Beit Issie Shapiro Fundraiser, Andy Cohen, MDA Paramedic in Los Angeles

Viktor Frankl, the famed Jewish-Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, said, “The more one forgets himself — by giving himself to a cause to serve or another person to love — the more human he is.”

On May 16, an in-person fundraising event for American Friends of Beit Issie Shapiro brought Frankel’s words to life.

Beit Issie Shapiro is Israel’s leading developer and provider of innovative therapies and state-of-the-art services for children and adults across the entire range of disabilities, impacting over half a million people annually. As pioneers in Israeli innovation, they improve life quality and ensure the full rights of people with disabilities and prepare them to participate in community life. Their work benefits Jews, Arabs, and many others around the world.

The small, intimate gathering of friends and family occurred at Dr. Ario and Rama Fakheri’s residence in Encino. Their son, Isaac, selected this organization for his Bar Mitzvah philanthropy project.

Through the introduction and video presentation of Chief Advancement Officer Michael Lawrence and American Friends of Beit Issie Shapiro-West Coast Vice President of Philanthropy Soraya Nazarian, the attendees learned first-hand about the impact and meaningful value of this noble organization on people with disabilities worldwide.

The event came together beautifully; simple, warm, and homey. There were no charity awards, tournaments, walk-a-thons, galas, or prizes. It was a memorable charity event. Seeing the Beit Issie Shapiro Teen Ambassadors at the event was also impressive. They were among about 40 attendees.

Jewish television personality Andy Cohen appeared in Los Angeles on May 18 to promote his new memoir, “The Daddy Diaries: The Year I Grew Up.”

Cohen, host and executive producer of Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live,” appeared at the Aratani Theatre downtown as part of the “Live Talks Los Angeles” speaker series.

Cohen appeared in a lively conversation with writer-performer Danielle Schneider and actress Casey Wilson. Before a crowd of hundreds of people, the three discussed the many scandals and juicy happenings involving stars of Bravo’s much-watched reality TV programs. They also delved into the fun passages of Cohen’s newest book.

During a Q&A, when an audience member asked about Jewish representation on Bravo, Cohen replied that he felt positively about how Jews are portrayed on the cable network’s shows. He said he routinely speaks out against antisemitism and there will even be a new Jewish cast member on the upcoming season of “The Real Housewives of New York City.”

Felix Lotan, head of Magen David Adom’s disaster preparedness department and a senior paramedic, addressed an intimate crowd of approximately 30 Magen David Adom donors at the Beverly Hills home of Indre and Barak Raviv.

Held May 16, the event was organized by American Friends of Magen David Adom, the U.S.-based fundraising arm of the Israel-based organization. The goal was to increase awareness about the work of MDA, Israel’s national emergency medical service and representative to the International Red Cross.

The organization relies on donor support. Historically, American supporters have sponsored the majority of MDA’s emergency vehicle fleet.

“Without philanthropists like you, MDA could not exist,” Lotan told the crowd assembled in the backyard in Beverly Hills.

The MDA paramedic spoke about his involvement in several of MDA’s international relief missions, including in Turkey, Haiti and Nepal, following devastating earthquakes in those regions.

“We’re not only doing EMS [emergency medical services] things,” Lotan said. “We’re doing humanitarian things as well.”