” led by JOINs Young Leadership Chapter. The funds raised will go toward JOIN Israel’s Education Projects. Projects include libraries, computer labs, science labs and educational enrichment for underfunded elementary and middle schools in Israel. The event included latkes, sufganiyot, and an open vodka bar including the signature drink, gelty pleasure. There was a candle lighting ceremony performed by Young Leadership Board Member Moti Iluz. A speech was made by Alex Schieber, Director of Development. “Growing up with libraries and computers easily accessible, we take for granted these tools that help us succeed. Our investment into the next generation of Israelis will be a gift this Hanukah that lifts these children out of poverty.”

Event Sponsors: Moishe House Murray Hill, CSS (Community Security Services), Chartwell Law, J2Food and Eric & Gail Cohen.

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