The Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA) in Los Angeles has two new Board Co-Presidents: “Attorney to the stars” Fred Toczek of Felker Toczek Suddleson Abramson LLP, and his wife, psychotherapist Susie Satzman-Toczek.
“We hope to help spread the magic,” the Toczeks said in a joint statement. “We want to represent JNF-USA at communal events, introduce our vision to as many people as possible and inspire as many people as we can to get involved.”
In his work, Fred represents clients like Daniel Radcliffe, Seth Rogen and Bill Hader. He is already a member of the Arts & Entertainment Task Force, and he said he hopes “to engage people in the entertainment industry to lend us their voices and help us develop recognition of the meaningful work we do.”
Along with serving on the Task Force, Fred said he and his wife chair monthly board meetings, and they hope to lead a mission to Israel. Some of the JNF-USA initiatives that are closest to their hearts include the investment in the growing community of Halutza in the Negev and programs to inform high school students about Israel.
“We have also proudly beautified bomb shelters, which makes them just a little less intimidating for young children,” said Susie, who will be co-chairing the Women for Israel luncheon on May 11 at the Beverly Hilton with Laura Stein and Dr. Marcia Seltz. “We hope we can expand our network of committed women who are passionate about Israel.”
“We want to represent JNF-USA at communal events and introduce our vision to as many people as possible.”
– Fred and Susan Toczek
According to Fred, he and Susie first got involved with JNF-USA after his family had a chance encounter with Tiran Attia, the director of a JNF-USA program called Special in Uniform. It gives young Israelis with disabilities the chance to serve and volunteer in the Israel Defense Forces.
“When Tiran shared his deeply moving story of how he came to create this innovative program, which works to fully integrate young adults with disabilities into the IDF and in turn, Israeli society, our youngest daughter was inspired and immediately wanted to raise money for them in honor of her bat mitzvah,” said Fred.
The Toczeks did their research, finding out more and more about the meaningful work JNF-USA was doing.
“[We] came to realize how JNF-USA operates from a core value of ensuring that each and every Israeli enjoys a life of purpose, dignity and belonging in all sectors of society both now and in the future,” said Susie. “We were so impressed by the compassion and inclusivity of this notion, and we had to be part of it.”
As co-presidents, Fred and Susie plan to be involved in JNF-USA initiatives in LA and Israel, as well as encourage others to do the same.
“People give to JNF-USA because they want their philanthropic dollars to have maximum impact,” Fred said. “One only needs to look at our track record to see that from day one, and even before the re-establishment of the State of Israel, we have been there supporting the needs of our Jewish homeland. When you give to JNF-USA, you know that your contribution will continue to have an impact not just for today, but for tomorrow, the day after that and for generations to come.”
