Federation Chair of the Board William Lehman (left) and President and CEO Jacob Solomon (right) present the 2010 Friend of Israel Humanitarian Award to Isaac Olemberg
Event Co-Chairs Gary and Niety Gerson with Elie Wiesel
General Campaign Chair Barbara Black Goldfarb with Elie Wiesel
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At a time when 1 in 8 people in Miami's Jewish community is depending on the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and its local partner agencies for some form of financial assistance, nearly 1,300 members of the community came to the Federation's 2010 Main Event on February 4 to show their support of those in need.
Chaired this year by Gary and Niety Gerson, The Main Event is Federation's largest annual community-wide event, raising funds for the Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign and helping Jewish people in need in Miami, in Israel and in 64 other countries around the world.
In addition to the nearly $4 million already pledged by attendees prior to The Main Event, more than $1.1 million in pledges were made during the evening.
One highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2010 Friend of Israel Humanitarian Award to longtime Federation leader and Miami philanthropist Isaac Olemberg. In his tribute to Olemberg, Federation President and CEO Jacob Solomon said, "The Talmud teaches us that, while our success and our families certainly enrich us, it is our good deeds — our willingness to step forward — that truly create the most lasting impact on the world around us. Isaac knows this, and he lives by this principle every day of his life."
A slideshow of Olemberg's life included a photograph of Olemberg with Elie Wiesel, and the two men had the opportunity to meet once again at The Main Event. The world-renowned author, teacher and Nobel Laureate was keynote speaker for the evening, and spoke passionately about the need for vigilance to prevent a nuclear Iran. Wiesel reminded event attendees about Iran's continued verbal threats against Israel, saying, 'You can trust more the threats of your enemies than the promises of your friends.'"
William Lehman is Chair of the Board of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and Barbara Black Goldfarb is the General Campaign Chair. The Main Event Vice Chairs were Oriana Azizollahoff, Edward Beiner, Jason Davis, Ilana Levitt, Jessica Linkewer, Jorge Linkewer and Marcia Schantz.
The Federation gratefully acknowledges its Corporate Sponsors for their generous support of The Main Event.
Platinum Sponsors were: The Collection; Greenberg Traurig, P.A.; and Kornreich-NIA Insurance and Financial Services.
Gold Sponsors were: Akerman Senterfitt; Bilzin Sumberg Attorneys at Law; Kent Security Services, Inc.; The Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald; Morrison Brown Argiz & Farra, LLP; Sapoznik Insurance & Associates Inc.; and Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A.
Bronze Sponsors were: Carlton Fields and Meland Russin & Budwick, P.A.
Pearl Sponsors were: Action Video Productions; Atlantic Hosiery Outlet; Gerson Preston Robinson & Company, P.A.; Perry Ellis International; Podhurst Orseck, P.A.; Southern Wine and Spirits of America, Inc.; and Wells Fargo Wealth Management
For more information, visit JewishMiami.org or call 305-576-4000.
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David and Elena Weck (standing) with Isaac and Nieves Olemberg (seated) |
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Elie Wiesel with Marsha and Brian L. Bilzin |
Jeffrey Scheck, Marty Scheck, Elie Wiesel, Raquel Scheck and Michael Scheck, a Federation Past President |
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Dr. Mark Oren and Nedra Oren, a Federation Past President |
Aaron S. Podhurst, a Federation Past President, and Dorothy Podhurst |
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Rachel Sapoznik, William Lehman and Fanny Hanono |
Ezra Katz, a Federation Past President, and Jacob Solomon |
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Harry B. Smith, a Federation Past President, and Joan Smith |
John Bussell and Laura Alonso Gallo |
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Isaac Zelcer, a Federation Past President, and Loly Zelcer with Elie Wiesel |
William and Shirley Lehman with Elie Wiesel |
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Steven J. Kravitz, a Federation Past President, and Wendy Kravitz with Elie Wiesel |
Hinda Adler and Matthew L. Adler |
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Shelly and Steven J. Brodie |
Michelle S. Diener and Mojdeh Khaghan Danial |
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Marion and Elie Wiesel with Professor Alan Dershowitz |
Alex and Olga Blavatnik with Elie Wiesel |
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Mort Kaplan and Gary Gerson |
Ruben and Cheryl Kloda |
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Michael M. Adler, a Federation Past President (standing), and Isaac and Nieves Olemberg |
Dr. Philip Frost (center) with Rabbi Solomon and Shirley Schiff |
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Alex Zylberglait and Elie Wiesel |
Elie Wiesel and Daniel Berrebi |
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Elie Wiesel and Naomi Wilzig |
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